Civil identity of students at a military training center: empirical research experience

Abstract

Importance. One of the urgent tasks of modern Russian higher education is the development of the civil identity of students. Moreover, particular importance acquires the civil identity of students of military training centers, who, along with the civil one, receive a military specialty and must be ready for professional self-realization in both the civil and military spheres. An analysis of scientific publications in recent years shows that there is not enough empirical research devoted to the study of the civil identity of MTC students, which determined the choice of the topic of our research.Research Methods. The main tools of the empirical research are the standardized methods “Value Survey” (M. Rokeach), the LPO method “Life-Purpose Orientations” (D.A. Leontiev), the author’s modification of the “My Choice” questionary (S.S. Grunshpun), as well as the author’s questionary “The Heroic Past and Present of Russia,” reflecting the specifics of the educational activities of the military training center. Research base: Military training center at SPbSUT The Bonch- Bruevich Saint Petersburg State University of Telecommunications. The sample consisted of 400 male students aged 19 to 23 years (200 of the 2nd year students and 200 of the 4th year students).Results and Discussion. A comparative analysis of diagnostics of the civil identity components formedness (motivational, cognitive, behavioral, emotional-evaluative) shows positive dynamics in the change in hedonic motives in the 2nd year to conscious ones in the 4th year. Statistically significant correlations are identified between: “goals in life” scales: the presence of goals that give life meaning and direction and time perspective is associated with cheerfulness (p ≤ 0.05); locus of control – life and controllability of life. The belief that a person (student) is given the freedom to make decisions, control his life, and take responsibility is negatively related to freedom (p ≤ 0.05), positively related to interesting work (p ≤ 0.05); life effectiveness or satisfaction with selfrealization; a change in attitude towards events significant for the state and Russian society, and an awareness of the importance of responsible service to one’s country is identified; increasing the level of knowledge of the history of the Russian state, which is reflected in improving the overall academic performance of students and motivation for further professional self-realization in their chosen specialty.Conclusion. The introduction of a comprehensive program for the development of civil identity of students “To Serve Russia” into the educational activities of the military training center contributes to the development of positive motivation of students to serve the Russian state and society; expanding knowledge and ideas about the heroic past and present of the Russian people; increasing interest in acquiring experience in solving military-professional tasks to ensure the preservation and strengthening of Russian statehood; a positive emotional assessment of events significant for the state and the manifestation of an active civil position in socially significant activities.