Media volunteering in vocational education in the context of the “Service-learning” methodology: expert opinion

Abstract

Importance. In 2023, the demand for the “Service-learning” methodology has increased significantly due to the updating of approaches to the implementation of state policy to preserve and strengthen traditional values in the system of educational work of an educational organization of higher education. Currently, “Service-learning” is considered as a special form of project-based learning, which involves the development of professional skills among undergraduate students through their close interaction with non-profit organizations. In this context, we are talking about creating conditions for more effective mastery of the educational program by involving students in socially significant project activities, which are directly related to what is within the scope of interests and practice-oriented activities of students. The methodology is aimed at developing citizenship, patriotism, civic solidarity and traditional values in students. The university as an educational center provides students with great opportunities for self-realization and practical activities. An educational organization of higher education is an effective platform for the development of intellectual areas of volunteering, which include media volunteering. The purpose of the study is to identify the attitude of the specialized expert community and employers in the media field to the promotion of volunteering and support of media volunteering as an effective tool for developing professional and universal competencies of students in communication fields of study in the process of integrating the “Service-learning” methodology into the university educational environment. Research methods. Media volunteer activities are studied in the context of the professional development of students in communication areas of training, as well as the introduction of the “Service-learning” methodology. The influence of media volunteer experience on the career trajectory and personal development of students is considered. The methodology of an expert survey with experienced managers in the media field was is in order to identify the attitude of the specialized expert community to the development of media volunteering and expanding the range of its effects for both subjects and beneficiaries. Results and Discussion. It is revealed that the expert community in the field of communications has a positive attitude towards the promotion of volunteerism, and media volunteer experience is considered by the majority of respondents as a competitive advantage in the labor market. At the same time, there is a lack of awareness among experts about the specifics of media volunteering, and a number of problems and opportunities for development in the field of promoting volunteerism are identified. Among the problems: lack of information about the opportunities and forms of volunteering, lack of specialized promotion skills among representatives of the non-profit sector, as well as adherence to outdated forms of communication. Opportunities include: attracting and stimulating media volunteers, monitoring and using new formats and communication channels, creating creative projects and using storytelling. Conclusion. Media volunteering, based on expert opinion, can be considered an effective area of practice within the framework of the “Service-learning” methodology, aimed both at developing professional and non-professional skills of students in communication areas of training, and at developing volunteer activity as one of the priority areas of Russia’s youth policy.