Cognitive simulation as integrated innovative technology in teaching of social and humanitarian disciplines

Currently, teachers are searching for innovative educational technologies that enhance the effectiveness of educational activities. The purpose of the paper is the development and approbation of cognitive simulation technology in teaching of social and humanitarian disciplines. Based on the integration of sources of innovation, the authors developed the technology of cognitive simulation aimed at the formation of a structured system of knowledge for social and humanitarian disciplines' subject area. Various forms of cognitive map methods used in the learning process (analysis, synthesis, projection, and simulation) allow developing the analytical and predictive abilities of students, and strengthening their educational motivation. The technology use is proposed for the first time for all socio-humanitarian disciplines in the process of vocational training, which contributes to the formation of inter-subject communications, spatial understanding of events, and transformations of reality. The empirical study carried out by the authors on the implementation of this technology in the educational process (the students of 3 universities, totaling 315 people participated in the study) confirmed the productivity of the technology and the possibility of its adaptation to various disciplines of social and humanitarian sphere. © 2017 Authors.