Civil and Intercultural Education in the Conditions of Martial Law in Ukraine: Experience of a Master’s Educational Program

Abstract

Currently, in the context of large-scale military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the activities aimed at national-patriotic upbringing of the young generation of Ukrainians are becoming increasingly relevant. Special attention is given to laying the foundations of civic and intercultural competencies among children of middle and senior preschool age. To prepare future masters of preschool education for the implementation of these objectives, an original academic discipline called “Conceptual Principles of Preschool Education in a Multicultural Society” has been developed. In the conditions of martial law, the study of this discipline at H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University is conducted in a distance learning mode, utilizing a wide range of synchronous and asynchronous communication forms and methods with the master’s level students. Online resources, services, and tools serve not only as means but also as elements of the content of professional pedagogical training. Future masters of preschool education acquire numerous digital instruments and learn how to use them pedagogically effectively in working with children of preschool age, their parents, and the wider community. Special attention is paid to the communication between future preschool teachers and managers and the families of displaced persons residing in other regions of Ukraine and beyond its borders. In order to maintain an emotional connection with their homeland and stimulate joint activities of children and parents, future masters of preschool education create virtual parent corners, interactive online games and exercises related to Ukrainian studies and local history, as well as interactive online educational events for the parents of preschoolers and members of the community.