DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES OF FUTURE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS

Abstract

This study explores the development of professional competencies among future English language teachers within the context of modern education. As globalization and technological advancement reshape the demands of language teaching, the need for competent and adaptable teachers has become increasingly important. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from surveys of 120 undergraduate students with qualitative insights from interviews with 15 experienced teachers, classroom observations, and curriculum analysis.

The findings indicate that while students demonstrate relatively strong linguistic competence, significant gaps remain in pedagogical, communicative, and digital competencies. In particular, limited practical training and insufficient integration of innovative teaching methods were identified as major challenges. The study also reveals that interactive teaching strategies significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

The results suggest that teacher education programs should place greater emphasis on practice-based learning, digital literacy, and student-centered methodologies. By addressing these areas, institutions can better prepare future English language teachers to meet the evolving demands of the profession. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on improving the quality of teacher education and highlights the importance of a competency-based approach.