Ostroh Academy Hosted a Training on Interactive Methodology of Teaching Civic Education

December 19, 2023

On December 19, 2023, a training for the OA lecturers, "Interactive Methodology of Teaching Civic Education", was held at The National University "Ostroh Academy". The event was organised with the support of Ostroh Academy and in collaboration with the Civic Education Hub of IFES and IFES Ukraine.

The coaches for the event were Maria Tsypiashchuk, a lecturer at the Department of Theory and History of State and Law at The National University Ostroh Academy, and Nataliia Oliinyk, PhD in Political Science and Associate Professor at the Department of Social and Humanitarian Disciplines at Andrei Krupynskyi Lviv Medical Academy.

"For me, it was a precious experience. Working with colleagues from various specialities with different perspectives on certain phenomena is gratifying. I am grateful for their enthusiasm, friendliness, and engagement in meaningful and interesting discussions. It will be beneficial for them in their teaching endeavours. It was also a pleasure to work in tandem with Ms. Nataliia Oliinyk."

During the event, the trainers shared their experience of interactive teaching and how to apply it to build and shape knowledge, skills, and attitudes simultaneously. The speakers and the participants tested exciting and effective teaching methods for higher education students.

"During the training, we discussed civic education in general, the importance of the interactive element in this education, and told about the course 'Democracy: From Theory to Practice'. Interactive methodologies are highly relevant and beneficial today because they allow students to process material better and understand it in a more engaging and accessible form. Additionally, they allow for creating a trusting, partnership atmosphere within the group and between the lecturer and students. This allows students to open up, discuss freely, express and argue their opinions, work in a team, and think critically,"

Other participants of the event also shared their impressions from the training: Andrii Smyrnov, Full Professor of History, Professor at the Prof. M.Kovalsky Department of History; Yuliia Kharchuk, Candidate of Sciences (Economics), Associate Professor at the Department of Finance, Accounting, and Audit; as well as Halyna Tsepiuk, Director of the Scientific Library at the NaUOA. 

"Participation in the training allowed me to become acquainted with the new interactive methodology of teaching civic education and other disciplines, enhance the lecturer's qualifications and improve soft skills,"

"Sincere thanks to colleagues for the interesting, practical, and useful training, such an essential face-to-face communication and exchange of experience. I will adapt the interactive methodology of teaching introduced today for students while teaching the courses 'Anti-crisis Management of an Enterprise' and 'Strategic Management Accounting.'" I thank the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the opportunity to learn and teach. Together, we are bringing closer victory on the educational front,"

"The interactive methodology of teaching civic education presented by the trainers is an effective approach for organising learning. During the training, we were offered effective practical exercises in civic education that developed critical thinking, allowing us to analyse situations and their processes. I plan to use this methodology during the Library Services Course and in organising patriotic and educational events and initiatives for students. Indeed, the library serves as an essential educational information centre that contributes to developing citizens' competencies,"