Keyword: «general cultural competences»

The article is devoted to the problems of students’ general cultural competences formation during foreign language learning for extracurricular period. The author suggests using such form of independent interactive work as listening the podcasts, writing synop sis and designed technology.

The article describes new approaches to foreign language teaching in secondary schools and universities proclaimed by the new Education Act in Russia, new Federal State Educational Standards. The author emphasizes the importance of continuity in foreign language teaching analyzes new demands and challenges in teaching foreign languages and illustrates the process by examples of experience in realizing the tasks of foreign language teaching in Ryazan State University named after S. Esenin.