Kurinna L. Formation of sociocultural competence of future social workers in the process of professional training

The thesis presents the results of theoretical and experimental research of sociocultural competence formation in future social workers in the process of their professional training. The author characterizes the essence of key concepts within the context of research problems; considers theoretical aspects of sociocultural competence formation in future social workers; presents theoretical developments on the issues of professional training of future experts in social sphere in higher education institutions. When characterizing the content of the main notions in the context of the study of the sociocultural competence formation in future social workers, the author analyzed the definitions of key concepts, on which base the author’s own definitions of theoretical concepts were clarified. The signs, types and characteristics of sociocultural competence are considered from different points of view proposed by various scientists. The essence of the concept «sociocultural competence of future social workers» is revealed. Theoretical aspects of sociocultural competence formation in future social workers who study in higher education institutions are considered. The purpose of formation of sociocultural competence of future specialists in the social sphere is revealed; the stages of future specialists’ mastering of this competence during their educational activity are analyzed, and on this basis the sequence of its formation in the course of professional training of future specialists in social sphere is offered. The thesis also deals with the pedagogical conditions favorable for the implementation of the aforementioned process; feasibility of its implementation in the course of professional training in higher education institutions; role of the teacher in the formation of the studied type of competence in future professionals; ways, forms, means and methods of optimizing the process of sociocultural competence formation in future social employees, as well as their preparation for further professional activities. The characterization of professional training of future social work specialists in higher education institutions is provided. The author considers foreign and domestic experience as well as historical aspects of formation and development of professional training; purpose, tasks, principles, components and elements of professional training of future social workers; existing problems and ways of optimizing the researched process. The positive orientation of the professional training process in higher education institutions aimed at the formation of certain personal qualities, skills and abilities of future specialists is determined