Headings of the journal
"Educational Resources and Technologies"

Annotation: The article is devoted to the sociocultural approach to teaching foreign languages in non-linguistic universities based on example of the English language. Sociocultural approach is analyzed as the unity of regional (cultural), sociolinguistic (behavioural), psychological and linguo-cultural competencies. Developing of socio-cultural competency is considered to be one of the possible answers to the key question of teaching foreign languages in non-linguistic universities as a means of communication and not just a collection of intermittent knowledge and skills. Special attention in the article is given to the use of facts of geography, history, traditions, economy and political systems of different English-speaking countries at the lessons of English as they provide multiple opportunities of developing speaking and communication skills and cultural competency of students.

Annotation: The article deals with the problem regeneration of information systems software. The difference between updating and regeneration, refactoring and software regeneration is shown. The systematization of evolutionary algorithms is given. The features of genetic algorithms and algorithms for swarming bees are considered in detail. The conditions for using the swarm of bees algorithm for software regeneration are described. Algorithms for using resources based on the logistic equation are considered. The features of using the logistic equation as an indicator of software regeneration are described. Two variants of regeneration are identified: in information systems and in software. Regeneration conditions are formulated for these variants at the system level. Regeneration in information systems is applicable if the software, technology, and data system are connected in a Trinitarian way. Software regeneration is applicable provided that the combination of programs and algorithms forms a related complete system. The regeneration technology is represented as a modern technology for upgrading the software system.

Annotation: The purpose of this article is to study the nature of correlation of “Dark Triad” factors with motives of vandal behavior among students. The relevance of studying the causes of vandal behavior and factors of motivational readiness for it is obvious in light of the significant pollution of the visual environment and damage to objects of material space, including in educational institutions, with traces of youth’s destructive activity. The construction of an effective system for the prevention of vandalism requires an understanding of the causes of this behavior of subjects of vandalism. We conducted a study among university students in Ekaterinburg, aimed at assessing their motivational readiness for vandal behavior and assessing the role of “negative” personality traits in the formation of motivation for this behavior (n = 161). For the study, psycho-diagnostic techniques were used: “The Dark Triad” and the author’s questionnaire “Motives of vandal behavior”. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and linear regression were used as part of mathematical-statistical processing. As a result, it was found that the main factor that is important for actualizing all the motives of students’ vandalism is psychopathy, while narcissism and machiavellianism do not play a special role in such destructive behavior.

Annotation: The article deals with the complex of the main causes and factors of the problem of coping behavior in adolescence. Different approaches to definition of coping behavior and features of its manifestation are analyzed. Based on the mass of various behavioral manifestations that characterize the features of coping behavior or coping strategies, escape from the problem situation in adolescence is always associated with the manifestation of subconscious internal unmotivated fear associated with the problem situation. In order to identify the prevailing level of situational and personal anxiety as the main factor in the emergence of a variety of coping strategies in adolescence, the article presents the data of an experimental study using the method of diagnosis of the level of situational and personal anxiety CH. D. spielberger - Yu. L. Hanina. During the analysis of the results, three levels of severity of both situational and personal anxiety were revealed. The paper gives recommendations for leveling the negative features of coping behavior in adolescence.

Annotation: Testing systems and models used for evaluating students’ knowledge are studied in the article. The factors that affect the quality of testing models are highlighted, as well as general and specific requirements for the quality of the testing model. Methods for evaluating the quality of the testing model are considered. The stratification of testing models is investigated. The levels of stratification of testing models by functional characteristics are identified, and the analysis of structural elements and applied methods by stratification levels is carried out. Based on the selected levels, a system of properties of testing systems is proposed. The value of information relations between elements of the testing model as a system is revealed. The stability of the testing system is analyzed. Approaches to quality management of the testing system are investigated. The effect of self-organization of the testing system is considered for the first time. It is shown that this effect is associated with the free testing. Testing systems with an element of self-organization or, in a milder version, an element of subsidiarity are characterized by a long life cycle and greater efficiency in solving problems of assessing students ‘ knowledge.