UNITY OF PEDAGOGICAL THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING SYSTEM OF MASTERS (FROM WORK EXPERIENCE)

Introduction. The problem of the unity of pedagogical theory and practice in the system of professional training of masters is analyzed. Attention is focused on the specialty 011 Educational Pedagogical Sciences (educational and professional master's training program «Educational, Pedagogical Sciences», which prepares students of higher education to work in the scientific and educational spheres). The work experience of the department of general pedagogy and andragogy, which is a graduation department and carries out professional training of specialists in this specialty, is revealed. Purpose. Highlighting the experience of implementing the principle of the unity of pedagogical theory and practice in the system of professional training of masters in specialty 011 «Educational and pedagogical sciences». Methods. The research used general scientific methods of scientific research – analysis, synthesis, comparison, specification, and generalization of theoretical propositions. Results. The ways and forms of ensuring the unity of theory and practice in the holistic training of higher education applicants are highlighted: within classroom classes (lectures, seminars): holding interactive, problem- based lectures, lectures-discussions, lectures-visualizations, seminars-dialogues, seminars-disputes, seminars- colloquiums, micro-teaching seminars; in connection with production (production practices): production pedagogical practice in higher education, production scientific and pedagogical practice in higher education; within the framework of extracurricular, independent work: preparation of applicants for participation in the competition of scientific works, participation in the work of the student-postgraduate circle of the department, scientific circles of teachers of the department; involvement of master's students in participation in scientific meetings; publication of articles in the cathedral magazine «Didaskal» and others. Originality. Presentation of the rich and original work experience of the staff of the Department of General Pedagogy and Andragogy, which ensures the implementation of the educational program «Educational and Pedagogical Sciences» for the professional training of applicants of the second (master's) level of higher education Conclusions. The mentioned ways and forms of ensuring the unity of theory and practice in the integral training of masters deserve their further use and, at the same time, taking into account the speed of changes and the dynamism of the educational space, their potential must be constantly renewed and replenished, adequately to the requirements of the time. We see the prospect of further scientific research in the development of general recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of ensuring the unity of pedagogical theory and practice in the preparation of higher education applicants.