European experience in developing communicative competence among primary education students

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis of European practices in developing communicative competence among primary school pupils and outlines the possibilities for adapting and implementing these practices within the context of the New Ukrainian School. The relevance of the study stems from contemporary educational challenges linked to the digitalisation of the educational process, prolonged distance learning, a decline in face-to-face communication among pupils, and the need to develop key competences for the 21st century. The paper explores the essence of the concept of 'communicative competence' as an individual's integrated ability to interact effectively with others, express their own thoughts logically and coherently, participate in dialogue and polylogue, adhere to the norms of speech, and collaborate within a group. The paper analyses the scientific approaches of European researchers to the structure of communicative competence and its main components. Particular attention is paid to contemporary European educational practices, including open-air classrooms, storytelling, Story Cubes, LEGO technology, multilingual theatre, the «Daily 5» method, the use of «Bloom's Cube», working with comics, and interactive and project-based teaching methods. Their impact on the development of speech activity, critical thinking, creativity, social interaction and emotional intelligence in primary school pupils is identified. This article highlights the innovative teaching practices of Yulia Karpenko, a primary school teacher at Vinnytsia Lyceum №35, regarding the implementation of European teaching methods in primary education, specifically the use of the «Fishbone», «Jigsaw», «Six Thinking Hats» and «Lapbook» techniques. It has been demonstrated that the systematic use of interactive, activity-based and creative approaches ensures the effective development of communicative competence in primary school pupils, promotes the development of cooperation skills, the ability to express one's own position in a reasoned manner, to participate in discussions and to socialise successfully in modern society.