Implementation of Scrum methodology elements in the educational process in Ukraine: New horizons for the development of communication competences

Abstract

n the context of digitalisation and technological development, modern Generation Z students, who are accustomed to online learning and digital gadgets, need innovative approaches and a favourable environment for self-development. To effectively educate this generation, teachers should focus on developing communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, and other significant competences. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of using the elements of the flexible Scrum methodology as a tool for developing students’ communication skills through the integration of an interdisciplinary approach. The study employed the methods of theoretical generalisation and comparison (consideration of the essence and characterisation of the differences between flexible methods), analysis (questionnaires, self-analysis of the case participants), statistical method (compilation and grouping of data to determine the percentage of satisfaction of participants), synthesis (combination of various types of information). The study analysed the studies of Ukrainian and foreign researchers on the options for using the Scrum methodology. The study described the stages of practical use of elements of the flexible Scrum methodology in the educational process, with each of the proposed stages substantiated. The statistics of responses to the survey of second- and fourth-year students to understand the effectiveness of teamwork during an interdisciplinary practical training were presented. A pedagogical experiment was conducted using elements of the Scrum methodology to develop the communication competences of applicants, which enabled fourth-year students to assess their professional skills for their future profession, and second-year students to conduct a self-analysis of their level of competence and understand the areas for self-improvement. The experiment contributed to the development of key communication and self-development skills. The study developed an algorithm for using elements of the Scrum methodology in interdisciplinary practical classes. The findings of an empirical study of the development of students’ communication competences using three diagnostic tools were presented. The practical value of this study lies in the possibility of implementing its findings in the educational process in the development of academic disciplines for various courses of higher education.