Teaching students of economic specialties to collaborate in ESP classes

The article deals with the methodology of teaching students majoring in economic specialties to collaborate as one of the four key skills of the 21st century (4C) while teaching “English for Specific Purposes”. The urge to develop the ability to work effectively in a team arises from the lack of correlation between the needs of the labour market and proficiency level of graduates. Educators and business communities emphasise the importance of mastering collaborative strategies during university studies since this raises graduates' competitiveness; though teachers use collaboration techniques when teaching a foreign language. Collaborative learning is often used only as a means of teaching other content, not as a method of improving collaboration skills. The article analyses the Ukrainian university graduates' proficiency level, identifies the basic prerequisites for teaching collaboration and considers the methods of developing collaboration skills in teaching a foreign language. The development of these skills is determined by the collaboration of teachers while planning curricula and in the teaching process. The results of the research conducted at Tavria State Agrotechnological University are presented. The recommendations on how to create the conditions for productive collaboration of students when solving problems are given; the basic requirements for these tasks are specified. Some examples of group work that contribute to enhancing collaborative skills to achieve a common goal are given; the role of the teacher as a facilitator and an observer who promotes students' effective collaboration is determined. According to the results of the study, a significant increase in students' knowledge and skills and their psychological readiness to collaborate in their future professional activity, which seems to be more important, was noted. It is proved that teaching collaboration is a desirable result and an achievable goal of learning a foreign language at university.