Priorities of state policy in patriotic education within the educational space of a confessional university

Abstract

Background. The relevance of this study is determined by the urgent need to modernize patriotic education in the context of significant changes in Russian society, increased state requirements for the integration of civic, moral, and spiritual values into the educational environment, and the growing role of confessional universities in shaping students' civic identity.

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyze the content, forms, methods, and results of patriotic education within a confessional university; to conceptualize the role of church-public initiatives, program modernization, and to develop methodological recommendations for improving educational practices.

Materials and methods. The research applied normative-legal and program-methodological documents, analysis of educational programs, empirical methods (surveys, interviews), content analysis methodology, as well as comparative and generalizing analysis of Russian pedagogical experience.

Results. The study revealed a comprehensive system of educational and upbringing work in a confessional university, integrating patriotic education into the educational process. Key forms of implementing patriotic values include active cooperation with church-public and volunteer organizations, the use of project-based, digital, and practice-oriented teaching methods, and organizing targeted civic-patriotic events. Students involved in volunteer activities and projects demonstrate a high level of formation of patriotic and moral attitudes, underscoring the importance of such activities in the educational process.

A critical prerequisite for enhancing the effectiveness of upbringing work is the development of new professional competencies among educators, necessitating a systematic approach to their training and retraining, considering the digital transformation of the educational environment.

The analysis results indicate that an effective combination of traditional spiritual and modern innovative pedagogical approaches, including the use of digital educational formats, creates conditions for integrating religious, patriotic, and civic components of upbringing. Special importance is given to collecting and analyzing student feedback, which revealed the practical success of implemented programs, their relevance, and prospects for further development.

There is a positive trend in the growth of students' social activity, improvement of the pedagogical potential of the teaching staff, expansion of opportunities for interaction with public institutions, and broadening of educational influence beyond traditional university audiences. Based on the research, recommendations were made to improve federal and regional patriotic education programs, enhance teacher qualifications, and develop networked cooperation between the university, church-public organizations, and government bodies.

Overall, the study confirms the relevance of a comprehensive and innovative approach to patriotic education in confessional universities, integrated into modern pedagogical realities and responding to digital and social challenges.

Practical implications. The conclusions and recommendations of this study can be used in the design and implementation of educational and upbringing programs in both confessional and secular universities; in the development of program documents and standards for patriotic education; as well as in the work of educators responsible for the formation of civic identity among youth and the advancement of interdepartmental cooperation in the educational sphere.

EDN: JNCDIQ