Keyword: «educational approach»

The relevance of studying selection criteria to Master programs in Education is determined by the variety of admission models allowing to highlight the universities' educational priorities and requirements for future teachers. Selection criteria mirror the programs' academic content and are reflected in the professional life of the graduates, touching upon all levels of education. Requirements for admission to the master's program influence academic and extracurricular activities of undergraduates and play a role in choosing universities and programs for future education. The goal of the current study is to distinguish approaches to student selection for Master’s programs in Education at Russian universities. Five Master’s programs at Moscow State Pedagogical University, Moscow City University, Herzen State Pedagogical University, Saint Petersburg State University, and Higher School of Economics were chosen for examination. Such admissions office documents as admission rules and requirements, entrance exam programs, and lists of individual achievements were analyzed. Three assessment components – individual achievements, knowledge and skills, motivation – were distinguished and their weight in the total number of entree points was calculated. Collected data allow to conclude that there are two general approaches to applicant selection. The first, exam-centered one is employed by pedagogical universities and focused on subject and methodology knowledge evaluation, conducted in test or oral form. It is characterized by the leading role of exam results in student selection, individual achievements being of little weight, and the absence of the motivational component. This approach serves as an example of knowledge-based schooling in higher education. The second approach is holistic, with the main focus on individual achievements and skill evaluation and on the motivational component. It is implemented at multidisciplinary universities and follows the principles of competence-based schooling.