Sociocultural Competence as a Quality Indicator in the Professional Training of Specialists

Abstract

The concept of “Sociocultural competence” is introduced in relation to the professional training of a graduate of a modern university (bachelor), the relevance of such an extension of the conceptual apparatus of pedagogy and practice in the context of contemporary sociocultural trends is substantiated. The problem of universal significance of sociocultural competence, its relevance for all areas of training of a modern specialist is determined. Sociocultural competence is seen as an integrative, over-professional, personality trait that ensures the success of professional activities in an intercultural and international environment in conditions of the globalizing world. “Sociocultural competence” is interpreted by the author as a broader concept than professional competence which cannot be reduced to linguistic competence formed in the process of students’ language preparation for intercultural communication. The objectives of the article are: to identify the structural components of the sociocultural competence of a specialist, to study the level of its development among first-year students (using the example of a university of international profile). An analysis of the structure of sociocultural competence is carried out taking into account the philosophical and psychological aspects of the concept of sociocultural modernization of education. The level of development of sociocultural competence of students is determined using a questionnaire specially developed by the author. The article substantiates the propriety of considering sociocultural competence as an indicator of the quality of professional training of a graduate.