THE ABILITY OF FUTURE EDUCATORS TO LEARN THROUGHOUT LIFE: PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND THE REQUIREMENT OF NOWADAYS

Abstract

The author of the article has presented a theoretical substantiation of future educators' ability to learn throughout the life as a professional competence and the requirements of the present. It has been noted that the specificity of the profession requires the formation of an appropriate level of professional competence in future preschool teachers in the process of professional training. We are convinced that the quality of professional activity in the conditions of preschool education, professional growth and image of future specialists in preschool education depends on this. The article presents the most relevant definitions of the concept of «professional competence» by national scholars and, on this basis, our own understanding of this phenomenon. Professional competence has been interpreted as an integrated characteristic of a personality, including: special professional knowledge, skills and abilities; personal qualities (love for children, responsibility, creativity, empathy, sociability, ability to self-development, self-education, etc. and readiness to carry out high-quality professional activities in the conditions of preschool educational institutions. The components of the content of the competence «future educators' ability to learn throughout life» have been characterized as follows: the educator's ability to self-reflect and self-evaluate their own professional activities, professional development and self-education. It has been emphasized that the ability of future educators to learn throughout life is one of the most important professional competencies, since in today's globalized society, where knowledge is constantly updated and technologies are developing, educators must be ready for continuous self-improvement. We believe that self-awareness and selfreflection, motivation to learn, communication and self-organization skills, adaptability to new conditions and requirements, openness to innovation, etc. are at the heart of lifelong learning.