Ukrainian Teachers Research Articles

Training Methods for Students-Foreigners with the English Level Lower than A1

The English language level of students-foreigners who are going to study at Ukrainian Universities plays a crucial role especially in the cases when their future practical lessons and lectures are delivered in English. The group of Turkish students who had to undergo the training in Medical University as future doctors demonstrated during the preliminary linguistic tests that English (and Ukrainian) knowledge of the majority of students was even lower than A1 level. The causes were as follows: the low level of school education, geographical position of their native places, i.e. their remoteness from the cultural centers of the country, age (the younger the worse) and others. The situation made the Ukrainian teachers, who were responsible for their English training, use some uncommon methods, which should have led to positive results. The methods are as follows: first of all to brake the opposition “teacher – students” which allows to put teachers and students in the same social position; to forbid the use of computer translator during the lessons except for learning the new lexis to stop the irresponsible attitude of students to classes; to control psychological situation during the training and follow the University psychologists advices. The results of such methods use are described in the presented article.

Study of the usage of STEM technologies in the context of training Ukrainian teachers of computer science in accordance with the social needs and challenges of today

Abstract The article discusses the use of STEM technologies in the training of competitive specialists to meet social needs and challenges in the context of the war in Ukraine. The authors analyse the theoretical foundations and the impact of the STEM approach on modern education, focusing on the introduction of STEM technologies in the process of teaching future computer science teachers. The significance of STEM education as an important trend due to its natural science component and innovative technologies is discussed. The key components of the model of teacher training in STEM are identified, such as target, content, activity, evaluation and result. In order to verify the proposed model, an experimental study was conducted to determine the indicators of students’ attitude towards STEM technologies. The necessity of ensuring a high level of teacher qualification for the effective formation of STEM knowledge and skills, as well as solving practical problems of various levels of complexity, is substantiated. The article determines how modern STEM technologies can meet social needs and challenges, especially in times of war. The authors aimed to identify strategies and approaches for the effective use of STEM technologies in education, which will ensure the competitiveness of Ukrainian specialists.

SWOT analysis of the use of Coursera, edX, and Futurelearn platforms in the education of physical education teachers

In the context of martial law, the use of online platforms for physical education teacher training is gaining popularity. After analyzing the popularity of foreign educational platforms, Coursera, edX and Futurelearn were selected for analysis. The purpose of the study was to conduct a SWOT analysis of the selected platforms for the training of Ukrainian specialists. Opportunities include multimedia, control, ability to teach people with disabilities, development of digital literacy, territorial independence, and diversity of material. Risks include limited access to the Internet, unreliable technical equipment, low motivation, and difficulty in learning if you don’t know a foreign language. Weaknesses include: lack of academic integrity, plagiarism by students, lack of individualized approach. Strengths include: online format, accessibility, structured information provision, and free of charge. The analysis shows that opportunities and risks are equally likely to occur when implementing such training in practice. It was found that the strengths of these platforms for their use in the process of training physical education teachers in Ukraine significantly outweigh the weaknesses. As a result of the analysis, based on the comparison of opportunities and risks, strengths and weaknesses, it was possible to develop the most necessary measures for implementation, so that the implementation of such courses in practice in Ukraine in the training of physical education teachers would be as effective as possible and would allow to improve skills and competencies, as well as increase their own level of competitiveness in the labor market.

TEACHER MULTILINGUAL BELIEFS AND PRACTICES IN THE ENGLISH CLASSROOM: IMPLICATIONS FOR COURSE DEVELOPMENT

The CEFR and the Companion Volume to the CEFR (Council of Europe, 2001, 2020), as the main language policy documents in Europe, intend to improve the standard of language teaching, learning and assessment. These documents among other things proclaim students’ diverse linguistic repertoire as an asset in the language classroom. In this light, the promotion of multilingual education initiatives and enhancing students’ plurilingualism is an educational requirement. Teachers, language teachers included, are seen as agents of change who can foster multilingual approaches in their language classrooms (Krulatz et al., 2022). Although previous studies have found that many language teachers hold favourable views on multilingualism, they face challenges when implementing multilingual approaches in the (foreign) language classroom. Teachers’ beliefs on multilingualism in (foreign) language teaching and learning and how these impact their teaching practices have not been investigated in the Ukrainian education context, which has always been multilingual. The purpose of the article is to share and discuss the results of a quantitative study designed to investigate Ukrainian teacher beliefs in learning English and whether these beliefs are reflected in teaching practices. Data were collected using an online questionnaire administered to 73 English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers from 12 Ukrainian universities. The research questions were ascertained using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. The collected insights helped to identify areas that require a more careful consideration in the multilingual education in Ukraine. The outcomes reveal complex and uneven relationships between teacher multilingual beliefs and the implementation of multilingual practices in EFL classrooms in Ukraine, with discrepancies in their perceptions and practices. The main finding suggests that the majority of Ukrainian language teachers have a favorable perception of multilingualism, yet they lack the required expertise and confidence to effectively build on their students' linguistic resources in teaching English. In addition, there are some critical gaps in teacher understanding of fundamental concerns about multilingualism. Suggestions will be made for a scenario-based approach to a teacher professional development course.

Vasyl Sukhomlynskyi’s Philosophy of Education: Human-Centred Dimension

Purpose. The basis of the presented study is a methodological and human-centred analysis of the philosophy of education of the outstanding Ukrainian educator Vasyl Sukhomlynskyi as a relevant anthropological-intellectual strategy for understanding and comprehending the educational process in the context of civilisation challenges. This implies a sequential solution to the following tasks: 1) to review the conceptual content and human-centred load of Vasyl Sukhomlynskyi’s pedagogical position in the discourses of philosophical anthropology and social philosophy; 2) to analyse the theoretical knowledge of the anthropo-existential concept of the outstanding teacher in the context of the transformation of Ukrainian education; 3) to determine the main parameters of the cognitive field of Sukhomlynskyi’s philosophy of education in the development of values of patriotic education of young people. Theoretical basis. The dynamic process of Ukraine’s unfolding struggle for the preservation of its nation and territorial integrity brings Sukhomlynskyi’s philosophy of education to a new level of understanding of human life and society. The human-centred dimension in interaction with the philosophy of education allows us to define Sukhomlynskyi’s pedagogical concept in the fullness of its metaphilosophical, existential and axiological content. The relevance of the problem under study is due to the crisis of values in the situation of civilizational transformations, which, as a result of information and digital technologies, have a cumulative impact on all spheres of people’s life and their attitude to the world. In the process of implementing the educational ideas of the Ukrainian teacher, the development and transformation of the individual’s self-awareness takes place in accordance with the intellectual challenges of the modern socio-cultural environment. Originality. It is substantiated that the philosophy of education of Vasyl Sukhomlynskyi largely determines the strategy for the transformation of Ukrainian education both in the context of digitalisation of the educational space and in the situation of a full-scale war against Russian aggression, which opens up new prospects for the implementation of identity dimensions in interaction with a qualitatively different level of national subjectivity. Conclusions. The approval of the conceptual provisions of Sukhomlynskyi’s philosophy of education gives rise to a new type and method of paradigm of thinking and cognition in the implementation of strategies for the transformation of modern education, which determine the qualitative theory of the educational process in the context of human-centrism. It is characterized by the level of modern philosophical reflections, which allows preserving and at the same time changing the system of education and upbringing of the young generation in the context of universal values. On this basis, the philosophy of education of the prominent Ukrainian educator appears as a way of renewing all aspects of human life, which deconstructs itself in the situation of a human-centric dimension.

Distance Advanced Training of Preschool Teachers in Ukraine: Quantitative Indicators

The study highlights the stages of organizing distance learning advanced training courses. It is a quantitative analysis of preschool teachers who have completed advanced training courses under the «Education Care» educational program. For this research, theoretical empirical methods and the quantitative analysis of statistical data were used. It has been revealed that preschool teachers are responsible for teaching children in preschool and must periodically improve their skills. Most advanced training courses in Ukraine are held in a distance format. The article describes the stages that need to be implemented to organize advanced training courses in a distance format. For the quantitative analysis, Google Forms were used, which contained information about the registered participants. The data for the period July-September 2023 was analyzed. It has been found that 13456 people (preschool educational institution principals, methodologists, preschool teachers) have completed advanced training courses on the "EducationCare" educational program in Ukraine within three months. Most advanced training course participants are preschool teachers (9498 participants), 71% of the total participants. Based on the results of the advanced training courses, 958 participants received certificates, which is 7% of the total number of participants in three months. We believe that a survey of preschool education staff who have completed advanced training on the "EducationCare" educational program is a prospective study.

A case study of an English teacher in Ukraine: Where gender and national identity intersect

AbstractUsing a transnational intersectionality framework that focuses on the interactions of multiple identities, this article reexamines the study conducted in 2017 on the experiences of one female in‐service English language teacher in the Ukrainian context. Employing a narrative inquiry approach, using an online autobiography, interviews, and lesson materials, Irene's multiple identities have intertwined with her gendered identity, shaping her experiences. This study's findings show that Irene's transnational gendered identity was influenced by her educational and professional paths, her position in the language teaching field, and various social identities. Irene used language strategically and negotiated power relations professionally to navigate her transition to becoming a transnational English language teacher. Moreover, she found a complex relationship between a teacher's gender and identity, which is related to the sociopolitical situation in Ukraine. The study aims to address the gap in the research on constructing a Ukrainian teacher's gendered identity. While a case study approach is not generalizable or applicable to other teachers, exploring Irene's narratives provides valuable insights into the complexities of identity and power dynamics within a transnational educational context.

New challenges in teaching a foreign language for professional purposes (based on recent observations of a Ukrainian teacher of German as a foreign language)

New challenges in teaching a foreign language for professional purposes (based on recent observations of a Ukrainian teacher of German as a foreign language)

USING CLIL IN PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TEACHERS IN LEADING EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

The challenges of wartime have prompted Ukrainian researchers to seek the most effective methods for enhancing professional education, particularly professional training of future vocational education teachers. As a result, examining the leading European experience with content and language integrated learning (CLIL) in professional training programmes for future vocational education teachers is scientifically justified and necessary. It is found that the problem of using CLIL in professional training of future specialists is notably significant. In the context of globalization and European integration processes, future professionals must demonstrate high levels of foreign language competence and competitiveness in the international labour market. Leading European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Spain, actively implement CLIL’s conceptual aspects in their training programmes. However, the specific features of these implementations, such as sectorality, strategies and approaches, assessment characteristics and material support, may vary. The main advantages and challenges of using CLIL in professional training of future vocational education teachers are identified. Based on leading European experiences, the most effective methods to enhance professional training through CLIL are substantiated. These methods include the development of integrated educational programmes, effective use of resources, differentiated instruction, systematic assessment and feedback, as well as reflective practice. Accordingly, relevant recommendations are proposed to improve professional training of future vocational education teachers in Ukraine by integrating key aspects of CLIL into curricula. It is defined that, by adopting these practices, future vocational education teachers can effectively employ CLIL to enhance both language and vocational learning, better preparing their students for success in global and multicultural work environments. Further research is aimed at analyzing the content of foreign language training for future vocational education teachers in developed countries.

VOCABULARY OF THE LEXICAL MINIMUM WHEN LEARNING UKRAINIAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (LEVEL A1) (A review of the textbook by Ksenia Borodin and Oksana Turkevych “1000 and 1 Words. Lexical minimum in Ukrainian (A1)” – Slavic Language Education 3 (LANGUAGE-LAB), 2023. – 58 p.)

The review characterizes the first edition of the lexical minimum for Ukrainian as a foreign language at the A1 level in accordance with the “Standardized Requirements: Levels of Proficiency in Ukrainian as a Foreign Language A1-C2” (Kyiv, 2020). The structure, grammatical description, and examples of the use of language units contained in the textbook are analyzed. The author explains the criteria used to form the content of the A1 lexical minimum. The lexical material is organized and described with grammatical comments on the alternation of vowels or consonants, the formation of plural forms from other bases, the use of dative and accusative forms of personal pronouns, personal or imperative verb forms, etc. The authors also see this as an element of self-testing for knowledge of the relevant word forms, as well as in the case of forming a context for each vocabulary unit, which demonstrates to users – both students and teachers and scholars in the field of linguistics – the practical application of the lexical minimum. Also noteworthy are the didactic tips on how to work with this educational material (translation tasks, making word cards by topic group, creating tests to check the acquired knowledge at A1 level, etc.) The textbook is an extremely important and relevant work that has been prepared in accordance with modern requirements, didactic achievements and scientific research in the study and teaching of Ukrainian as a foreign language. Undoubtedly, this work will help beginner students, teachers, and all those interested in mastering the Ukrainian language to develop the lexical skills necessary for the realization of communicative activities as soon as possible and in a structured way. Key words: Ukrainian as a foreign language, lexical minimum, beginner level A1, Standardized requirements for levels of proficiency in Ukrainian as a foreign language.

Project-oriented teaching during learning ukrainian as a foreign languages: development of students' communication skills

Perception of professional information is possible due to orientation to different sources that are related to foreign language learning. The study aims to determine the peculiarities of the development of communication skills of students through the use of project-oriented teaching of Ukrainian as a foreign language. Ensuring the development of the set purpose was possible due to the use of the methods of analysis, observation and estimated efficiency coefficient, effect level coefficient, Student’s coefficient. Project-oriented approaches to education, oriented to the development of communication skills were developed during the study. They were based on dubbing the disciplines in two languages, formation of theoretical language knowledge, and development of dialogue communication and writing skills. The most positive role of the selected project-oriented teaching was found using SWOT analysis. The practical significance of the work provides for the possibility of the use of developed approaches to studying Ukrainian as a foreign language for the possibility of obtaining communication skills. The perspective of the study will be oriented towards a comparison of the influence of project-oriented studying of students of different ages with consideration of their possibilities at the beginning.

Open distance education for teachers in Ukraine: the case of the Ukrainian Open University of Postgraduate Education

The Ukrainian Open University of Postgraduate Education (UOUPE) is a self-governing educational institution that aims to provide distance education for teachers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the integration of Ukraine into the European educational space. The UOUPE is based on a design-transforming nonlinear paradigm and a reflexive-positional approach, enabling a community of progressive educators who can respond to modern challenges and change their learning and professional practices. The paper presents the interregional cooperation project for teachers' professional development, which the UOUPE implements in collaboration with the Department of Philosophy and Adult Education of the Central Institute of Postgraduate Education of the University of Educational Management. The paper also reports the results of the first diagnostic stage of the project, which involved 120 teachers from different regions of Ukraine.

The development of creativity of foreign language teachers as a factor in their subjective well-being

This study explored the level of creativity among 208 foreign language teachers in Ukraine. Results showed insufficient levels across value, cognitive and behavioural components of creativity. A training program was proposed to develop teacher creativity through 5 sessions targeting these components and psychological/organisational factors. Developing teacher creativity can support subjective well-being and success in creative teaching activities. The program contains informational, diagnostic, developmental and creative stages to enhance creativity and motivation. Further research could expand the criteria and methods for evaluating program effectiveness.

Survey Analysis of University Teachers in Ukraine Regarding the Use of Google Workspace for Education

The article highlights the results of a survey of teachers at higher education institutions of Ukraine regarding the possibilities provided by Google Workspace for Education tools in the organization of the educational process. A questionnaire was used to gather data for this purpose, in which 167 respondents from different regions of the country took part. The questionnaire focused on the frequency of using specific educational applications, such as learning management systems, collaborative tools, and educational games. Most often, Google applications are used in blended learning (72% of respondents). To organize and conduct lectures/practical classes, teachers quite actively use Google Slides (79.4%/73.8% of respondents), Google Meet (69.2%/65.4% of respondents), YouTube (60.7%/56.1% of respondents). It was found that the vast majority of teachers (91%) positively evaluate the impact of Google Workspace for education tools on the effectiveness of teaching methods. In the future, it is planned to research students’ opinions regarding the use of Google Workspace for education while studying at university.

Cultivating Communication Skills in Times of Crisis: The perceived impact of SEL techniques in formative assessment on the communication competence of pre-service teachers in Ukraine

Cultivating Communication Skills in Times of Crisis: The perceived impact of SEL techniques in formative assessment on the communication competence of pre-service teachers in Ukraine

Predictors of burnout of preschool teachers working in the warzone Ukraine

Research on predictors of burnout among preschool teachers is a crucial topic, particularly in the context of those working in warzones. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of burnout among 562 preschool teachers employed in 183 preschools located in the war-torn region of Ukraine. The study was conducted as an online survey and key constructs were captured by using well established measures. Path analyses were conducted to investigate the predictors of preschool teacher burnout. The results showed that trauma symptoms and work experience positively predicted burnout, whereas resilience and social support had a negative association with burnout. Additionally, exploratory analyses revealed indirect effects of preschool location, war-related stressors, resilience, social support, and age on burnout. These findings highlight the need for targeted support services for preschool teachers in Ukraine's warzone to enhance available resources and alleviate burnout symptoms.

ACADEMIC ADAPTATION OF DISPLACED CHILDREN: A CASE STUDY OF A MIXED-AGED CLASS IN GERMANY

The paper focuses on the initial experience of a mixed-aged group of newly arrived Ukrainian children and their new Ukrainian teacher at a school in Germany. To assess the efficiency of the first four months of the transition period and to outline the recommendations for the further steps in teaching the Ukrainian asylum seekers a mixed method study including qualitative and quantitative analysis was applied. Interviews with the acting Ukrainian teacher, her reflective analysis of the observations of her group of 26 Ukrainian children aged 11–16, indirect feedback collected from the local teachers involved in working with the learners, as well as the answers to two mixed anonymous questionnaires conducted on the twenty learners who consented to participate were used to collect data on the interim outcomes of the transition period. In-class interaction and communication with the teacher, along with the desire to socialize and make new interpersonal connections, were among the most significant factors in fostering positive experiences and engagement for children in school. Learners mentioned up to six subjects lacking in their German schools, with mathematics being the most frequently cited, some students desired additional language classes, including Ukrainian, English, and German. The organization of the initial four-month-long stage of the transition period has served the purpose of providing young asylum seekers with sufficient psychological support and an opportunity to get back to normal life. In the upcoming academic year, it is urgent to establish clear academic expectations, avoid treating children as overly special, and prioritize their integration into society.

Experience of using Google cloud services in Ukrainian universities: survey results

The research analyzes a survey of Ukrainian teachers regarding the advantages of cloud technologies provided by Google Workspace for Education. We surveyed 167 respondents from different regions of Ukraine. They were asked to complete a specially designed questionnaire that included three closed-ended multiple-choice questions and two open-ended questions that required extended responses. It was found out that during distance or blended learning teachers together with students most often use Google Sheets, Google Meet, Google Forms and Google Documents. The most significant advantages of Google Workspace for Education services are the convenience and usability, as well as a possibility of distance learning.

Психологічні підходи і техніки розвитку резильєнтності педагогів: зарубіжний досвід

This article explores the building of teacher resilience, a critical factor in sustaining educators' well-being and effectiveness in the face of various professional challenges. Resilience is understood as a person's ability to correctly allocate and use their own resources in difficult life circumstances, maintain psychological well-being and increase the level of functioning after experiencing stress. Based on the generalization of the results of the analysis of psychological sources, a number of approaches and psychological techniques for developing the resilience of teachers substantiated in foreign psychology have been singled out: cognitive-behavioral approach; an approach based on the principles of positive psychology; the concept of identifying and using the strengths and individual merits of teachers; creation and use of external resilience resources; application of psychological techniques of self-awareness; ensuring a healthy lifestyle and psychological well-being of teachers; building of teachers' resilience in the process of professional development and training. Foreign programs for the development of teacher resilience are aimed at strengthening psychological health with the help of such psychotechniques as reflection, meditation, stress management, mastering constructive strategies of coping behavior, maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Studying and using these strategies and techniques can help Ukrainian teachers maintain their psychological health in conditions of constant stress. Acquaintance with approaches to the development of teachers' resilience substantiated in foreign psychology can contribute to the development by Ukrainian scientists of psychological tools aimed at overcoming stressful situations, increasing professional and personal well-being, and building a more sustainable educational system.

Projekt badawczo-edukacyjny „Ukrainian Teaching Materials 2022” dla wrocławskich przedszkoli i edukacji wczesnoszkolnej – prezentacja wyników badań sondażowych

Alongside the tragic consequences of the armed conflict, the Russian attack on Ukraine in 2022 resulted in an upheaval within the educational system in Poland. This situation posed challenges for Ukrainian children arriving in Poland as well as for teachers and students in educational institutions where refugee children were being admitted without restrictions. The author’s research and educational project “Ukrainian Teaching Materials 2022” for Wrocław’s pre – and early school education in 2022 aimed to support the development of language skills among refugee children in their native language and in Polish, and to support preschool and early school teachers in this endeavour by providing them with appropriately prepared methodological packages. A diagnostic survey identified teachers’ needs regarding methodological materials. At the same time, a follow-up focus group interview conducted 30–40 days later presented teachers’ reflections and experiences in teaching in linguistically and culturally diverse groups during the initial period of the war migration. The project was also aimed to raise awareness among teachers and to cultivate an open attitude towards using bilingual and Ukrainian-language materials in working with children with war migration experience. Due to the collected extensive research material, the research findings were divided into two parts: the first part presents the theoretical and methodological context of the project as well as the results of the survey. In contrast, the second part presents the results of the focus group research and discussion based on the literature review.