TRADITIONS OF TEACHING THE HISTORY OF UKRAINE AT T. H. SHEVCHENKO NATIONAL UNIVERSITY «CHERNIHIV COLEHIUM»

Abstract

Purpose. The article aims to examine the formation and development of the traditions of teaching the History of Ukraine at T. H. Shevchenko National University «Chernihiv Colehium» during the period of Ukraine’s independence and to identify the main educational and methodo­logical approaches and pedagogical practices that have developed in the process of training specialists.

Methodology. The methodological framework of the research is based on the principles of historicism, objectivity, and systematicity, which make it possible to analyse the development of traditions of teaching the History of Ukraine at T. H. Shevchenko National University «Chernihiv Colehium» in the context of transformations in Ukrainian historical education and changes in the system of higher education. The principle of historicism made it possible to trace the evolution of the content and methodology of teaching the History of Ukraine from the early 1990s to the present, taking into account socio-political and educational processes that have influenced the development of the humanities. The principle of systematicity ensured the consideration of teaching the History of Ukraine as a component of the university’s integrated educational and research environment. The historical-genetic method was used to analyse the stages in the formation of the system of teaching the History of Ukraine. The historical-comparative method made it possible to compare the content and structure of university courses in different periods and to trace the transformation of methodological approaches to teaching history. The historical-systemic approach was applied to study the relationship between the educational process, the research activities of teachers and students, and the institutional development of the university.

The methods of analysis and generalisation of documentary sources, including curricula, course syllabi, teaching and methodological manuals, conference materials, and publications of university teachers devoted to historical education and the methodology of teaching history, made it possible to identify the main directions of the development of historical education at the university. The analysis of educational practices, including forms of organising the learning process and the use of modern educational technologies – such as digital platforms, blended and distance learning technologies, the integration of media literacy, and digital resources in teaching historical disciplines made it possible to characterise the implementation of educational innovations.

Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the comprehensive analysis of the formation and development of traditions of teaching the History of Ukraine at T. H. Shevchenko National University «Chernihiv Colehium» during the period of Ukraine’s independence. For the first time, the experience of teaching the History of Ukraine at the university has been generalised as an integrated educational and research practice that combines the learning process, academic research, student research activities, and cooperation with secondary and extracurricular educational institutions. The study systematises the evolution of the content of university courses in the History of Ukraine, identifies the main educational and methodological approaches to their teaching, and highlights the role of the Department of Ukrainian History, Archaeology and Local History of the O. M. Lazarevskyi Educational and Scientific Institute of History and Socio-Humanitarian Disciplines in the formation of a regional centre of historical scholarship and in the training of professional historians. Particular attention is paid to modern trends in the methodology of teaching the History of Ukraine, including the use of digital educational technologies, elements of blended and distance learning, the integration of media literacy, and the involvement of students in research activities through participation in scientific conferences and archaeological and ethnographic expeditions.

Conclusions. The research demonstrates that the traditions of teaching the History of Ukraine at T. H. Shevchenko National University «Chernihiv Colehium» have developed into an integrated and dynamic system that combines long-standing academic experience with modern educational approaches. Their development has taken place in close connection with socio-political transformations, reforms in higher education, and the establishment of the independent Ukrainian state. The evolution of the content of university courses, the improvement of teaching methods, and the active research activities of teachers and students have contributed to the formation of a strong regional educational and research centre. The Department of Ukrainian History, Archaeology and Local History of the O. M. Lazarevskyi Educational and Scientific Institute of History and Socio-Humanitarian Disciplines plays an important role in ensuring the continuity of academic traditions and maintaining a high level of historical education. The modern stage of historical education at the university demonstrates an effective combination of traditional teaching methods with innovative approaches. The accumulated experience of the university illustrates the effectiveness of integrating educational, research, and practical components in the training of specialists and may serve as an important example for improving the methodology of teaching the History of Ukraine in higher education institutions of Ukraine.