Professional tests as a means of choosing a future profession by high school students

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the consideration of professional trials as an important means of choosing a future profession by high school students. The relevance of the chosen topic is determined by the need to solve the problem of students’ professional self-determination, a need caused by rapid socio-economic changes in Ukraine and the dynamic development of new professions in the labour market. It was found that the specified problem can be solved by introducing practically-oriented courses on career guidance, in particular, professional trials, into the educational process of general secondary education institutions. The purpose of the study is to reveal the possibilities of professional trials in the professional self-determination of high school students and to substantiate the pedagogical conditions for their effective implementation. Methods. To achieve the set goal, an analysis of scientific research on the outlined problem and an empirical study of the state of use of professional trials in high school were conducted. Results. Professional trials are considered as modelling of a specific profession in conditions close to real ones for the purpose of professional self-determination of high school students through professional trials, formation of relevant competencies and gaining practical experience.  This allows students to obtain not only theoretical knowledge, but also to acquire the necessary skills, abilities and practical experience in a specific profession. It has been established that the characteristic features of professional trials are modelling of real professional activity, practical orientation, educational potential, development of self-knowledge of schoolchildren and soft skills and completeness. In the structure of professional trials, technological, situational and functional components are distinguished. Pedagogical conditions that ensure the effective conduct of professional trials and professional self-determination of high school students are substantiated and characterized. These include: conceptual principles of professional trials, choice of different types of professions, technically and materially equipped offices (laboratories, workshops), realistically simulated environment of professional activity, professionally trained teachers, developed educational and methodological support, innovative forms and methods of conducting trials, interaction and communication. Conclusions. Professional trials, modelling different types of professional activity, contribute to self-knowledge, development of interests and abilities, formation of self-esteem and readiness for a conscious choice of profession. Their effectiveness depends on the implementation of appropriate pedagogical conditions.