Student self-governance in the higher educational institutions of Ukraine

Размещено на http://www.allbest.ru/

UDC 378.091.59

Student self-governance in the higher educational institutions of Ukraine

О. V. Kovalova,

O. H. Gavrysh,

Е. U. Sypchuk

The definition of the concept of «student self-governance» is described in the article. It is noticed that A. Makarenko, one of the most popular scholars, has developed the basic principles of the student self¬governance system, its traditions, sources of self-sufficiency and independence as well, as civic duty of personality. The analysis of the current state of self-governance at higher educational institutions of Ukraine is made in the article. The authors pay a lot of attention to the legislative basis on which representatives of higher education institutions rely, creating their own system of student self-governance. They also point out the purpose and objectives of this structure (the protection of rights and interests of students studying at the higher educational institution, creation of conditions for student personal self-realization and formation of their organizational skills, leader qualities, and responsibility for the result of their work and so on). On the example of the State Higher Educational Institution «Donbas State Pedagogical University» the authors describe the structure, basic forms and methods of work of student self-governance (excursions, webinars, debates, seminars, trainings, online-conferences, «round-tables"), describe the main priorities of the self-governance system and students, which are aimed at the activation and development of the youth movement at the university. The connection between the student self-governance system of the State Higher Educational Institution «Donbas State Pedagogical University» and modern public organizations is also described in the article.

Key words: Higher educational institutions, the self-governance system, the structure of the self-governance, public organizations.

У статті надано визначення поняття «студентське самоврядування»; зауважено, що основні положення самоврядування, його традиції, джерело виховання самостійності та громадянського становлення особистості започаткував видатний педагог А. Макаренко. Крім того, автори провели аналіз сучасного стану самоврядування у вищих навчальних закладах України. Вони приділяють багато уваги законодавчій основі, на яку спираються представники вишів при створенні власної системи студентського самоврядування. Автори також розкривають мету та завдання даної структури, які полягають у захисті прав та інтересів студентів, що навчаються у вищому навчальному закладі, створенні умов для самореалізації особистості студентів і формуванні у них організаторських навичок, лідерських якостей, відповідальності за результат своєї праці тощо. На прикладі ДВНЗ «Донбаський державний педагогічний університет» вони висвітлюють структуру, основні форми та методи роботи студентського самоврядування (екскурсії, вебінари, дебати, семінари, тренінги, онлайн-конференції, «круглі столи» тощо), розкривають головні пріоритети діяльності системи самоврядування та студентів, які направлені на активізацію та розвиток молодіжного руху в університеті. У статті також розкрито зв 'язок системи студентського самоврядування ДВНЗ «ДДПУ» з сучасними громадськими організаціями міста.

Ключові слова: вищі навчальні заклади, система студентського самоврядування, структура студентського самоврядування, громадські організації.

В статье представлено определение понятия «студенческое самоуправление»; отмечено, что основные положения самоуправления, его традиции, источники воспитания самостоятельности и гражданского становления личности разработал известный педагог А. Макаренко. Кроме того, авторы провели анализ современного состояния самоуправления в высших учебных заведениях Украины. Они уделяют много внимания законодательной основе, на которую опираются представители вузов, создавая собственную систему студенческого самоуправления. Авторы также раскрывают цель и задания данной структуры, которые заключаются в защите прав и интересов студентов, учащихся в высшем учебном заведении, создании условий для самореализации личности студентов и формировании у них организаторских навыков, лидерских качеств, ответственности за результат своей деятельности и т.д. На примере ГВУЗ «Донбасский государственный педагогический университет» авторы описывают структуру, основные формы и методы работы студенческого самоуправления (экскурсии, вебинары, дебати, семинары, тренинги, онлайн- конференции, «круглые столы»), раскрывают главные приоритеты деятельности системы самоуправления и студентов, которые направлены на активизацию и развитие молодежного движения в университете. В статье также описана связь системы студенческого самоуправления ГВУЗ «ДГПУ» с современными общественными организациями города.

Ключевые слова: высшие учебные заведения, система студенческого самоуправления, структура студенческого самоуправления, общественные организации.

Formulation of the problem in general form and its connection with important scientific and practical tasks. The development of student self-governance in the teaching and educational process of the modern high school is one of the leading factors in the formation of the civil society of Ukraine. In connection with it, the discussion on the sphere of competence and the mechanisms of student self-governance activities of native higher educational institutions is actualized.

Analysis of recent researches and publications which initiated the solution of this problem and on which the authors rely. The history of student self-governance, its philosophical, pedagogical and organizational aspects were studied by Ukrainian scholars such as T. Bondar, M. Hrinova, L. Zhaldak (Macenko), O. Nevmerzhytska, K. Potopa, V. Radul, R. Sopivnyk, H. Trotsko, S. Cherkasova, L. Sheina and Russian researchers, for example, N. Bugaenko, L. Varlamova, V. Gorchakova, L. Zagajtova, I. Ezhukova, L. Shygapova and others. However, their works do not cover the latest trends in the development of student self-governance and its relationship with modern public organizations. This is the relevance of our research.

The purpose of the article: to conduct an analysis of the current state of the student self-governance system in higher educational institutions of Ukraine and to reveal its significance on the example of the State Higher Educational Institution «Donbas State Pedagogical University.»

Presentation of the main research material with the full justification of the results. Student self-governance, according to V. Gorchakova, is the management and regulation of the entire diversity of student activities as a person studying at the higher educational institution. «Self-governance is a cooperation of students and lecturers in improving the educational process in order to ensure its effectiveness» (Gorchakova, 1990, p.79).

In our opinion, the most complete is the definition of U. Kraschenko (2012), who considered the system of student self-governance as a holistic structured mechanism that allows students, through self-organized activities, to participate in the management of their group in cooperation with all the governing bodies of higher educational institutions, to protect their own rights and interests, contributes to the harmonious development of the personality of the future specialist, cultivating leadership qualities, social activity.

The outstanding educator, pedagogue and writer A. Makarenko (І. Kryvonos, N. Tarasevych, & А. Tkachenko, 2008) revealed the conceptual positions of self-governance as the basis of the functioning and development of the collective, its traditions, the source of self-reliance and social formation of personality. educational student personal

The system of self-governance in the institutions headed by A. Makarenko (in the colony named after M. Gorky and the commune named after F. Dzerzhinsky) was extremely effective (Makarenko, 1983, p. 278). During his work at these institutions A. Makarenko devised the key points of his «pedagogical faith.» The most interesting for us among them are the following:

* organization of primary groups of pupils according to the production principle (units, not school groups);

* self-governance is based not only on election but also on appointment due to the seriousness of the labor process;

* such selectively-appointed self-government should exist not as a superstructure for the actual management of adults, and to be the acting leader of the colony, working in two directions: as a collective body and through the authority of this body;

* open recognition of the right of the collective to coerce and establish the institution of punishment;

* discipline related to respect for the pupil and his work (Tkachenko, 2009, p. 23).

For the Makarenko system of self-governance, consolidated units intended to carry out temporary work were not just an economic need: their functioning, according to the educator himself, was his most important pedagogical invention because «the complex system of collective dependences educates the ability to manage and submit» (Kryvonos, Tarasevych, & Tkachenko, 2008, p. 47).

The student self-governance system continued to evolve during the next few years. Currently, according to the Law of Ukraine «On Higher Education» No.1 / 9-498 of 21.10.2015, the powers and functions of student self-governance are expanded. In particular, quotas for representation of students (not less than 10%) were established in collegial bodies of higher educational institutions - academic councils, conferences, labor collectives (http://old.mon.gov.ua/files/ normative/ 2015-10-21/4506/498.pdf).

The Law clarifies the issue of the creation and functioning of student self-governance bodies, specifies the areas, forms and directions of their activities. For example, the heads of higher educational institutions should agree with the bodies of student self-governance questions regarding:

* deregistration of students from universities and their restoration to study;

* transfer of persons studying at higher educational institutions from state order study to contract base study and wise versa;

* settlement of students studying at higher educational institutions to the dormitory and eviction from it etc.

We emphasize that the Law seeks to consolidate the legal, organizational and financial mechanisms of students' participation in the life of higher educational institutions and their structural divisions. The financial basis of student self-governance, according to the Law, is the amount in size determined by the Academic Council, but not less than 0.5% of its own incomes generated by the higher educational institution from its main activity (http://old.mon.gov.ua/ files/ normative/2015-10-21/4506/498.pdf).

Being in the Ukrainian legislative space and obeying the legislative acts, the system of student self-governance at the State Higher Educational Institution «Donbas State Pedagogical University» is actively developing.

Thus, in 2004, through the student activists and with the support of the administration of the Sloviansk State Pedagogical University, the Student Council, which united students' deanships and parliaments, established at some faculties. In its activity, the student council, as a body of student self¬governance, is guided by the Constitution of Ukraine, state legislative acts, orders, decisions of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Charter of the University and the Statute of the Student Council, does not duplicate the trade union organization, uses support of the administration and trade union Committee of Students and Postgraduate Students.

At the moment, the student self-governance activists of the higher educational institution is directly involved in the organization of leisure activities and in the public life of the State Higher Educational Institution «Donbas State Pedagogical University''; contributes to the moral, ethical, cultural and sporting development of students; ensures the cooperation of student collectives, organizations and groups. In addition, students, in cooperation with the university leaders, approve the provisions of the student self-governance of the higher educational institution, which is aimed at regulating relations connected to the implementation of students' right to self¬governance. In these provisions the legal and organizational foundations for the establishment and functioning of student self-governance are defined.

Student self-governance bodies are created on a voluntary basis according to the initiative of students and they are an integral part of the university's public self-government.

We emphasize that all faculties are represented in the student council by equal number of delegates and the term of the student council is two years. The election of the chairman and delegates of the student council at the State Higher Educational Institution «Donbas State Pedagogical University» takes place on the last Saturday in October after the termination of the student council authority of the previous convocation or the chairman of the student council.

The election procedure should be transparent for the members of the academic community, the leaders of the higher educational institution, the relevant structural units and the public.

It should also be noted that the purpose of student self-governance activity is to create conditions for self-realization of the personality of the students and the formation of their organizational skills, leadership qualities, responsibility for the result of their work, etc. The activities of student self-governance are aimed at the education of the students' spirituality and culture, as well as the growth of their social activity.

The main tasks of student self-governance are:

* protection of the rights and interests of students studying at the higher educational institution;

* assistance in conducting educational, research and creative work of students at the university;

* improvement of living conditions and rest of students;

* creation of various student clubs, societies, associations, clubs of interests and coordination of their activities;

* together with the relevant services providing information, legal, psychological, financial and other assistance to students;

* cooperation with tutors of academic groups, heads of dormitories, heads of departments and other structural subdivisions (http://www.slavdpu.dn.ua/ index.php/forstudent/samoupr).

Student self-government at the State Higher Educational Institution «Donbas State Pedagogical University» bases on several principles:

* voluntariness, collegiality, openness;

* election and reporting of the student self-government bodies;

* equality of students' right to participate in the student self-government;

* independence from the influence of political parties and religious organizations.

The main structural unit of the student council is the faculty, which has its own governing body, its head and delegates its representatives to the student council of the university and to the general meeting (conference) of students. The organization of the student council work is carried out at the level of faculties, departments, academic groups, dormitories.

Student self-government of the university has the following sectors:

* educational and research sector;

* sports and fitness sector;

* cultural sector;

* social and living sector;

* information sector (http://www.slavdpu.dn.ua/ index.php/ forstudent/ samoupr).

The heads of the relevant sectors ensure the fulfillment of the objectives and purposes of student self-government and they are responsible to the chairman of the student council of the university, elected by the academic community by secret ballot. The term of authority of the student council chairman in the State Higher Educational Institution «Donbas State Pedagogical University» is one year.

It should be noted that the priority direction in the work of the student self-government at the university is the educational work that is being implemented in creating modern and interesting projects of various subjects. They come in different forms: excursions, webinars, debates, seminars, trainings, online conferences, «round tables'', etc.

Bright examples of such projects are: «International Day of the native language'', «Memorial Day of Olexa Tyhyj'', «Professionalism, Morality and Patriotism'', «Together We Can More'', «Factory of Saint Nicholas'', «Freshmen's Debut'', «Student's Republic'', «Our Achievements - Strong Knowledge'', «Health of the Nation - Health of Youth of Ukraine'', «Sport Family'', etc. Such activity effectively affects the formation of patriotism, civic competence, experience, self-realization and development of students' abilities.

Realizing the urgent need to unite the youth of the region around the ideas of the formation of social and public consciousness, the students of the Donbas State Pedagogical University actively participated in cooperation with youth public organizations, local government bodies and volunteers in Sloviansk for joint organization of youth events, festivals, forums on the way of formation of national-patriotic and public responsibility of the Eastern region youth.

One of the significant achievements of the student self-government of the Donbas State Pedagogical University is that, due to the initiative of students and lecturers, two public organizations were created: «Youth of the East of Ukraine» (November, 2015) and «National Sails''.

The main goal of the NGO «Youth of the East of Ukraine» is to protect the legitimate social, economic, creative, spiritual, national-cultural and other interests of the youth of the region that suffered as a result of conflicts in the Donbas region. The leading areas of work are:

* exchange of information and coordination with other organizations that support the development of democracy in Ukraine;

* providing practical assistance to youth in the fields of study, employment, socio-political, socio-economic and entrepreneurial activities;

* cultivating a sense of patriotism and uniting around the Ukrainian national idea of unity, etc.

''Youth of the East of Ukraine» has already established itself as the organization that is fully engaged in projects aimed at the patriotic, physical, spiritual development of Ukrainian youth. During the existence of the organization, a number of prominent events were held in Sloviansk and beyond it, in particular: «The Day of Ukrainian Writing'', «Formation of the spiritual interests of the Ukrainian youth'', «Student republic 2017» and many others.

NGO «Youth of the East of Ukraine» continues to actively cooperate with the students and the leaders of the Donbas State Pedagogical University. Thus, on December 11th, 2017, in the dormitory number 2 of the Donbas State Pedagogical University, the coworking territory «Free Space» for self¬development and leisure of students was opened. The idea of the creation belongs to Tetyana Yevtukhova. This project was fully supported by Svitlana Omelchenko - the rector of this higher educational institution. NGO «Youth of the East of Ukraine» acted as a partner in creating of this coworking area.

In «Free Space» students can arrange their free time, hold interesting events, and trainings. The cinema club «DocuDa» will also work there at the International Documentary Film Festival on Human Rights Docudays UA.

Conclusions and perspectives of further research. So, effective student self-government contributes to the harmonious development of the higher educational institution, as students' initiatives can identify new directions for the development of extra-curricular activities, improve the educational process and form the civil competence of Ukrainian youth. That's why conducting our research, we came to the conclusion that it is necessary to continue to work on increasing the role of student self-government bodies in solving urgent issues of training future specialists.

In our opinion, further analysis includes the observation of the peculiarities of the system of student self-government in foreign countries and the possibility of using their positive experience in higher educational institutions of Ukraine.

References

1. Zyazyun, I.A. (Ed.). (2008). Anton Makarenko: Kharkivska trudova koloniya imeni M. Horkoho (v dokumentach I materialach 1926-28) [Anton Makarenko: M. Gorky Kharkiv labor colony (in documents and materials of 1926-28)]. Kyiv: Ped. Dumka (ukr).

2. Gorchakova, V. G. (1990). Predposylki, protivorechiya i prinzipy razvitiya studencheskogo samoupravleniya [Prerequisites, contradictions and principles of student self-government development]. Ped. obrazovanie, 2, 77-82 (ru).

3. Zakon Ukraini pro vishchu osvitu [Law of Ukraine on Higher Education] (2017). Retrieved from http://old.mon.gov.ua/files/normative/2015-10-21/4506/498.pdf (ukr).

4. Krashchenko, Y. P. (2012). Vihovannya liderskih yakostey maibutnih uchiteliv u systemi studentskoho samovryaduvannya [Educating the leadership qualities of future teachers in the system of student self-government].(Candidate of Pedagogical sciences Thesis). Institute of problems on education of the NAPS of Ukraine, Kyiv (ukr).

5. Makarenko A. S. (1983). Pedagogicheskie sochineniya: v 8 t.[Pedagogical selections]. Moskow, 1983 (ru).

6. Studentska rada [Student Council] (2017). Retrieved from http://www.slavdpu. dn.ua/index.php/ forstudent/ samoupr.

7. Tkachenko, A. V. (2009). Samovryaduvannya u vihovniy praktuci A. S. Makarenka: pedagogichna neobhidnist' chi gra v demokraiyu [Self-government in educational practice of A. S. Makarenko: pedagogical necessity or game in democracy]. Vihovannya osobystisnyh yakostey maybutnih fahivziv u systemi studentskoho samovryaduvannya, Materiali Vseukr. student. nauk.-prakt. konferencii [Education of personal qualities of the future specialists in the system of student self-government: materials of the All-Ukrainian student's scientific-practical conference], Poltava 2009 (ukr).

Література

1. Антон Макаренко: Харківська трудова колонія імені М. Горького (в документах і матеріалах 1926-28 рр.) / за ред. І. А. Зязюна; уклад.: І. Ф. Кривонос, Н. М. Тарасевич, А. В. Ткаченко. Київ : Пед. думка, 2008. 352 с.

2. Горчакова В. Г. Предпосылки, противоречия и принципы развития студенческого самоуправления. Пед. образование. 1990. №2. С. 77-82.

3. Закон України про вищу освіту. URL : http://old.mon.gov.ua/files/normative/2015- 10-21/4506/498.pdf.

4. Кращенко Ю. П. Виховання лідерських якостей майбутніх учителів у системі студентського самоврядування: автореф. дис. ... канд. пед. наук : 13.00.07 / Ін-т проблем виховання НАПН України. Київ, 2012. 20 с.

5. Макаренко А. С. Педагогические сочинения: в 8 т. / редкол. М. И. Кондаков, В. М. Коротов, С. В. Михалков, В. С. Хелемендик / авт. коммент.: Л. Ю. Гордин, А. А. Фролов. Москва: Педагогика, 1983--1986. 1983. T.1. 365 с.

6. Студентська рада. URL : http://www.slavdpu.dn.ua/index.php/forstudent/samoupr.

7. Ткаченко А. В. Самоврядування у виховній практиці А. С. Макаренка: педагогічна необхідність чи гра в демократію. Виховання особистісних якостей майбутніх фахівців у системі студентського самоврядування: матеріали Всеукр. студент. наук.-практ. конференції, м. Полтава, 24-25 квіт. 2009 р., м. Полтава. 2009. С. 22-26.

Размещено на Allbest.ru