PHYSICAL EDUCATION MOVEMENT IN UKRAINE: NATIONAL AND REGIONAL CONGRESSES IN EARLY TWENTIETH–CENTURY

Abstract

Article’s purpose. The article discusses the role played by the All-Russian and Ukrainian regional pedagogical, medical and specialized congresses in the process of the formation of the physical education movement in the Ukrainian regions of the Russian Empire in early twentiethcentury.

Methodology. The selection criteria for documents and printed primary sources corresponded to the subject of research, namely, congresses of different levels in a particular historical period, their genesis, the content of programs and discussions on the problem of physical education (PE). Territorial borders covered the Ukrainian region of the Russian Empire. Data collection was carried out in various historical archives of Ukraine and Russia. Additionally, articles and dissertations of modern researchers were analyzed.

Scientific novelty. The study notes that the discussion on PE, which began after the «great reforms» of the 60-70s, in early twentieth-century gained new dynamism. Disputes at pedagogical and medical congresses and calls to convene congresses of the PE public have become a new demand of the time. They contributed to the consolidation of teachers and the PE public and the solution of pressing issues of the progressive development of PE in schools, gymnastic and sports societies and the army. The initiators of the convocations of congresses and other meetings in the Russian Empire were gymnastic and scientific societies, authoritative public activists, and Educational Districts (ED). The congresses discussed proposals for improving the PE of all segments of the population: preschool PE, PE of students in primary, secondary and higher education; equipment of gym and outdoor areas; exercises of children and adults; theoretical and methodological issues of PE, hygiene and dietetics; teacher training; development of sports, etc. At the second decade of the twentieth century, the first serious attempts were made to hold specialized congresses of the PE public as independent institutions, but only the Sokols managed to hold these events.

Conclusions. In early twentieth-century, pedagogical, medical and PE congresses became a form of consolidation of Ukrainian society with the aim of solving topical problems of PE, sports, outdoor activities, pre-conscription training, teacher training, etc. These events have become the prototype of modern scientific and practical conferences.