Professional self-development of social pedagogues: Lithuanian case

ENThe article presents qualitative research data the goal of which was to investigate peculiarities of social pedagogues’ professional self-development. Three specific objectives were defined: to find out what the main aims of professional development of social pedagogues are; to investigate methods of professional development of social pedagogues; and to analyse the results of professional development of social pedagogues. Qualitative research using semi-structured interviewing was done at schools. Using non-random sampling, 29 social pedagogues were selected and participated in the research. The main selection criteria were based on supposition that a social pedagogue should have more than five years ’professional experience. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the method of content analysis by forming categories and subcategories. The research data shows that discovering professional meaning and development of professional skills are the most important aims of professional development. Most often, the mentioned self-development methods are reading scientific literature, qualification seminars, surfing the Internet, and communication with colleagues. Research participants claimed that self-development helps to improve personal and professional relations and increase work motivation, and provides self-assuredness in difficult situations.