THE AESTHETIC MINDSET FORMATION IN FUTURE SOCIAL WORKERS DURING THE SIMULATION OF PROFESSIONAL SITUATIONS

Introduction. The article emphasizes the need for qualitative updating of target orientations in the social workers' professional preparation for the requirements of post-industrial society. It is noted that for high-quality services of social support, patronage and social rehabilitation of the general population, social workers must implement a wide functional and role repertoire, which is mainly determined by their mindset. The purpose of the article is to present the main approaches, principles, methods and means of shaping of the social workers' aesthetic mindset in the process of professional training in higher education institutions. Methods. The presented research used semantic analysis and systematization of input and tangent categories to the concept of "aesthetic mindset"; methods of analysis, concretization and conceptualization of advanced pedagogical experience, content analysis and modelling the process of shaping the social workers' aesthetic mindset. Result. The aesthetic mindset presented as a system of knowledge about the world in total and the social sphere in particular, as well as views, ideals, professional values and norms that determine the general vision and understanding of the place and role of social workers defining their own life, professional position, and behaviour according to the laws of beauty. The aesthetic mindset is able to complect functions in the professional activity of a social worker. Originality. The essence and structure of the social workers' aesthetic mindset, its functions, regularities and mechanisms have been substantiated; types and forms of modelling of professional situations have been described. Conclusions. Modelling of professional situations should be a natural component of a social worker's professional preparation, it has to focus on the essence and content of their future activities and aesthetic mindset.