DEVELOPING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ SOFT SKILLS VIA PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Developing soft skills is essential for future professionals to effectively navigate both personal and professional challenges and interactions. However, due to the abundance of soft skills, designing a unique development model can be challenging. A survey of 83 second-year IT students at South Ural State University revealed that key soft skills for them include teamwork, time-management, responsibility, and reflexivity. The survey also highlighted project activities as a particularly effective method for developing soft skills. This article aims to create a model that integrates soft skills development through project activities specifically tailored for ESL classes. The authors developed a model using systematic, complex, and personality-oriented approaches. The methodological basis and content of the model were defined. The model has two components (operational and determinant) and three units (motivational, modelling, and evaluation-corrective). The authors conclude that implementing a student-centered approach in ESL classes provides students with a tangible opportunity to enhance their soft skills.