Soft Skills Development of Prospective Educators by Means of Problem-Based ESP Learning

Abstract

The article deals with the implementation of problem-based ESP learning in the educational process of prospective educators and shows its impact on development of soft skills. The purpose of the study is to make theoretical hypotheses about the effectiveness of problem-based ESP learning for prospective educators and to test their level of soft skills development empirically following its implementation. The article represents an overview of the main goals, principles and stages of problem-based ESP learning. The results of the study show that problem-based ESP learning empowers prospective educators with valuable soft skills (critical thinking; independent search for information; analysis of information; cooperation with groupmates; emotional intelligence; solution of complex tasks; partner relationship with tutor) and motivates students to improve their ability to achieve good results in the educational process.