Content, Forms and Methods of Forming Economic Competence of Adults in the Modern System of Education

У статті досліджуються особливості економічної освіти та її специфіка в дорослому віці в контексті сучасних освітніх, економічних та соціальних викликів українського суспільства. Аналізуються зміст та функції економічної освіти як соціального феномена, розглядаються теоретичні засади формування економічної компетентності дорослих, виокремлюються компоненти економічно освіченої людини, критично осмислюються форми сучасної економічної освіти дорослих. Пропонуються методи практичної реалізації педагогічного впливу на дорослих з метою набуття ними економічної компетентності.The purpose of this article is to identify specific features of economic education of adults in the context of current educational, economic and social challenges in Ukraine. The aspects explored are the content and functions of economic education as a social phenomenon, theoretical background of forming economic competence of adults, components of an economically literate person and existing forms of current economic education for adults. Methods of practical realization of pedagogical influence on adults, which are aimed at helping them to enhance their economic competence, are suggested. The concept of economic education embraces interrelation between the needs of the country and the natural, economic, scientific and practical ways of meeting these needs. It also includes developing scientific attitude to nature, economic and practical activity which ensures formation of economic culture on a personal level. Therefore methods of modern economic education should be based on the person-centered approach and individual development. The efficiency of economic education increases when learners acquire knowledge of principles of economics, management, labour productivity, etc. It is beneficial if adult learners are involved in a start-up, research or any other activity that involves real economic relations. Among the recommended forms of developing economic education of adults are cooperative practices including trainings, lectures with elements of discussion and interaction, case-methods and their analysis, business games, modeling, distant learning, teaching computer literacy in training centers, etc. The main methodological principles lying behind these forms are: stimulating participants' activity, group work, project work, effective feedback. Another methodological approach that is of particular importance is employing IT technologies, which was emphasized as one of the priorities in the National strategy of education development in Ukraine for 2012-2021. This can be reached by using information and communication technologies along with traditional methods, developing individual learning programs of different levels depending on specific needs, creating electronic books, etc. Educational technologies for adults should provide tailor-based programs based on the previously acquired knowledge of age peculiarities of adults