SEMIOTIC POTENTIAL OF TEACHER EDUCATION

Abstract

Despite the considerable number of studies dealing with the semiotic aspects of education, none show the full semiotic potential of pedagogical education. This study presents the hierarchies of sign systems and their application in the training and development of future teachers. The use of A.B. Solomonik’s pyramid of sign systems to determine the semiotic potential of pedagogical education is particularly relevant. In this context, two goals of pedagogical training are considered. The first one is to use the sign systems of the given classification to identify the contents of the subject mastered by future teachers and use them for pedagogical interaction. In this case, semiotic research is developed in three directions: the semiotics of visualization of the content of school subjects; semiotics of visualization of the teaching process based on modern possibilities of technical means of education and information and communication technologies; and semiotics of pedagogical communication (internal and external). The second goal defines the prospects for using the presented semiotic pyramid for cultivating a general professional culture for student teachers. However, as a science, education does not have formalized first and second-order systems within the given classification. In this study, stereotypes (perceptions, images, behaviors) that determine the dynamics of a future teacher’s education and development function as units of sign systems. The development of stereotypes of pedagogical culture in future teachers determines their professional and personal progress, and the emergence and dynamics of innovative solutions. The characteristics of the four-level sign systems are given 1) Natural Sign Systems. These are elementary representations of interaction between student and teacher, reflecting life experiences made before the beginning of professional education. 2) Image Systems. These are stereotypes about the school education system held by applicants to the pedagogical universities. Stereotypes have both positive and negative characteristics. 3) Linguistic Systems. Verbal texts contain theoretical information about a particular area of professional culture and presuppose that each student acquires it individually (lecture material, traditional learning assignments, homework). A semiotic model of learning is manifested. The teacher gives a theoretical introduction to pedagogical paradigms – meta stereotypes of pedagogical perceptions and behaviors through language systems. 4) Writing systems. This level of sign systems includes written texts (documents) reflecting pedagogical systems and technologies, educational programs, and standards. A certain role in the formation of stereotypes among teachers is played at this level by the lists of competencies and professional functions defined by educational and professional standards. A different approach to personal and professional development implies a practice-oriented educational system developed through the continuous exercise of job-related tasks. In this sense, teacher training should reflect professional activity with the broader perspectives of synergy.