The development of future graduates’ skills and competences in the process of foreign language learning at university

The present article is devoted to the issues of development of future graduates’ skills and competencies in the process of foreign language learning at university. According to the Federal State Educational Standard for Higher Education, a number of universal competencies should be formed for university graduates. The article discusses the formation of students' communicative competence, critical thinking skills, as well as soft skills. The purposeful development of competencies and skills is carried out at practical classes in a foreign language, which lays the foundation for the future graduates’ success in professional activities. The methods of developing such competencies are shown. The formation of communicative competence is based on communication situations designed for a specific purpose, a specially selected system of exercises, development of public speaking skills, making up dialogues in a professional environment, participation in discussions and business negotiations. The importance of developing critical thinking skills in students is noted. These skills are necessary for searching, analyzing and selecting information for solving everyday and professional problems. Critical thinking skills are developed in the process of studying topics for discussion, selecting material for individual reading and essay writing, participating in role plays, project activities, and using case technology. Along with the professional knowledge and skills (hard skills), a university graduate must develop socio-psychological skills (soft skills) aimed at achieving success in the chosen profession. The development of soft skills is interconnected with the formation of critical thinking skills through a collective way of learning, working in pairs and small groups, role plays, and projects.