Studies in Comparative Education

CAREER WELL-BEING AND CAREER GUIDANCE IN FINNISH COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOLS

Olha Filipishyn — 2024-08-10

This study aims to examine the role of career well-being in the context of career guidance and education in Finnish secondary schools. It was found that the Finnish approach takes into account not only education but also the development of students' career prospects, and this plays a key role in their overall well-being. The article aims to identify the importance of career well-being as a key aspect of career guidance and education in Finnish general education institutions. Various general scientific and pedagogical methods were used in the course of the scientific research. The theoretical methods included analysis, systematic, analytical-synthetic, which were used to substantiate the content of career well-being as a key aspect of career guidance and education in Finnish secondary schools. Among other theoretical methods, synthesis, including general scientific, was used. These methods were also used to formulate conclusions and develop principles, aspects, systematization and generalization in order to create content generalizations of theoretical material and determine conceptual provisions.

The main findings of the article indicate that the system of career guidance and education in Finnish secondary schools requires attention to the individual needs of students. It was found that a lack of provision in this area can lead to inconsistencies between the educational process and real expectations in the labor market. In particular, it was determined that there is insufficient support for students in the development of personal and professional competencies, which can complicate their definition of career goals and successful entry into the world of work. Additionally, the results indicate limited interaction between educational institutions and employers in the process of preparing students for career development. This creates gaps in the acquisition of practical skills and internship opportunities, which affects the readiness of graduates to effectively enter the professional sphere.

The conclusion of the article is that the development of the system of career guidance and education in Finnish secondary schools is critically important for the effective preparation of students to choose their career path. It is necessary to emphasize the individual needs of students, providing them with comprehensive support and development of not only technical but also social skills for maximum entry into the labor market.

USE OF MENTAL MAPS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF VISUALIZATION IN TRAINING OF FUTURE TEACHERS OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Iryna Kamenska — 2024-08-10

The training of future specialists in vocational education encourages university teachers and professors to improve their pedagogical skills by developing and using electronic learning resources and online services in the educational environment, for effective, successful visualization of educational information and with the aim of qualitatively supplementing theoretical material in the process of training future teachers of professional education. One of the promising ways of visualizing educational data is the use of mind maps taking advantage the MindMeister web service.

The purpose of the study was to reveal the specifics of using mental maps for the development of visualization in the process of training future teachers of vocational training. To achieve the goal, a complex of theoretical and empirical methods was used: theoretical analysis of periodicals, methodological and scientific-pedagogical literature, with the aim of determining the essence of the main concepts, identifying the current state of the researched problem and possible solutions; analysis of the use of mental maps in the educational process on the example of the MindMeister web service.

The importance of the development of visualization in the process of training future teachers of vocational training is determined. The goals of using mental maps in the educational process are presented and the advantages of using mental maps as an innovative educational resource for the organization of information interactivity, support, productivity, accessibility, flexibility. It was established that the use of mental maps allows to optimize the educational process, affects the development of visualization of undergraduates’, the quality of memorization and perception of information.

ENHANCING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE IN UKRAINIAN HIGHER EDUCATION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF VIRTUAL EXCHANGE AND COLLABORATIVE ONLINE INTERNATIONAL LEARNING IN EUROPE, THE USA, AND CANADA

Yuliana Lavrysh — 2024-08-10

Giving more and more attention to fostering multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural competences has become inevitable in today's interconnected world for future generations. Virtual exchange and collaborative online international learning programs provide invaluable opportunities for meaningful and intellectually stimulating interactions with people from different corners of the world, and thereby improve global competence. This study looks into the case where both cases were introduced into the Ukrainian educational space. The VE programs not only extend the language comprehension and communication skills, but respond to the development of empathy, collaboration and problem-solving skills. Notwithstanding obstacles, for instance, arousing students’ involvement and low level of institutional support. However, VE and COIL programs would vastly increase the cross-bordering of Ukrainian universities. This article shows that the creation of a national educational center for the training of professionals, the spread of the advantages of digitization and the blending of education with the virtual environment need special attention. The supportive initiatives through these innovative ways, Ukrainian higher education can make the students ready for success in the multifaceted world, which brings peace and a sustainable future.

CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS OF DIGITAL LEARNING: PERSPECTIVES FROM PROFESSORS AT A TWICE-DISPLACED UNIVERSITY DUE TO WAR

Mykola Semenov — 2024-08-10

This study investigates the challenges and benefits of digital learning from the perspective of lecturers at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, an institution that has been twice displaced due to military aggression. Over the past decade, the lecturers have experienced forced transformations in educational delivery, including a full year of distance learning in 2014, a transition from blended to traditional modes, and subsequent digital adaptations during the pandemic and ongoing military aggression. This unique experience provides insights into the irreversible digitalization processes occurring in higher education. Examining the views of lecturers with such exposure can form predictions about the future trajectory of universities.

The research employed an online questionnaire distributed via the LimeSurvey platform to survey the academic staff. Key areas of inquiry included assessing lecturers' readiness for digital learning, peculiarities of organizing digital learning at the institution, challenges encountered, utilization of digital tools, and perspectives on the future role of digital learning.

The study findings highlighted the need to increase interactive and active teaching methods in digital formats, adapt learning content, and redefine the lecturer's role as a facilitator while maintaining structured student-instructor interactions to ensure quality outcomes. A recommended hybrid model flexibly combines mixed formats, synchronous, and asynchronous interactions. The results indicate that lecturers' mindsets have evolved through their experiences at twice-displaced university, fostering a new vision of the digital university paradigm.

SCHOOLING OF UKRAINIAN PUPILS IN VIENNA IN CONDITIONS OF FORCED MIGRATION

Olena Vasylchenko — 2024-08-10

The article deals with the problem of the integration of Ukrainian pupils into the Austrian school system in the context of forced migration. The aim of the paper is to establish the relationship between the traumatic experience of war, displacement and the quality of learning in new conditions, as well as delineate the factors that influence the reduction of stress in the classroom and, as a result, improve learning and integration in a new community. The vast majority of children was accepted by Vienna where there were taken various measures to ensure that Ukrainian children could be integrated into the learning process in the Austrian school system. There are a lot of different factors that play an important role in the process of this integration. In order to determine these factors, interviews were conducted with mothers and data were collected, analyzed and conclusions were drawn. It has been found that there were different stories of the integration into a new community even within one family. It depended on the atmosphere in the classroom, a variety of materials and forms of work, empathy of the teacher and classmates, acceptance of the school as the safe place etc.

INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION: STATE OF KNOWLEDGE AND THEORETICAL APPROACHES FOR ITS STUDY IN MEXICO

Elena Zhizhko — 2024-08-10

This article presents the results of a historical-pedagogical investigation, which objective was to present the state of knowledge and analyze the theoretical approaches for the study of Mexican intercultural education. The study was carried out using the documentary-bibliographic research method. The authors found that regarding the state of knowledge about the problems of intercultural education at international and national levels, it can be stated that in the eighties of the 20th century, social changes at a global level induced the phenomena of multi and pluriculturality, also requiring the development of teaching methodology based on the precepts of interculturalism; intra and intercultural dialogue; transdisciplinarity and respect for difference-similarity. Several researchers agree that it is necessary to build intercultural didactics from the reinterpretation of the curriculum using the critical perspective. Likewise, the analysis of theoretical approaches for the study of intercultural education leads to defining intercultural didactics as an operational didactic model that pursues intercultural education and teaching of the language/s. On the other hand, research on Mexican intercultural education must provide for the analysis of educational programs that involve, on the one hand, indigenous students and, on the other, migrant students returning from the United States.

DIGITAL APPROACHES IN LEGAL ENGLISH EDUCATION: BRIDGING TRADITION AND TECHNOLOGY

Oksana Danylchenko-Cherniak — 2024-08-10

This article examines the growing role of English as an indicator of cross-border cooperation. The language is a powerful tool for communication, exchange of information and ideas, as well as for establishing connections and understanding between people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. In the context of globalisation and Ukraine's integration into the global economic space, learning ESP is becoming not just an advantage, but an urgent need for professionals in any field. This article analyses the level of English proficiency according to the EF EPI. But it is important to note that it measures only a certain segment of the population (adults who took the test) and may not reflect the level of English proficiency in specific professional areas, such as the one you are focusing on.

The development of a national strategy for ESP and securing funding for these programs are crucial state-level priorities. Universities face challenges in implementing quality ESP programs, including issues in teacher training, adapting curricula to industry needs and student skills, and ensuring sufficient resources, particularly funding. To enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of ESP programs, alternative solutions such as online courses, seminars, language exchange programs, and government or industry initiatives should be considered, expanding opportunities beyond traditional university settings.

TO COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE IN MARITIME ENGLISH THROUGH PROFESSIONAL IDENTIFICATION

Natalia Ohorodnyk — 2024-08-10

The article presents the findings of a research study on the relationships between the processes of future seafarers' professional identity formation and their professional English-language communicative competence development. The process of professional identity formation is characterized by evolutionary changes, which can be observed through the lens of the communicative component. These changes can be identified as actions that establish a professional communicative identity, which in turn have a direct impact on the communicative competence of future specialists.

The process of professional identification for future seafarers consists of three stages. In Stage I, Adaptation, cadets face a period of adjustment as they enter a new social and professional environment, confronting the realities of their career choice and beginning to form their professional identity. Stage II, Stabilization, involves the cadets becoming more comfortable in their roles, with an emphasis on professional training and early specialization. In Stage III, Correction, cadets engage in extended seagoing practices that deepen their professional interests and further solidify their commitment to their chosen career in maritime transport.