The course “Regional studies (history and art)” in the formation of civic identity in the students of Russian universities

Abstract

At the present stage, due approaches to the formation of civic identity of Russian university students are becoming an important element of learners’ socialisation. The major problems faced by the pedagogues are as follows: first, selection of the content of educational programme or course helping to shape proper values, knowledge and practical competencies; second, methods and pedagogical technologies that are productive and efficient in terms of training of future specialists. Practicing the course “Regional studies (history and art)” will make it possible to acquaint the students with the historical and artistic heritage of their region and provide the insight into the true value thereof through research and interdisciplinary project activities. The main research methods are: analysis of scientific and pedagogical research papers on the history of development of regional studies in Russia, on significance of the historical and cultural heritage for character education, with consideration of approaches to the formation of learners’ civic identity; modelling and experimental approbation of the course involving control (startup) research and final diagnostics, as well as the analysis of obtained results. Diagnostic techniques: Kuhn’s and McPartland’s test modified by Kozhanov; “Index of Tolerance” methodology (Soldatova, Kravtsova, Khukhlaev, Shaigerova), methods for identifying value orientation (Biryukova, adapted); “Incomplete thesis” methodology (Baiborodova, adapted); “Reflecting on life experience” test (Shchurkova, adapted); authorial case assignments and criteria for evaluating academic/creative output. 274 university students from Saint Petersburg, Orel, Magnitogorsk took part in the pedagogical experiment in such areas of training as Philology, Painting and Applied Arts, Design. The course “Regional studies (history and art)” was delivered in the experimental group for three years. The first year was devoted to introductory and preparatory work; the second year was focused on the study of regional architecture; the third year involved implementation of a project – layout of a complex of architectural structures with regard for regional specifics. After a series of classes, the number of students with a high level of civic identity doubled in the experimental group and reached 29%; the number of those with a low level of civic identity decreased by half, down to 18.75%. As to the control group, the indicative figures changed insignificantly. The use of the interdisciplinary course “Regional studies (history and art)” in the professional training of future specialists efficiently contributes to increased level of students’ civic identity. The authors relate the prospects for further research in this area with studying the ways to increase student motivation in project activities of sociocultural character.