The role of non-formal educational practices in the modern educational space of Ukraine

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to study the theoretical basis of the development of non-formal education in Ukraine and to analyze the process of its formation in the context of world theory and practice. The article examines the domestic and European research experience of the term "non-formal education", and describes various non-formal education methods and open resources that can be used to improve the quality of higher education. The importance of improving the organizational aspects of the non-formal education system, as far as the implementation of non-formal educational practices into the modern Ukrainian educational system, and the role of non-formal education at this stage is also considered. The legislative base of the country is analyzed, the theoretical and methodological foundations of non-formal education for adults are explained, and examples of educational organizations engaged in non-formal education in Ukraine are given. The main research methods are literature analysis, structuring and generalization. The results of the study revealed  that non-formal education is an alternative pathway that opens up new opportunities, helps to adapt to transformative changes in society and serves as a source of updating knowledge and skills, which opens up new opportunities for self-realization, gaining new knowledge, practical experience, motivation and inspiration. The article also examines public organizations that actively implement non-formal education and online platforms based on public principles. A list of popular open educational resources and online tools for learning is given. Particular attention is paid to the Ukrainian free English language learning project from the Association for Innovative and Digital Education and the Skills Academy, as well as useful online resources for learning German and French. The conclusions state  that non-formal education is a process of purposeful dialogic learning, a socially oriented process in which a person integrates his experience in practical activities and obtain professional or partial educational qualifications. Thus, non-formal education is defined as an educational process that takes place outside the traditional education system, meets the cognitive needs of teachers and contributes to their social, national and personal development throughout life.