Kahantsova T. Professional development of the heads of physical and mathematical circlesof extracurricular education institutions in the system of postgraduate education

The dissertation is devoted to theoretical substantiation and the practical decision of important scientific task concerning professional development of the heads of physical and mathematical circles of extracurricular education institutions in the system of postgraduate education. In the paper the pedagogical conditions of professional development of the heads of physical and mathematical circles of extracurricular education institutions were revealed, theoretically substantiated and experimentally checked; the structural and functional model of professional development of the heads of physical and mathematical circles of extracurricular education institutions in the system of postgraduate pedagogical education was worked out; criteria (motivational, cognitive, activity, reflexive), indicators and levels (basic, heuristic, innovative) of professional development of the heads of physical and mathematical circles of extracurricular education institutions in the system of postgraduate pedagogical education have been specified and scientifically substantiated; the professional profile of the head of physical and mathematical circles of extracurricular education institutions was created (the general characteristic of profession covering the purpose, tasks and the basic competences which the head of the circle should possess, criteria of their professionalism estimating; sanitary and hygienic conditions and conditions of work safety of the head of the circle; basic professional requirements for the employee's personality; material support and employment prospects); the definition of the concept «professional development of the heads of physical and mathematical circles of extracurricular education institutions» was given; the meaning of the concept «professional development» as a long complex process of achieving such positive changes in the professional activity as motivation to improve the skills; using new methods, experience exchange, self-education, etc.; introduction of methods for pupils training for various competitions, Olympiads, exhibitions, competitions-defenses of research works of the Academy of Sciences, etc.; systematic improvement of the level of qualification; acquiring the work experience, and hence skill in organizing educational activity; deepening the information component of educational activities (mastering the information and communication technologies and their skillful using in group classes in extracurricular education institutions) were clarified.