Readiness of a student of a professional higher education institution for lawful behaviour

Abstract

The article examines the readiness of a student of a higher education institution for lawful behaviour, which is of particular relevance in the context of transformation of the educational environment of Ukraine, focused on ensuring the quality of education, developing legal awareness, maintaining academic integrity and counteracting the influence of organised crime. In the context of regulatory support for the functioning of the educational process, the emphasis is placed on the Model Regulations on the organisation of the educational process in a professional higher education institution, which provides for the creation of a safe environment that ensures conditions for compliance with academic integrity and legal norms, as enshrined in the internal regulations. Objective. To define the concept of ‘readiness of a student of a professional higher education institution for lawful behaviour’ on the basis of analysis of this phenomenon in psychological and pedagogical aspects, study of the main types of lawful behaviour, taking into account the peculiarities of its regulation in the educational environment. Methods. The study and analysis of scientific sources to reveal the essence of theoretical and methodological approaches to the research problem; theoretical generalisation and systematisation, which characterised the problem field of the study, defined the concept of ‘readiness of a student of a higher education institution for lawful behaviour’ and formulated tasks for further research. Results. It is determined that the concept of ‘readiness’ has an interdisciplinary character and is interpreted in psychological and pedagogical aspects. The readiness for lawful behaviour of a student of a professional higher education institution is defined as an integral personal characteristic that expresses the student's ability to consciously, voluntarily and responsibly comply with legal norms and ethical requirements in all spheres of life, in particular in the educational process. The author analyses the main types of lawful behaviour through the mechanisms of their implementation based on stereotyped reactions, stereotyped behavioural schemes and non-standard actions. Each of these types should involve an appropriate level of student awareness and motivation. Conclusions. The phenomenon of student's readiness for lawful behaviour is a complex interdisciplinary formation that can be considered in psychological and pedagogical aspects.   A student's readiness for lawful behaviour implies the presence of a formed legal consciousness (knowledge and understanding of legal norms and principles, respect for the law and human rights), strict adherence to the principles of academic integrity, as well as strong moral and ethical beliefs that encourage a person to do lawful things and prevent them from being involved in criminal groups.