Managing practical training for future educators in Ukrainian Borderland and relocated universities under Martial Law

Abstract

The urgency of designing effective management decisions in the practical training of future educators at Ukrainian universities has intensified due to the challenges posed by Russia’s war against Ukraine. The conflict has necessitated adaptive management strategies, particularly in relocated and borderland universities, to address material and informational losses, safety risks, and the predominance of remote learning. This study aims to identify key challenges in practical teacher training under wartime conditions and present effective management solutions based on the experiences of Berdyansk State Pedagogical University and Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko. The research employed monitoring analysis, surveys, and scientific extrapolation methods. A survey of 310 lecturers from 13 Ukrainian universities confirmed the need for flexible management decisions in ensuring the quality of practical training. The study of university management practices highlighted successful strategies, including the development of innovative educational and methodological support for remote learning, the strengthening of educational partnerships, and the implementation of new practice formats.The findings justify recommendations for enhancing practical training in wartime conditions, such as integrating digital technologies, updating training content with multimedia resources, fostering educational partnerships, engaging students in volunteer activities, strengthening stress resilience, modeling pedagogical situations, and creating an effective psychological support system for educators. These measures contribute to the sustainable development of teacher training in Ukraine’s higher education institutions amid ongoing crises.