Pedagogical and testological optimization methods in university foreign language training of future engineers

Abstract

This article investigates the issue of the university language education optimization for future engineers. The pedagogical ideas that were chosen for the study are the following: the educational potential of control means, applied character of university language education and students’ self-development. These ideas are considered to be the methods that impact the quality of language education and, therefore, professional education. The necessity of the following testological ideas for successful educational practice is proved: monitoring of educational process, a validity of test tasks, the training and developing potential of tests and autonomy of students’ work. The experimental data about influence of these interconnected methods on quality of the university language education for future engineers is analyzed. The investigation of pedagogical and testological methods confirms that harmonious interaction between pedagogical and testological ideas provides a positive effect. This outcome can be observed in transformation of testing from the controlling procedure to the training and developing tool. The specific results obtained during the experimental work performed with the engineering students are presented: improved oral and written communication; increased quality and quantity of creative products; formed ability to work independently and to transfer the knowledge in new professional and language situations.