PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE OLIGOPHRENOPEDAGOGUES: COMPETENCE DIMENSION AND MODERN CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the problem of professional training of future oligophrenopedagogues based on the competency-based approach in the context of modern educational transformations. The relevance of the study is substantiated by the growing role of inclusive education, the digitalization of the educational process, and the increasing requirements for the quality of training of specialists in special education. The essence of the competency-based approach is revealed as a leading methodological guideline for the modernization of pedagogical education, which ensures the formation of the future specialist's ability to act effectively in complex professional situations, apply integrated knowledge, and carry out correctional and developmental activities. It is specified that an oligophrenopedagogue is a pedagogical specialist who works with children with intellectual disabilities. Their professional activity is aimed at ensuring the education and upbringing of children of this category, developing their social skills and individual abilities, fostering independence, providing each child with individual assistance in adapting to life in modern society, and ensuring timely psychological rehabilitation. The knowledge, skills, and personal qualities that a future oligophrenopedagogue must acquire are identified. The content of his professional competence is revealed, and it is determined that inclusive, communicative and digital competence are its important components. The main challenges affecting the process of professional training are analyzed, including the development of an inclusive educational environment, the increasing complexity of teachers' professional functions, the need for integration of interdisciplinary knowledge, as well as the insufficient level of practical training of higher education students. Contradictions between modern requirements for the professional competence of oligophrenopedagogues and the traditional system of their training have been identified, which necessitates the renewal of the content, forms, and methods of education. The expediency of strengthening the practical component of training, implementing innovative educational technologies, developing digital literacy, and forming readiness for continuous professional self-development is substantiated. It is concluded that there is a need for systematic modernization of the professional training of future oligophrenopedagogues based on the competency-based approach, taking into account modern social and educational challenges, which will contribute to improving the quality of special education and the effectiveness of correctional and pedagogical activities.