A social learning approach as a methodological basis for pedagogical research into students’ social maturity

The problem is important due to a current socio-economic situation, characterised by a rapid development of information and communication media along with the introduction of innovative industrial technologies. It makes people come in contact with different social subjects and inevitably leads to a drastic increase in the number and intensity of social interactions. That is why modern specialists should be able not only to execute their professional duties but also to interact effectively with their social environment, which means accepting responsibility for the decisions made, combining personal and social interests. In other words, modern specialists are supposed to be socially mature. The novelty of the proposed research lies in the development of a methodological approach, which can be applied to different aspects of students’ social maturity. As a result the article studies the application of a social learning approach to the interpretation of the term ‘students’ social maturity’, its structure and the procedure of its formation