PECULIARITIES OF CONDUCTING SEMINARS AT HIGHER EDUCATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT INSTITUTIONS

The article emphasizes educational and multicultural importance of seminars that teach the students how to freely apply acquired knowledge, to analyse educational information, to take active part in debates and to be able to reasonably express and defend own opinions. Based on the vast experience gained during arranging and conducting seminars, the teachers of the higher educational law enforcement institution were able to conclude that the most effective forms of these lessons are those that include the elements of problem solving, "round table" workshops and case studies. These types of seminars contribute to formation of future officers' ability of solving various professional problems in the line of duty. At problem-based workshops a military instructor with the help of specially selected challenging situations organizes the work of cadets and students, thus encouraging them to think critically and independently, actively searching for answers to the questions. The practical experience gained in the course of conducting "round table" classes in specially equipped classrooms has also proved effectiveness of this type of seminar, providing development of professional and creative thinking, cognitive motivation and specific use of knowledge under educational conditions. Case study method has also proved its effectiveness: such workshops have particular importance, as the cadets during state examinations in major subjects need to perform similar tasks, making right decision in a given situation based on their theoretical knowledge and relevant legislation. A seminar is not limited to copying or consolidating the knowledge gained at lectures: its tasks are much broader, more complex and interesting. Our findings show that effectiveness of a seminar depends on a number of components: theoretical, pedagogical and methodological expertise of an instructor; thorough preparation of seminars; cadets' and students' readiness and active participation in the workshop. Methodological competence and skills of a teacher and detailed preparation for lessons, which includes drawing of comprehensive lesson plan, are equally important. Making a detailed plan of a seminar will make young teachers more confident, helping them feel free at any situations. When preparing for a seminar the practical work of each cadet and student should be organized at several stages, given the amount of time for the workshop, recommended reference materials, literature, notes and other sources of information, making outlines of reports and presentations.