Signs of the anthropological paradigm in professional education

Abstract

The paper is of importance due to the developing poly-paradigmatic approach in the pedagogical theory and practice. Diverse content of numerous paradigms influences both, the methodology of bringing up educational issues and solving every-day practical tasks of the educational process. The purpose of the article is to reveal certain signs of the anthropological paradigm and indicate whether it is possible to develop them in professional education. It is mentioned that the dominant educational paradigm is set in accordance with the pattern of the society. Differing approaches to define the number and the content of paradigms in education are compared. It is shown that opposing classical paradigm (in all its variations) to the humanistic one is counter-productive. The idea of the anthropological paradigm having potential to bringing them together is expressed. Some signs of the anthropological paradigm are defined. They are the shift from information to knowledge, technology-advanced professional activity, and virtual occupation. It is shown that the signs mentioned are found in professional education. The conclusion is drawn that in accordance with the inner logic of the system development these spot changes, caused by the signs mentioned are to become the areas of the system’s growth.