Visualization as an effective tool for vocabulary teaching in foreign language classes

Statement of the problem. Mastering vocabulary in foreign language classes is a prerequisite for the development of basic speech skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking). According to modern requirements for teaching vocabulary, various visualization tools are successfully used for effective work with lexical material. This article considers Word cloud and Mind map as visualization tools. The purpose of this article is to describe the practice of using Word cloud and Mind map tools when teaching vocabulary in foreign language classes to students majoring in linguistics. Methodology (materials and methods). The methodology is based on the experience of Russian and foreign researchers who have dealt with the methods of working with vocabulary, including the use of technical and visualization tools, such as Word cloud and Mind map. Also, as a research method, an experiment with the participation of students of the department of foreign languages is used. As part of the experiment, students were divided into two groups and assigned to present new vocabulary in the Word cloud or Mind map format after initial familiarization with the vocabulary and the rules of designing a Word cloud and a Mind map. At the next stage, students were asked to complete a written task using the vocabulary they had learned. Research results. As a result of the study, the analysis of students’ written works was carried out, the advantages and disadvantages of using both tools were identified, the prospects for using Word cloud and Mind map when mastering vocabulary in foreign language classes were outlined. Conclusion. The research showed the effectiveness of using the Mind map and Word cloud tools in foreign language classes to improve students’ professional and personal skills. Obviously, the involvement of these tools in working with vocabulary contributes to the coverage of a larger amount of material, more effective memorization and high-quality reproduction of new vocabulary in students’ speaking practice.