Development of Soft Skills in Future Preschool Teachers using ICT in Their Professional Training

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the extent to which future preschool teachers develop soft skills through the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in their professional training. The effectiveness of this approach was assessed using J. Phillips' model, along with efficiency, variation, effectiveness, and correlation coefficients. Additionally, peer observation was employed to evaluate training. Correlation analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and the Mann–Whitney U test. The teaching method developed consisted of three stages, and the training program incorporated various digital tools, such as Mentimeter, Kahoot, VoiceThread, Pear Deck, and EdPuzzle. The study showed that the proposed pedagogical approach promoted the development of critical thinking (0.92), creativity (0.90), competitiveness (0.87), and social competence (0.84) among learners. The findings revealed that 74% of future preschool teachers displayed a high level of organizational skills, particularly in presenting original information. J. Phillips' model indicated high performance in preschoolers (Group 1) and students (Group 2). The practical significance of this work lies in its potential to enhance the educational process through the use of digital technologies. Further research could explore the effectiveness of modern digital technologies in cultivating soft skills in future teachers.