SMALL ACADEMIC GROUPS: FORMS AND METHODS OF CONDUCTING SEMINARS ON HUMANITARIAN AND SOCIAL DISCIPLINES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Introduction. In terms of searching the innovative forms and methods of teaching, the most important of them are those which correspond to modern tendencies of behavior and views of youth,students who strive for individualism, self-expression, self-affirmation, and leadership in society. In our opinion, these are different forms of work in small groups, where the environment and conditions are created for the expression of individuality, views, and original approaches to complex issues. This can be achieved by forming different models of the situations close to practical activity, roles,relevant positions distribution, and formulation of problematic statements of both collective and individual nature. Such approaches, as well as conditions and realities that appear in the modern education system in connection with Covid-19, seem appropriate, justified, and effective. Working in small groups provides greater opportunities for implementing subject programs and forming specific specialization competencies. It improves student's concentration, participation in classes, frequency of participation in solving the class issues, promotes leadership and responsibility. Purpose. The article focused on analysis methods and forms of social and humanitarian education of students of higher education institutes of technological profile in a small (small-numbered) academic group which forms the ability to work in a team for a successful outcome. Methods. Methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization and comparison were used to achieve the objective. Results. The article shows the main forms and methods of work at the seminars on in the humanities and social sciences in technical institutes of higher education. The article notes the circumstances of the approach to the studying process in small group during the Covid-19 period. This indicates the difficulties and problematic elements of working with small groups that affect the process in general. Originality. The scientific novelty of the study is reflected in the proposals of applying different forms of work in small-numbered groups, including in special conditions, arising from Covid-19. Conclusion. The organization of the studying process in small student groups meets the modern requirements not only in the education field but also in society aimed at gaining professionals that are able to make independent decisions, defend their ideas, creativity, and responsibility for given work. Introduction of innovative methods in conducting classes in small groups gives teacher more opportunities to reveal student's potential, encourage motivation for studying, forms readiness to realize own career ambitions through teamwork. It is vital to create new flexible methods of organizing the studying process in small groups. They will provide an opportunity to combine the formation of professional competencies and social and humanitarian ones. It is advisable to present the new subject materials and control of control it to the format of virtual studying and online conditions.