Formation of cultural identity of students as a subject of pedagogical discussion

Introduction. Geopolitical challenges of our time encourage teachers to search for optimal means to counteract the deformation of the ideological positions of students, the mixing of cultures, and the devaluation of traditional cultural and historical values. In this context, the formation of cultural identity among students and schoolchildren, which unites all-Russian and regional cultural meanings at the content level, acquires great theoretical and practical significance. As an example, the Novgorod cultural identity is given as an integrative symbol of the cultural and historical heritage of Russia and the Novgorod region. The purpose of the study is the scientific substantiation of the concepts of “cultural code” and “cultural identity” as pedagogical phenomena containing national and regional components. Materials and methods. Using theoretical methods (interdisciplinary analysis, synthesis, generalization), a study of scientific sources was carried out, which made it possible to identify the relationship between the concepts of “cultural code” and “cultural identity”. In order to determine the components and levels of formation of cultural identity among students, a survey was conducted of 327 students and schoolchildren of the Novgorod region aged 14 to 21 years. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Google Forms service. Results. Based on a theoretical analysis of scientific sources, it was established that cultural identity as a conscious position of young people can be purposefully formed by pedagogical means, and the cultural code can be generated and transmitted by various institutions of socialization. The survey data recorded a fairly high level of development of the cognitive component of the cultural identity of students and an average level of development of the affective and behavioral components. Based on the results obtained, the problematic field of cultural categories was translated into the plane of pedagogical discussion and their characteristics as social and pedagogical phenomena were given. Conclusion. The conducted research made it possible to identify the relationship between the concepts of “cultural code” and “cultural identity”, to determine the general civil and regional aspects of the cultural identity of students. The comprehensive educational program for training future teachers developed by the authors, which includes the history of education and enlightenment of the Novgorod region, the theoretical foundations of educational tourism, museum and excursion pedagogy, will be of practical interest for university teachers and school teachers who carry out educational work with students.