Abstract: This article deals with the main approaches of «gamification» as a new concept in the context of higher education, as well as an exceptional peculiarity of the phenomenon in enhancing motivation of the students majoring in law. Gamification is a relatively new branch of linguistic research. Multiple scientific works are currently dedicated to virtual reality as an integral and perspective part of education, which includes certain motivational mechanisms. Special emphasis is placed on the internal and external educational motivation of students. The ways to increase motivation through gamification in the educational process are introduced. Particular attention in the article is paid to the role of the English language teacher. One of the fundamental tasks of the teacher of the XXI century consists in the introduction of gaming technologies into teaching a foreign language. It is proven that the implementation of gamified teaching methods will lead to student engagement and better attitude towards the English language, since involvement into online educational content allows the students to enjoy the immediate results of their work and feel content for the points earned. The use of gamification tools in the system of learning a foreign language is an appropriate way to improve attendance and activity of law students.

Keywords: student engagement, motivation, language learning, law students, the English language, game-based learning, gamification, learners, education, an English lesson

Abstract: The subject of this research is the linguistic education as teaching a foreign language; while the object is the concepts of “competency” and “competence”. The authors examine and compare the views of foreign and Russian scholars upon the content of these concepts. Special attention is given to the components of the key competencies, namely communicative competence. Analysis is conducted on aspects as “communicative competence” and “communicative tolerance”. Communicative competence suggests the command of language, as well as various social roles in the collective, including communication skills. The author highlights the role of the “Foreign Language” discipline in the development of students’ communicative competence and tolerance. The conclusion is made that communicative tolerance is a component of communicative competence. It is necessary to develop communicative competence of the students as the readiness for tolerant communication with the interaction partners. Communicative competence aimed at mastering the students’ ability to tolerance communication is being formed in the context of teaching a foreign language. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that communicative competence encompasses not only the command of languages, but also various social roles in the team and the ability to communicate tolerantly. The conducted analysis can be valuable for the researchers of dealing with the nature of the categories of “competency” and “competence”.

Keywords: foreign language, communicative tolerance, сommunicative competence, key competences, competence, competency, competence-based approach, forming, students, communication

Abstract: The subject of this article is the ever-rising demand for professional development for tertiary teaching faculty dictated by educational evolution and innovative pedagogy in Russia. In their article, the authors substantiated the idea that teacher development is a lifetime process starting from the initial pursuit of this career to retirement. Therefore, this study makes an attempt to review all available internal and external models of further learning, in-service and outside pieces of trainings that possibly will enhance teachers’ productivity and professionalism throughout their vocations. Driven by the consciousness that even the most recent approaches today seem outmoded, the paper aims at illustrating what options are available now in a particular country at a specific time-scale. The research methods used by the authors are the quantitative and qualitative analyses of data collected, which demonstrate a paradigm shift in the urgency of continuous evolvement not only of professional, but also personal competencies mediated either by the administration or individual initiative.

Keywords: innovative pedagogy, in-service training, certificate courses, professional development, higher institution faculty, educational innovations, life-long learning, competative edge, reliability, competence

Abstract: Africa is taking a new center stage on global issues, sparking debates about Africa’s place in international relations. This new interest has led to current researchers addressing the gap, especially on its history, and its contribution to world politics that is mainly addressed through International Relations. This is the main problem that has been written about by scholars with a Eurocentric mindset. As such, books like “Recentering Africa in International relations” has recently been written, generating a lot of discourse in the field. “By way of epistemological critique, we seek to rethink the discipline of international relations by foregrounding the experiences of Africa to historical and ongoing processes of world order and global power, interrogating the power dynamics and epistemological configurations of the discipline and the fetishes of its dominant practitioners.” [11]. It is against this backdrop that this article will analyze international relations course in Kenya, and fill the gaps in the understanding of the course as a current field of study in the country based on its historical changes. Through this, the author will show that Africa, and a country like Kenya in particular, is deeply embedded in the Western education system and is in need of a complete overhaul in order for it to make its own mark on International Relations.

Keywords: Kenya, International Relations, Universities, Education, Study, Africa, Research, Researchers, Courses, Colonisation

Abstract: The subject of this article is the ever-rising demand for professional development for tertiary teaching faculty dictated by educational evolution and innovative pedagogy in Russia. In their article, the authors substantiate the idea that teacher development is a lifetime process, starting from the initial pursuit of this career to retirement. Therefore, this study attempts to review all available internal and external models of continuous education, on-job and outside trainings that will potentially enhance teachers’ productivity and professionalism throughout their careers. Driven by the realization that even the most recent approaches today seem outmoded, the paper aims at illustrating what options are currently available in a particular country at a specific timeframe. The authors utilize the quantitative and qualitative analyses of data collected, which demonstrate a paradigm shift in the urgency of continuous evolvement not only of professional, but also personal competencies mediated by either the administration, or individual initiative.

Keywords: innovative pedagogy, in-service training, certificate courses, professional development, higher institution faculty, educational innovations, life-long learning, competative edge, reliability, competence

Abstract: The subject of this research is to explore modes of teaching business English through literary works specifically related to typical business environment, vocabulary and terminology. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of literary arts aimed at improving students’ language competences by providing them with the opportunity to acquire language and business skills through exploring fictional situations and future profession-related topics. The research methods include analysis and generalization of learner-centered teaching approaches, observation, questionnaire survey and empirical studies based on the complex interconnection of culture and literature. This article presents results of the research that involved 120 students of the 3rd year of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. The research involved a survey based on tailored literary extracts focusing on economic insights and linguistic features, which prove to be of the utmost importance and novelty of this study. The results of the research demonstrate positive effect of reading and analyzing literature works, which enhance language skills, develop critical and analytical thinking abilities to perceive economic thoughts of diverse generations and cultures. Authors conclude that students who have achieved a particular level in their professional sphere and mastered business English find it encouraging to not only be acquainted with the literary heritage, but also share increased level of commitment in studying humanities.

Keywords: social and political context, business fiction, rethorical speech, business English, Ayn Rand, economics, literary works, economic issues, free market, capitalism

Abstract: This article presents an original approach to teaching existential psychology and psychotherapy within the framework of academic course. Attention is given to the brief one-semester long courses, offered in terms of specialization in psychological consulting, rather than the entirely existential programs (such as specialized Master’s degree programs).The author examines the question of transferring to the students not only the theoretical knowledge on existentialism, but also the practical aspects of preparation of psychologists. Taking into account the specificity of existential aspect, namely its “untechnical nature”, the author raises a question on possibility of the initial formation of “existential orientation” among the psychology students. For solving this task the author proposes a special approach to teaching the disciplines: instead of the profound study of only one approach or chronological general psychological representation on existential approaches, is suggested an integral model of correlation between existential approaches and existential factors described by I. Yalom. The author proposes a theoretical model of didactical correlation of various vectors of existential psychology and psychotherapy with existential factors, which was put forward by I. Yalom. Moreover, a description is provided to a number of specific techniques that demonstrate their efficiency in teaching existential psychology and psychotherapy. Besides the more traditional techniques such as discussion and demonstration, an innovative technique of “self-therapeutic film” is proposed. This model is suggested for further advancement by the experts in the area of existential psychology and psychotherapy.

Keywords: psychology teaching, Yalomian psychotherapy, ultimate concerns, existentialism, existential philosophy, existential psychotherapy, existential psychology, psychotherapy training, existential factors, cinematherapy

Abstract: The higher education in Russia is constantly advancing towards the development of mixed learning environment to conform to the world standards. The key trends of today’s education encompass the skills-based approach geared towards students, as well as computerized obtainment of knowledge that lead to gradual transition from the traditional education to self-education. The main objective of the article is to determine the various roles of an educator in managing academic flexibility, development of hybrid curricula with online component, thus encouraging lifelong learning. Main attention is given to identification of the challenges and requirements set before educators that have to effectively meet the needs of the students. The research is based on the empirical studies conducted by contemporary scholars, comparative analyses of diverse learning methods, as well as practical implications of micromixing learning strategies, which trigger the transformation and expansion of the educator’s functions. The scientific conclusions implicate that the technological improvements and modifications within the academic environment dictate the emergence and advancement of the diverse education styles, which pursue the goal to increase the insufficient language practice by means of the informal education. The results of research can be successfully implemented in educational sphere for development and introduction of the e-learning curricula with effective educators.

Keywords: traditional learning setting, student-centered, integrate, technology-enhanced, educators’ role, blended learning environment, facilitator, motivator, critical thinking, self-development

Abstract: The subject of consideration in this article is development of managerial skills with the help of project work in English. The purpose is to search into the contents of managerial skills of the future service industry managers. The authors give a short review of psycho-pedagogical and methodological literature on the problem of skills development, on the peculiarities of project activity organization, as well as Russian and foreign experience of managerial skills development in the English language classes. Some groups of managerial skills required for the service industry managers are described in the article. Stages of managerial skills development and relevant stages of project work are proposed. There is description of practical experience of developing managerial skills in the process of performing group project in English, in which students of training industry «Service» took part. Taking part in designing service objects in English, trainees get the opportunity for self-actualization and professional self-identification. At the same time, they master their foreign language knowledge for professional purposes. Description of this project is supported by a wide range of activities suitable for use at different stages of project work for managerial skills development. The described experience proves that this form of organizing learning process enables better understanding of the problems in professional sphere and comprehension of the acquired results. It contributes to developing of planning and organizing skills, as well as more conscious use of professional tools and techniques. The developed system of forming managerial skills of the future manager can be applied in the English language classes and as a separate course.

Keywords: project work stages, project in English, stages of skills forming, oversight, organizing, planning, groups of managerial skills, managerial skills, skills development, assessment criterion