METHODOLOGICAL BASIS FOR ORGANIZING AND CONDUCTING AN INTENSIVE COURSE IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING AT MILITARY INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

Abstract. The article is devoted to the consideration of methodological principles for organising and conducting intensive foreign language courses in military higher education institutions in Ukraine in the context of numerous NATO challenges and standards. The paper emphasises that effective foreign language training for military personnel is a key condition for the development of international cooperation, integration into the Euro-Atlantic space and improving the professional readiness of personnel. A scientific experiment was conducted at the National Academy of Land Forces named after Hetman Petro Sahaidachny, where a 574-hour intensive English language course was organised using communicative, lexical and integrated approaches. This study involved a survey of 20 teachers of intensive courses, which made it possible to identify the real state of affairs, difficulties and advantages of implementing intensive methods. The results of the study demonstrated the high professional level of teachers, their flexibility in selecting teaching materials, their ability to adapt textbooks to the needs of the group and actively use digital tools. The main teaching complex of the course is New English File (4th edition), which ensures the development of all types of speech activity and the formation of cadets' communicative competence. It was found that the most effective for intensive learning are speaking and listening tasks, role-playing games, communicative simulations, and lexical games, which help overcome the language barrier and ensure rapid progress of cadets. At the same time, respondents pointed out the need to supplement the textbook with military terminology, authentic materials, and expanded listening tasks. The paper argues that the success of intensive learning is ensured by a combination of clear organisation of the educational process, systematic language skills development, and the creation of a motivational environment in which cadets are constantly engaged in active language activities. Prospects for further research lie in a deeper analysis of the characteristics of intensive English language learning by cadets, as well as in identifying their attitude to this format of learning, its main advantages and possible disadvantages.

Keywords: foreign languages; intensive learning; military education; professional training; teaching methods; communicative method; intensification of foreign language learning.