SMALL GROUP WORK AS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF DEVELOPING COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE IN RUSSIAN LANGUAGE LESSONS

Résumé

the development of communicative competence has become one of the primary objectives of modern language education. In the context of teaching Russian as a foreign or second language, especially in non-philological universities and multilingual educational environments, it is essential to create instructional conditions that encourage active interaction and meaningful communication among learners. Traditional teacher-centered methods often limit students’ opportunities to practice authentic communication, which may result in insufficient development of speaking skills and communicative confidence. One of the most effective pedagogical strategies that addresses these limitations is the use of small group work in the language classroom. Small group activities provide students with an interactive learning environment where they can collaborate, exchange ideas, negotiate meaning, and practice language in realistic communicative situations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the role of small group work as an effective instructional tool for developing communicative competence in Russian language lessons. The research examines theoretical foundations of collaborative learning, methodological principles of group interaction, and practical approaches for integrating group work into Russian language instruction. Particular attention is given to how small group interaction influences learners’ speaking abilities, vocabulary acquisition, motivation, and confidence in communication. The study employs a mixed-method research design involving classroom observations, student questionnaires, and comparative analysis of language proficiency assessments. The findings indicate that small group work significantly enhances students’ communicative competence by increasing the frequency and quality of language interaction during lessons. Furthermore, collaborative learning environments contribute to reducing language anxiety and promoting active participation among learners. The study also discusses methodological challenges associated with implementing group work, including task organization, assessment strategies, and group dynamics management. Based on the research findings, the article proposes practical recommendations for language instructors seeking to improve communicative language teaching practices in Russian language classrooms. The results highlight the importance of integrating collaborative learning strategies into modern language education in order to create student-centered learning environments that foster effective communication and active language use.