PROBLEM OF PROFESSIONAL IMAGE OF THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION

Abstract

More than any other profession, the teaching of foreign languages requires professionals with a special set of qualities. The article deals with the problem of the professional image of a foreign language teacher in the context of globalization processes in the field of higher education. The conditions in which didactics of languages and cultures fit into modern phenomena of globalization and valorization of universality are characterized. The situation with the teaching of foreign languages in universities of both Ukraine and the world is studied. The role and professional image of a foreign language teacher are analyzed. For this purpose, research was carried out by questioning the students. The results of the survey became the object of statistical analysis (quantitative method) and analysis of open responses and arguments (qualitative method). An attempt to find out methodological tactics for improving the foreign languages teaching in a globalizing environment is made. In the conditions of globalization of all spheres of public life, modern realities of the system of higher education change faster than ever before. The problem of teaching foreign languages as well as the role and image of a foreign language teacher is not the most acute. The ever-changing context of globalization and valorisation of universality dictates new demands and challenges. Mobility of students in the world, easy access to authentic sources and communication with native speakers through the Internet, the availability of various programs for the independent study of foreign languages helps students to cease to perceive the teacher as the only guarantor of the rules and source of knowledge. This makes foreign language teachers look for new methods and approaches to motivate students on the one hand and, on the other hand, not to lose their positions in the field of teaching foreign languages and in the labor market. Today teachers of foreign languages should be not only experts in technologies, but first of all - experts in mental habits.