THE «YOUNG SCIENTIST» COURSE FOR PARTNERS FROM VIETNAM, CHINA, AND BRAZIL CONCLUDED AT TSPU
The final topic of the dialogue between representatives of foreign universities and TSPU experts was "Computer-Assisted Language Learning". They discussed the possibilities of independent learning of a foreign language with the help of the modern computer technologies. The lecture was delivered by Vadim Yurievich Zyubanov, Head of the International Cooperation Department of the Institute of Foreign Languages and International Cooperation of the TSPU.
At the beginning of the lecture the speaker gave a short theory about cognitive ways of learning, offering the students practical tools: visual - videos, cards for memorizing words, markers for selecting the main thing; audio - audio books, repeating words out loud, talking with native speakers, etc. A total of nine teaching methods were analyzed. In the second part of the lecture a short review of practical resources for independent learning of a foreign language was made.
«In the process of independent learning of a foreign language it is important to learn how to control the studied material, — said V.Y. Zyubanov. — The resources that were offered to students during the lecture will allow them to adequately evaluate themselves, track their progress in the future, and set new goals».
For a few more days students will send their completed homework to receive a certificate confirming the successful assimilation of new knowledge.
«The sources of information that the instructor offered us are very useful, I will be able to use them in future research. In addition, this topic increased my motivation to self-study and search for similar materials that can benefit my future career as well as enrich my knowledge, — says Phuong Tien Vo, a student at Ho Chi Minh City State Pedagogical University. — The TSPU course provided a wealth of information that I need as a student specializing in teaching English as a foreign language. I believe communicative skills are necessary to become a successful teacher. And this course expanded my understanding of how to communicate effectively and appropriately with others. It was also my first time attending a course with students from different countries, and it was a wonderful experience with people from different cultures!"
Over the course of three weeks, international students attended three lectures, including "Intercultural Communication" and "Elementary Particles and Evolution of the Universe," each of which was accompanied by independent work. Even students from Brazil joined the lecture to discuss current physics issues.
«When organizing the course, we tried to take into account all the issues: the difference in time, the lack of access to certain Internet resources in some countries, the level of language spoken by the students. The course was very active, at all the lectures students gave feedback. Now the participants are sending in their homework and we are learning new facts about the culture of the participating countries from their presentations, — says V. Zyubanov. — We are planning to hold the next cycle of lectures in the spring of 2023, it will be in Russian for the partners from the CIS. The theme of the lectures will be humanitarian, pedagogical and psychological».
As noted Vadim Yurievich, even before the end of the current cycle the Department of International Cooperation was approached by representatives of the international department of the Pedagogical University of Mudanjiang. The number of people from this university was so great that an agreement was reached to hold a shortened version of the cycle for them again, in December. To date, more than 400 Chinese students have filled out the registration form.
«The lectures were interesting and informative, and the teachers' explanation was very clear, which helped to easily absorb the material, — said Kasper Zeng, a student at Jilin University of Foreign Languages. — I found the information very useful, especially some of the Russian customs from the intercultural communication lecture, I didn't know about them before. I am sure that I will be able to apply this knowledge in my future life and academic studies, it has broadened my horizons, and for that I am grateful».
What is especially valuable is that, despite the current global climate, the partner universities are eager to respond to proposals for joint events. At the same time, the TSPU students and staff actively join the initiatives of their foreign colleagues. For example, today the scientific symposium "Simpósio de Pesquisa, Inovação e Pós-graduação" will start at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Minas Gerais (Brazil), where students and graduate students from Institute of Foreign Language and International Communication, Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, Faculty of Psychology and Special Education Faculty of History and Phililogy will take part with reports.