VALUE CHANGES AS DETERMINANTS OF VALUE EDUCATION

Abstract

The current changes in axiological principles determine the dynamic processes of rethinking values, and changing the content of value-semantic sphere in the contemporary society. Therefore, the importance of axiological research and the application of axiological approach is growing. The studies aimed at conceptualizing the impact of modern changes in axiological principles on the educational priorities in higher education are gaining particular significance. Consequently, a practical attempt at such conceptualization has been made, based on sociological, axiological and pedagogical research and publications of Ukrainian and foreign scientists.
The process of value transformations has shown not to be straightforward and explicit in principal, and the tension between tradition and modernity remains the basis of the value system in European societies. At the same time, special literature analysis gives grounds to assert that the changing processes in the world, being the clash of globalization and national self-identification, innovative trends and preservation of traditional values, conflicts of individual and team interests, could not but affect the changes in axiological principles. They shape the value preferences of an individual, forming the value-semantic sphere of a person by assimilation and acceptance of certain values, and creating the important preconditions for involvement in the desired moral, ethical and behavioral space. Subsequently, it is substantiated that the state and society should pay constant attention to the value sphere of a person, particularly in the educational area. The paper advocates the position that the special role of education in the context of value-semantic sphere is due to the fact that formation of value system shapes life principles of a person, is an adaptation prerequisite for a changing world, and is essential for the spiritual and moral perfection and personal autonomy. Additionally, the development of value education can be considered one of the key factors in modernization of higher education at the current stage.
Finally, on the ground of the analysis, it has been revealed that value principles in educational context are the means of regulation and governing the educational activities, if the relevant values have acquired personal status and became the subject of experience and rethinking by the educators. Thus, in terms of the dynamic changes, particularly in axiological content, professional value training for teachers, including the teachers of foreign languages, is of a great significance, and the necessity of scientific research of its practical realization acquires special importance.