IMPROVING THE LEVEL OF INTEGRAL COMPETENCE FORMATION OF CADETS AND TRAINEES OF THE KYIV INSTITUTE OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF UKRAINE THROUGH THE USE OF SIMULATION TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Summary. The article addresses the problem of improving the level of integral competence formation among cadets and trainees of the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard of Ukraine through the use of simulation technologies in professional training. The necessity of innovative approaches in military education is substantiated, taking into account the current security challenges and combat experience of the Armed Forces and the National Guard of Ukraine. A comparative analysis of control and experimental groups was carried out to empirically test the research hypothesis.

Methods. The research methodology is based on a pedagogical experiment with a step-by-step assessment of integral competence according to three criteria: psychological, cognitive, and reflective. The tools applied include testing, case analysis, simulation scenarios, and statistical data analysis using Pearson’s c²-test.

Results. The experiment revealed a positive dynamic in the development of integral competence among future officers in experimental groups. In particular, cadets demonstrated a reduction of 15–21% in the number of respondents with a low competence level and an increase of 14–25% in those with a high level. Among trainees, the most significant progress was observed in the reflective criterion: a 33% decrease in low-level and a 35% increase in high-level indicators. For cadets, the most significant positive dynamics were observed in the psychological and cognitive criteria, which indicates a high receptivity of the younger audience to digital and interactive learning methods. For trainees, the most pronounced progress was recorded in the reflective criterion, which is due to their practical combat and service experience that allows for a deeper comprehension of the outcomes of training scenarios. No statistically significant changes were recorded in the control groups, which proves the effectiveness of simulation technologies in military education.

Originality. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the empirically confirmed correlation between the application of simulation technologies and the growth of integral competence of military personnel. The practical significance consists in the possibility of scaling the proposed approach for higher military educational institutions of Ukraine and international military training programs.