Necessity of Post-War Renewal of University Teachers’ Potential in Terms of Sustainable Development in Ukraine

Abstract

(1) The war in Ukraine has changed the normal life of every Ukrainian, including educators. For the fourth month, the educational process has been taking place under martial law. Thus, the task of every pedagogue and every university teacher is to start the educational process not only for the sake of knowledge, because you cannot deprive children of education, but also for the sake of psychological rehabilitation. The war has given an impetus to the radical renewal of education, particularly higher education, which determines the relevance of this study. (2) It is common knowledge that the professional pedagogical activity of a university teacher is of great significance to society. It is about the formation of a future specialist, whose level of qualification considerably affects the economic, political, social, and cultural component of the sustainable development of society, something which is especially relevant in the post-war period. (3) The research hypothesis is that renewing the potential of university teachers in the post-war period will allow the improvement of the educational process in universities, will significantly increase the level of professional training of students and will ensure the sustainable development of society. To examine this hypothesis, the professional and personal potential of teachers was studied in detail with the aim of understanding radical changes in approaches to methods, techniques, and forms of education, as well as the type and style of communication between teachers and students. (4) The research methodology comprised a survey conducted by the CAWI method using a structured questionnaire based on the respondents’ place of permanent residence. The sample totality was stratified according to the regions of Ukraine where the teachers work. Teachers of Ukrainian higher education institutions took part in the study. The study sample included 350 people. The main task of the study was to analyze the potential of university teachers in the pre-war and post-war periods. The other tasks the study undertakes are to propose the concept of professional unity of students and teachers of higher educational institutions and to consider reflection as a tool; a tool which is a cross-sectional, integrating factor that structures the education system in various types of professional activity. (5) The undoubted achievement of the work is that, for the first time, the state of higher education was analyzed under war conditions and its development in the post-war period was predicted. This will aid the country’s recovery and ensure the sustainable development of society in the post-war period. This study can complement and enhance the theoretical discussion and practical experience on sustainable development from the perspective of higher education.