FEATURES OF AUTHENTIC FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING ACTIVITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

This article reveals the cognitive, linguistic, subjective and social features of authentic foreign language learning activity in knowledge building. The primacy of experience is the core of learning. Meaning and knowledge are constructed and grounded in student’s experience. Authentic foreign language learning activity is aimed at gaining maximum experience. Authentic learning is a complex system that is characterized by the combination of cognitive, linguistic subjective and social features. The cognitive features of authentic activity include higher-order thinking, a prior knowledge base, depth of knowledge, in-depth direct and subconscious understanding, theoretical thinking, cognitive acts, multiple intelligences, motivation and memorizing. The linguistic features of authentic activity are conceived of as language primary and secondary matter, the sounds of the language, elaborated communication, substantive conversation, substantial dialogue, oral and written work, text, questions based on the text, summary of the text, the clarification of difficulties with the text and making predictions about what will ensue. Subjective and social features of authentic activity include personal meaning, real-life context, passive and active work, academic achievement, social and technology affordances etc.