Formation of folklore competence among higher education students in the process of studying the course «Ukrainian Studies in the professional activity of a teacher»

Abstract

Abstract. The article provides a theoretical substantiation of the necessity to introduce the academic discipline «Ukrainian Studies in the professional activity of a teacher» into the system of higher education training for students majoring in Secondary Education (Ukrainian Language and Literature). The relevance of the research is determined by the growing importance of the research component in the professional activity of a modern teacher, as well as by the urgent need to preserve and transmit Ukrainian national cultural heritage under the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The purpose of the article is to determine the pedagogical potential of the proposed discipline in forming folkloristic competence among higher education students and to substantiate its place within the structure of professional teacher training. The research employs methods of theoretical analysis and systematization of scholarly sources published between 2020 and 2024, comparative analysis of educational components, generalization of pedagogical experience, and modeling of the structure of folkloristic competence as an integral professional quality of a future teacher. The study demonstrates that the formation of folkloristic competence is most effective when continuity is ensured between studying the discipline «Ukrainian Folklore», completing folklore field practice, and mastering the course «Ukrainian Studies in the Professional Activity of a Teacher». The structure of folkloristic competence is substantiated, including cognitive, practical, research, and value-oriented components. It is proven that folklore field materials collected by students during folklore practice should serve as a basis for scientific folkloristic and Ukrainian studies research, preparation of qualification papers, and further professional pedagogical activity. The scientific component is defined as a crucial element of the teacher’s professional competence in contemporary educational realities. The introduction of the proposed academic discipline is justified as a means of training a teacher-researcher capable of integrating scientific, educational, and cultural activities. Such training contributes to the formation of national identity, strengthening patriotic consciousness among students, and preserving Ukrainian cultural memory, which is especially significant in the context of wartime challenges and post-war societal reconstruction.