NON-FORMAL EDUCATION IN THE TRAINING OF SOCIAL WORKERS: THE UNITED KINGDOM’S EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the UK’s experience in the training of social workers during the non-formal education. The article notes any form of education that increases the opportunities for acquiring and expanding knowledge and professional skills, which is not focused on the educational institution, can be considered non-formal or open learning. This definition is used in the UK. The article describes the system of open / non-formal education in the UK. The differences between traditional and open education are analyzed: traditional education: focused on the teacher, the student depends on the teacher, it is built on the specifics of the course, the teacher teaches, and the student studies from him; open education focuses on the student’s interests, asserts the students’ autonomy, built on the student’s needs, the teacher facilitates the process of students’ unaided studying. Similarities between traditional and open learning in the UK have also been identified. Materials for non-formal or open education are considered. It is noted that open education uses specially prepared textbooks (materials), which differ from traditional academic manuals and textbooks. Open education assumes the important role student’s motivation for learning, his desire learning during the open education. Such motivation is achieved by assessing their own level of knowledge at the beginning and ending of training, self-determination of what to study, the ability to plan studying, creating a positive emotional climate, emphasizing the benefits of such training. The peculiarities of the style of textbooks for non-formal or open education are revealed. The article stresses that in the context of the experience of European countries the idea of reforming the national social educational system is especially relevant, which will increase the prestige of social work and social education in the country, competitiveness of higher education graduates and expand their employment opportunities.