PROJECT-BASED, CASE-BASED AND DIGITAL METHODS AS AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO DEVELOPING MANAGERIAL COMPETENCE OF PROSPECTIVE MASTERS OF EDUCATION

Abstract

Purpose: to substantiate an integrated approach to developing managerial competenceof prospective Masters of Education through the sequence “case analysis → managerial project → digitalimplementation” within the course “Management of Educational Institutions (by type)” in line with Ukrainianand European quality and digitalisation requirements.Methods: analysis and synthesis of research literature and regulatory documents; pedagogical observation;analysis of students’ learning products; survey; expert assessment; a pedagogical experiment testingthe approach at Donbas State Pedagogical University.Results: the case method was shown to foster analytical reasoning, evidence-based argumentation, workwith ambiguous data and forecasting consequences of managerial actions; project-based activity enabledstudents to design practical managerial products (plans, procedures, roadmaps, monitoring programmes,communication schemes) reflecting the management cycle; digital tools (LMS, collaboration platforms, survey and analytics services) supported team coordination, traceable evidence, monitoring and transparencyof procedures. Implementation across scenarios for preschool, general secondary, vocational and highereducation institutions resulted in higher initiative, leadership, responsibility and readiness to work withdata and stakeholders.Conclusions: combining case-based, project and digital methods increases practice orientation of managerialtraining and aligns learning outcomes with quality assurance and digital transformation demands. The practicalvalue lies in students’ shift from descriptive discussions to measurable decisions: defining indicators, allocatingresources, managing risks, selecting control instruments and producing reusable digital artefacts (dashboards,forms, checklists). Further research should explore learning analytics and AI support for educationalmanagement decisions.