The Formation of Key Competences in the Training Process of Preschool Education Specialists (Experience of the United Kingdom, Germany, Ukraine)

Abstract

The article outlines the main prerequisites for the transformation of modern competences in the training process of preschool education specialists (experience of the United Kingdom, Germany, Ukraine). Differences in the training of future preschool education specialists are found in the structure and content of educational programs (curriculums), namely: the bachelor’s training of preschool teachers is applied in Germany, as well as master’s programs for training of preschool education specialists; the development of new forms and methods of teaching occupies an important place in advancing of professional teacher education in the UK; they make it possible to create the future teachers’ ability for independent and critical thinking, the practical application of acquired knowledge and experience in educational research, role-based and simulation modeling, and creative search. In terms of professional competences, the most advanced training system of preschool teachers is revealed in the UK. However, in Germany, the process of training specialists in preschool education area was determined by institutional decisions, where preschool education was a form of childcare and part of social security. The United Kingdom is characterized by a longstanding tradition of a detailed, comprehensive framework of teacher’s competences for training of preschool teachers. Therefore, one of the core competences is professionalism and standards in combination with such competences, as: values, knowledge and skills. As opposed to Germany and the United Kingdom, in Ukraine the formation of key competences in the process of training specialists in preschool education is primarily based on professional basic knowledge and skills, values and attitudes, motives of pedagogical activity.