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Introduction. The area of intercultural communication with its system-forming theory, empirical research and implementation is gaining currency both in academic research and in the professional training of students. Regarding the latter aspect, there is a need (a) for developing a concept for the training of master’s students with knowledge of foreign languages; (b) for the introduction of new educational practices that successfully combine intercultural communication, foreign language and the modeling of communicative behavior in foreign language communication with its further reproduction in language practice in the students’ native language as well as (c) for the introduction of an educational project using modern technologies in the practice of institutions of higher education. The paper discusses the concept, structure and content of an educational project relying on the experience of higher education in Russia and Germany and aims to work towards an understanding of the social significance of future professional activities, primarily concerning the specific problems as well as of the adequacy of social and professional contacts in intercultural communication. Materials and Methods. Based on the subject, object and objectives of the study, the project’s methodological plan was implemented in the following stages: project planning, development of the fundamental features of the concept; determination of the project’s content; project modeling; introduction to the training of master’s students of various specialties at institutions of higher education. The methodological basis of the project consisted of the analysis of intercultural communication between representatives of the German and the Russian linguocultural community as well as the exchange of experience between them and their comparison. Results. Following the study and the exchange of experience between the institutions of higher education of Russia and Germany, the need for an integrative educational course was revealed, aiming at the improvement and optimization of intercultural communication skills at the level of both professional and personal communication with the goal to prepare master’s students for their future as researchers and practitioners. The educational project presented in the paper drawing on an eponymous integrative course will increase the efficiency of the training of master’s students from various specialized fields and prepare them for successful communication processes with representatives of other linguocultural communities. Discussion and Conclusion. The contents of this paper will be useful for researchers interested in optimizing the preparation of master’s students with knowledge in foreign languages by applying international experience.

Introduction: the paper is concerned with potential and barriers of application of visualisation as a method in learning social sciences and humanities. Using and employing visual aids becomes the most important resource in modern pedagogical theory and learning process due to the improvement of traditional pedagogical tools and new interpretation of well-known methods. Materials and Methods: the methods of observation, analysis of test results, results of examination session, data of questionnaires were used during the elaboration of the paper. Results: a good visual aid in teaching political science is the smiley as a simplified graphical representation expressing the emotions of a speaker or a writer. Observation, survey and results of examinations indicate that the above visual solutions not only improve students’ knowledge of subjects, but also improve the intellectual activity, contribute to the formation of the methodical approach to learning, associative thinking and creativity. Discussion and Conclusion: visualisation is a sign presentation of the content, functions, structures, stages of a process, a phenomenon through schematisation and associative and illustrative arrays. At the same time it is a way of transforming knowledge into real visual product with the author’s personal touch. Initially, students learn to reflect by drawing the essence of rather abstract concepts such as “parity”, “power” “freedom” etc. Assignments of higher levels involve the use of associative arrays, free images. By doing this, students do not just paint, but on their own initiative work with colours, seek to schematise information, sometimes dressing comments in lyrics.

Introduction: the current leading trend of the educational development is characterised by its continuity. Institutions of higher education as multi-level educational complexes nurture favourable conditions for realisation of the strategy of lifelong education. Today a technical university offering training of future engineers is facing a topic issue of creating a multilevel educational complex. Materials and Methods: this paper is put together on the basis of modern Russian and foreign scientific literature about lifelong education. The authors used theoretical methods of scientific research: systemstructural analysis, synthesis, modeling, analysis and generalisations of concepts. Results: the paper presents a model of lifelong education developed by authors for a technical university as a multilevel educational complex. It is realised through a set of principles: multi-level and continuity, integration, conformity and quality, mobility, anticipation, openness, social partnership and feedback. In accordance with the purpose, objectives and principles, the content part of the model is formed. The syllabi following the described model are run in accordance with the training levels undertaken by a technical university as a multilevel educational complex. All syllabi are based on the gradual nature of their implementation. In this regard, the authors highlight three phases: diagnostic, constructive and transformative, assessing. Discussion and Conclusions: the expected result of the created model of lifelong education development in a technical university as a multilevel educational complex is presented by a graduate trained for effective professional activity, competitive, prepared and sought-after at the regional labour market.

Introduction: the article discusses significance of use of new technologies in the learning process for realisation of goals of cognitive and affective domain of knowledge. The paper explores the methods of development of educational knowledge, which is achieved by information, reproductive and research means. Based on example of bioethics the paper demonstrates the use of visuals technology (charts, graphs, tables, illustrations, specification, etc.), which performs the following tasks: memorising, analysis and synthesis, comparison and differentiation, categorisation and classification, identification of relationships between facts, and for the revision of the material studied, acquisition of the new knowledge, memo risation of educational material. Materials and Methods: on the basis of the dialectical approach the object of research is new technologies in the learning process, in particular the study of bioethics. By using methods of observation, survey, analysis and synthesis in the educational process the authors prove the efficiency of such technologies as the use of visualisation (diagrams, illustrations), problem-based learning (issues, tasks and situations) and research tasks (case study method). Results: visual method complements the learning process. It allows a deeper understanding of the subject. This method deals with feelings, emotions and consciousness of students. It encourages creativity. In addition this method of material presentation allows reducing the amount of material of an ordinary lecture. It is underscored that in the study of bioethics it is recommended to use a technology of a problem-based learning, which is able to implement the intellectual activity of students by means of questions¸ case-studies, tasks and situations. The most vivid form of such technology is a case method. The basis for the emergence of technology of problembased learning is a certain contradiction between knowledge and practice. This method can be attributed to the simulation model of learning, the benefits of which are the development of skills of practical experience of future specialists. Discussion and Conclusions: the authors conclude that the use of technologies facilitates the solution of the following tasks: development of creative potential of students, analytical skills. It allows to classify and analyse information as well as to master the studied material and to ap ply it in practice.

Introduction: the paper examines the influence of the portfolio approach on the effective use of training time by contemporary students. This problem is topical due to modernisation of domestic education and the introduction of the new federal state educational standards of higher education, which foresee the intensification of educational process at Institutions of Higher Education. Materials and Methods: based of the analysis of differentiation of students depending on capability for instruction and desire to learn, the paper reveals the potential categories of students requiring a motivational tool, that would enable them to rapidly and effectively acquire general cultural and professional competences. The students of Samara State Aerospace University participated in the experiment. The instruction of students in control groups was carried out traditionally, and in the experimental one – with the application of portfolio approach. Results: upon completion of testing entitled “do you have a feeling of time?” the research into timesaving potential of portfolio approach has revealed, that students in control and experimental groups can be divided into four categories: “overbusy”, “in general able to manage their studies well”, “able to manage their studies optimally” and “virtually successful”. The research showed that students in experimental groups began to manage more in a shorter time, the portion of students of the second and third categories has increased in comparison with the first and the fourth groups. Discussion and Conclusions: as a whole, the findings have practical significance, making it possible to intensify the educational activity of students. The application of portfolio approach during the organisation of the independent work of students changed their attitude to “ the value” of time.

Introduction. The development and implementation of innovative teaching methods into the educational practices of foreign and Russian universities require a sufficient level of preparedness for change both from university lecturers and university students. This paper presents university lecturers' perceptions concerning the concept of flipped learning and students' orientations towards the idea of independent learning realised by means of flipped learning. Materials and Methods. The survey was carried out using a questionnaire focused on 2-4-year students specialising in humanities and a semi-structured interview with lecturers working at Ural Federal University. Results. The study revealed many problems associated with the implementation of flipped learning model in higher education. According to the lecturers interviewed, for this model to be successfully implemented, the following conditions should be provided: the existing system of teaching workload allocation should be modified; technical staff supporting the implementation of the model should be appointed; workshops and master classes should be held for specialists implementing or using the flipped learning model in their practical work. The results of the survey show that students experience difficulties in adapting to flipped learning. The students do not have enough independent learning skills. Discussion and Conclusions. We believe that successful implementation of flipped learning model in higher education is possible. This approach can be realised through the use of information systems and programs, meeting the needs of students. Students should study methods of independent analysis from the beginning of training. The authors examined lecturers' and students' attitude towards flipped learning and the obstacles to the implementation of this approach in the higher education system. The research results can be useful for university managers focused on consolidating their universities' positions by introducing innovative educational technologies, as well as for researchers interested in the technologies of mixed learning. © 2018 National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University. All rights reserved..

Introduction: the purpose of this article is to study the opinion of interested and non-professional segment of society regarding the Uniform State Exam on mathematics and affordability of higher education in Russia. The authors checked the hypothesis of interconnection between social opinion and changes in the exam procedure, economic and socio-demographic situation, educational system reformation and integration of educational space in the RF and other countries. Materials and Methods: we studied the survey data of students in Togliatti State University, their parents or legal representatives between 2009–2016. We processed the results by methods of probability assessment with the help of complex features reflecting possibilities of the applicants admitted to higher educational institutions and social affordability of higher education. Results: we theoretically grounded and developed the method of social opinion study about the Uniform State Exam and affordability of higher education in the region. Dynamics of social opinion was studied with the help of adapted probability rates describing either quantitative or qualitative features of social processes. We studied and analyzed scientific papers devoted to the attitude of society to secondary school final exams, admission to higher education institutions, and social mobility of the applicants and determined theoretical background of education space integration with the education sy stems of other countries. Discussion and Conclusions: the research showed that even in the region with visible economic and socio-demographic problems the concerned part of society gradually understands that the Uniform State Exam serves to keep education quality in the country making it more affordable. The results of the study may be useful to specialists in the field of education, as well as int eresting to the general public.

Introduction: the problem of formulation of social mandate at the level of primary education is caused by integration, globalisation processes, and introduction of reforms in education. The contemporary society puts forward new requirements to education system which has to meet demands of various social actors, involved in the educational process. Social mandate is a tool of interaction between society and education by which the diverse consumers of educational services can express their educational needs. A student as the main subject of education takes the special place among the consumers of educational services. Clearly defined social mandates ensures quality of education, therefore this article focuses on the attempt of formulating social mandate for the high school on behalf of a learner. Materials and Methods: a theoretical analysis of pedagogical and sociological literature was made in the process of writing the article. Results: the domestic and international experience in elaboration of the social mandate for the high school was explored and summarised. The main targets of social mandate at the level of basic education was analysed. Discussion and Conclusions: the paper describes the specifics of formulation of the social mandate (specific interests, needs, requirements and requests to high school), that high school should work towards to be able to maintain its competitiveness in the modern market society.