Civil safety in wartime: challenges and teaching methods in higher education institutions

Abstract

The article examines the relevance of studying civil safety issues in higher education institutions of Ukraine under martial law. A comparative analysis of scientific sources devoted to the challenges of wartime for the education system and to the formation of basic civil protection competencies among higher education students was conducted. The study shows that since the beginning of the war, education institutions, including classical universities, have faced numerous challenges such as threats to the life and health of participants in the educational process, destruction of educational infrastructure, forced displacement of students and academic staff, and limited access to education. At the same time, modern security conditions demonstrate the necessity of preparing society to respond effectively to various types of threats. Special attention is paid to the growing risks for the civilian population caused by missile attacks, unmanned aerial vehicles, and widespread mine contamination. Statistical data from international and national sources indicate a significant increase in civilian casualties in recent years, including children and adolescents, which highlights the urgent need to strengthen civil safety education. In this context, higher education institutions play a key role in forming a culture of safety and preparing young people to act in emergencies. Civil safety education integrates interdisciplinary knowledge from medicine, psychology, engineering, and risk management, allowing students to acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for crisis response. The paper emphasises the importance of modernising the content and teaching methods of civil safety courses. Particular attention should be given to practical training aimed at developing decision-making skills in emergencies, evacuation planning, first aid provision, recognition of explosive hazards, and psychological resilience. Innovative educational tools such as simulation exercises, case studies, role-playing scenarios, and digital learning platforms are considered effective instruments for improving the quality of training. The use of VR/AR technologies and interactive online platforms can help model real-life emergency scenarios in a safe learning environment. In addition, the study highlights the importance of ensuring inclusiveness in civil safety education. Teaching methods should be adapted for students with special educational needs, particularly those with visual impairments, using multisensory approaches that involve tactile, auditory, and olfactory perception. Such methods enable students to develop practical safety skills and improve their readiness to act in critical situations. Overall, the article concludes that civil safety education in higher education institutions should combine technological innovation, practical orientation, and humanitarian values. The implementation of updated teaching approaches will enhance the preparedness of students to respond to wartime challenges and contribute to strengthening societal resilience and protecting the most vulnerable groups of the population.

Key words: civil safety; protection of the population; inclusiveness of the educational process; teaching methods; situation modeling.