СOSSACK PEDAGOGY IN MODERN UKRAINIAN EDUCATION

Abstract

This article analyzes the development of cossack pedagogy, identifies its most effective elements, and proposes ways to integrate them into Ukraine’s modern education system. In the context of this study, military-patriotic education is viewed as a historically determined form of educational practice that integrates the socio-economic, political, and cultural-spiritual potential of Ukrainian statehood.
It is noted that the erosion of value-based and meaningful reference points among older generations makes it impossible to pass on positive social experience to future generations. Together with the systemic crisis in education within educational institutions–specifically, the fragmentation of educational strategies and the lack of modern technologies for shaping sociocultural identity and civic engagement – this highlights the need to integrate the traditions of cossack education as a historically proven and effective pedagogical system.
The ukrainian cossacks played a pivotal cultural and historical role in shaping an authentic national system of education and upbringing, elements of which are worth applying in modern Ukrainian education, as ukrainian cossack pedagogy was based on the principles of cossack philosophy, chivalric ethics, and the democratic structure of the Sich. As a unique element of national education, this system accumulated scientific and pedagogical experience over the centuries, ensuring the upbringing of youth in the spirit of patriotism and an uncompromising struggle for national independence.
Cossack education is defined as an elite component of folk pedagogy, aimed at fostering a patriotic orientation, strong-willed qualities, and chivalric ethics in young people. The modern application of cossack educational traditions to the educational process requires systematic didactic and methodological support, adapted to the specific characteristics of educational institutions and current societal demands.
The key areas of cossack education today include:
– the development of a value system and worldview;
– adherence to ethical standards and professional duty;
– practical military training;
– the ability to critically analyze social processes;
– a conscious civic stance;
– a commitment to actively building the nation.