Non-formal education as the factor of formation of social competence of high school children

The problem of formation of social competence of students is one of the leading at the present stage of social development. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the role and importance of non-formal education as a factor in shaping the social competence of high school students. Using general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison and generalization, the analyzed scientific works, published in scientific and practical editions and placed on domestic and foreign websites, the importance of non-formal education in shaping the social competence of high school students is determined. Non-formal education for high school students is interpreted as supplementary education, which is institutionalized, purposeful, planned by the general secondary education institution as an organization providing educational services. A defining characteristic of non-formal education for high school students is that it is complementary and alternative to formal education, acquired through educational programs, and does not involve the awarding of state-recognized educational qualifications. Theoretical approaches to defining the concept of "non-formal education" are revealed. It is characterized that non-formal education in modern conditions performs a complex of functions: motivational, aimed at accepting new living conditions; informational, ability to find, choose, use the necessary information; activity-oriented, to master new ways of activity; axiological, to master socially necessary values. It is substantiated that non-formal education of high school students is a space for expansion of their traditional educational activity. It has been proved that non-formal education has its own methodology for influencing the development of social competence of a high school student's personality. The article describes theoretical approaches to the definition of "non-formal education". Functions of non-formal education are characterized: motivational, informational, activity-oriented and axiological. Non-formal education is described as a logical continuation of basic education, as one of the guiding factors of the whole educational process. The role of non-formal education of high school students as a space for expanding their traditional educational activities is substantiated. The role of electives, circles, clubs, individual work, participation in the work of student self-government of a secondary education institution as an essential factor of the whole school educational environment is revealed. The influence of non-formal education on the development of social competence of the high school student's personality is proved.