Keyword: «responsible attitude»

There is an increasing need for specialists capable of solving non-standard tasks in modern education. In a rapidly changing world, new forms of student engagement are especially important. The relevance of the research is due to the value disorientation of young people. An abundance of information and a crisis of ideals make it difficult to find moral guidelines. The University acts as a cultural converter. For students of the humanities and pedagogical university, the development of a caring attitude has professional significance, since future teachers work with people's values. Modern standards are focused on competences, where project-based activity becomes a tool for the development of universal skills, acting as a bridge between knowledge and real life. The aim of the article is to describe the experience of the Arzamas branch of the National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod (ASPI named after A.P. Gaidar) on the formation of caring attitude of students through project-based activities to enhance their work and improve professional skills. Axiological, subject-activity, environmental and project-based approaches served as the methodological basis for the study. "Caring attitude" is considered as a personal education that includes cognitive, emotional-value, and practical activity-based components. The study involved 1,475 students. The diagnosis included original questionnaires and adapted methods by M. Rokich, S.D. Deryabo, V.A. Yasvina. The results revealed a contradiction between values and behavior: 74% of respondents prioritize heritage preservation, but only 18% regularly participate in actual events. The students involved in project-based learning showed a 2.6-fold higher level of engagement. The university has established the Center for Caring Competences "I remember – I care – I cherish!", grant projects are being implemented (Caring Initiative), and All-Russian seminars have been held for more than 1,000 participants. Students master the skills of social design and project management. The theoretical significance lies in clarifying the concept of "Caring attitude" for a pedagogical university. The practical significance lies in the possibility of using materials for the educational process of universities and schools, including in advanced training courses. Project-based activity has been confirmed as a mechanism that combines knowledge with action, which is important for the development of a preservice teacher as a translator of the values of respect for cultural, historical and environmental heritage and the development of spiritual and moral competences.