The article analyzes the role of free choice disciplines in the formation of universal or functional competencies, which are also called soft skills. It has been proven that mastering soft skills ensures both personal success in life and professional implementation, as well as further career growth of a modern graduate of a higher educational institution. Based on the analysis of scientific sources, the main approaches to defining the essence and classification of soft skills in the works of both domestic and foreign scientists are determined and characterized. The publication analyzes and summarizes the ways of forming soft skills among students in the practice of higher educational institutions of Ukraine. Among them: the creation of a special educational environment, the restructuring of the educational process, which is dominated by such types of learning as project, problem-based, etc.; variety of forms and methods of teaching; extracurricular system, etc. It has been proven that a cycle of selective disciplines or author's courses plays an important role in ensuring the formation of soft skills. A significant place among them is occupied by the course "Pedagogy of Success", which in the 2020-2021 academic year was chosen by applicants for the first (bachelor's) level of higher education. The course is aimed at increasing the productivity of independent educational work and a positive attitude towards it among students of higher educational institutions, equipping them with strategies of self-esteem, the formation of a positive "I-concept"; effective distribution of time (time management); search, evaluation and information processing; active reading; improved memorization; submitting your own educational achievements; communication, ways to ensure personal work ability, etc.
The Role of Students’ Classroom Independent Work in Higher Educational Institutions
