ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT IN NON-CORE SUBJECTS AMONG STUDENTS OF PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY (BASED ON A SOCIOLOGICAL SURVEY)

Abstract

Significance. Introduction of non-core subjects into the curriculum of pedagogical universities, in particular, “Fundamentals of Medical Knowledge” is fraught with greatest difficulties. On the one hand, this is a subject that does not develop any professional competences of students, it is of an introductory nature only. On the other hand, acquiring practical skills in first aid, students should know a clear algorithm of medical actions and remember it until the end of their studies at the university. The purpose of the study. To analyze the level of competence development in first aid provision. Маtеrial and methods. A survey of two groups of students was conducted: the 1st group – the first-year students who have completed “Fundamentals of Medical Knowledge” at the end of the academic year (2021), a total of 98 students; the 2nd group - graduate students (2021), who studied this subject also in the first year, i.e. 4 years ago, a total of 103 students. The method of random selection was used. All students answered 29 questions anonymously. The sampling error on the questionnaire questions did not exceed 5%. To analyze data of the sociological survey, an alternative analysis (extensive indicators) was used, and to identify cause-and-effect relationships a correlation analysis was undertaken. Reliability of the correlation coefficient was assessed using tabular standard values. Results. The majority of the respondents in both the 1st group (94.9%) and the 2nd group (96.1%) consider the non-core subject “Fundamentals of Medical Knowledge” as the need to use the acquired knowledge in future. According to the competence-based approach, the subject is aimed at developing knowledge and skills in managing conditions that can become fatal within a short period of time. Upon completion of the subject in the 1st year, signs of clinical death could be determined by 42.9%, while by the end of the studies at the university - only 8.7%. A similar situation is relevant to first aid for bleeding - 61.2% and 29.1%, respectively. The main reasons why students fail to master the threshold level of competence in first aid are both a feeling of fear, lack of experience, ethical side (vomit, blood), insufficient technical equipment during practicals, as well as the fact that this subject is taught by educators without medical background, which is confirmed by the results and correlation analysis. In addition, the respondents were faced with the approaches that do not correspond to the correct algorithm of actions: 8.2% - in the 1st group and 15.5% - in the 2nd. The level of competence development among students is decreasing, by the end of the university only 8.7% can implement “I know, can do, and master the skill”. Conclusion. The competence-based approach to non-core subjects does not produce the expected result. This is due to the lack of cumulative acquisition of knowledge, competences and skill throughout the study process at the university, insufficient technical equipment during practicals and the fact that the subject is taught by specialists without relevant background. Scope of application. The data obtained can be used to develop state educational standards.