Practical training of geographers: state and problems

Abstract

The article deals with the place and significance of educational practice in the preparation of future geography specialists. On the example of educational practice in geography of specialty 014 Secondary Education (Geography) some aspects of its conduct on the basis of ethnographic material are considered. The article reveals the purpose of educational practice which is to consolidate the theoretical knowledge gained by the students during the study, acquiring and improving practical skills and abilities, mastering modern methods of field research. Tasks of the practice, which involve teaching students to use special devices and tourist equipment, correctly applying them in different types of geographic research, conducting visual observations, performing field measurements, carrying out scientifically substantiated room processing of empirical results are described. The stages (preparatory, field, and office) of educational practice and the base of its conducting are revealed (Sumy and its surroundings, Sumy region). The article also describes the results of training in geography according to the programs, such as applying the acquired theoretical knowledge for the formation of practical skills, demonstrating the ability to use special instruments of geographic research, organizing independent visual observations of natural objects and phenomena, performing field measurements, demonstrating the ability to perform graphic, map making and map measuring work, using professionally profiled knowledge and practical skills for the study of natural objects, processes and phenomena. Particular attention is paid to the description of unique local lore objects: Mount Zolotukha - the Romanian salt dome, a geological reserve of local importance, the Mohritsky landscape reserve of local importance, the Banytsky quarts quarry , the valley of the Psiol river (along the route Baranivka-Zelenyi Hai - in the vicinity of the town of Sumy), the Botanical Garden of A. S. Makarenko Sumy State Technical University - the object of the natural reserve fund of local importance, in its study students acquire professional competencies. The conclusion emphasizes that educational practice in geography is an integral part of the preparation of a highly skilled geographer; it enables students to consolidate their theoretical knowledge in the field, broadens their outlook and cognitive abilities, causes interest in geography, increases the effectiveness of learning and promotes the sound formation of professional competencies of students – geographers.