Model for forming national identity and patriotism in the professional training of future educators

Abstract

The article presents an authorial model for forming national identity and patriotism in the process of professional training of new-generation teachers. The relevance of the study is determined by the contemporary challenges of Ukrainian society, which require educators with a high level of national consciousness, an active civic position, and the ability to instill patriotic values in students.

The model has a clear structure that includes a target block, four functional blocks, and a system of efficiency indicators. The target block defines the strategic goal–educating future teachers as bearers of national identity, patriots, and responsible citizens capable of fostering corresponding values in their students. The model is based on four key directions: awareness of the significance of national identity for a teacher's professional development, specifics of patriotism formation among pedagogical students, effective methods and tools for patriotic education, and the main challenges in developing national consciousness among future educators.

The effectiveness of the model is assessed using seven indicators, five of which are identified as key: an increase in students' knowledge of outstanding figures in Ukrainian history, culture, and art; greater participation in activities aimed at preserving and promoting cultural heritage; expanded practice of meetings with independence fighters and participants of the Russo-Ukrainian war; heightened interest of future teachers in national artistic traditions; and the formation of a responsible attitude toward the spiritual and moral values of the Ukrainian people.

The model's effectiveness is confirmed by sociological research among students of Lutsk Pedagogical College, which demonstrates a high level of national consciousness among future teachers. Specifically, 77% of respondents associate national identity with awareness of their belonging to the nation, 89.5% consider it an essential component of preserving traditions and language, and 41.2% emphasize the necessity of an active civic position for educators.

Based on the obtained data, recommendations have been developed to improve patriotic education within the training system for new-generation teachers, particularly for physical education instructors, primary school teachers, and preschool educators. The proposed model contributes to forming a competitive, responsible, and conscious teacher capable of raising a generation of Ukrainians with clearly defined national values.