НАУКОВО-МЕТОДОЛОГІЧНИЙ ІНСТРУМЕНТАРІЙ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ МОВНОЇ ОСВІТИ В КРАЇНАХ БАЛТІЇ В УМОВАХ ЦИФРОВІЗАЦІЇ

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the methodological toolkit for research on language education in the Baltic States under conditions of digitalization. The expediency of using a multi-level structure of scientific inquiry, which includes theoretical-methodological, system-analytical, and generalizing-prognostic levels, is substantiated. It is proven that such a research logic ensures the integrity of the scientific strategy, consistency in studying the problem, and reliability of the obtained results. The content of the theoretical-methodological level is revealed, which involves understanding the essence of language education digitalization, forming the source base, clarifying the conceptual and terminological framework, and defining the conceptual foundations of the study. The significance of general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, systematization, generalization, and interpretation, as well as specific scientific methods of theoretical generalization, historical-structural, comparative-historical, and terminological analysis, is determined. The system-analytical level aimed at an in-depth study of the source base, systematization of factual material, development of the periodization of language education digitalization, and comparative analysis of educational practices in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia is characterized. The role of the problem-search method, theoretical modeling, retrospective analysis, comparative approach, and periodization method is identified. It has been found that the generalizing-prognostic level ensures the integration of research results, the identification of leading trends in the digital transformation of language education, the formulation of practical recommendations for higher education institutions in Ukraine, and the forecasting of prospects for the field's further development. Particular attention is paid to the possibilities for adapting the Baltic States' construction experience to the Ukrainian educational space. It is concluded that the application of an integrated system of methods and scientific approaches creates a proper basis for studying digitalization of language education, makes it possible to identify patterns of its development, and determine effective directions for modernizing language training in higher education.