Social Media Applications as an International Tool for the Development of English-Language Communicative Competencies

Abstract

The aim of the article is to determine the effectiveness of various international tools designed to develop students’ English-language communicative competencies. Several scientific methods were used: observation, testing, experimental training etc. Statistical processing of the data obtained during pedagogical experiment was carried out, visualization with the use of graphic method is applied. The description and verbal recording of the results of the study confirm its effectiveness. During the research, experimental training was carried out with the use of social media applications for the development of foreign language communicative competence in second-year students of groups G1, G2. Observations and testing of students while developing foreign language communicative competence were carried out while writing e-mails and creating videos for TikTok in English. The educational platforms, programmes, Internet resources were also used in accordance with the goals and topics of training sessions. The practical results prove the advantages of certain social media applications in the acquisition of English-language components of communicative competences (CCC). G1 students demonstrated a standard procedure for acquiring a linguistic, socio-cultural CCC with a “lag” of the regional geography component. In G2 group, the higher levels of CCC were observed in most cases. Mostly positive markers of Communicative Competences were demonstrated at the medium (344.1 points, 69.8% of G1 respondents) and a sufficient level (371.0 points, 75.8% of G2 respondents). Promising “growth points” were identified. The directions concerning further developments of progressive methods are highlighted.