PREPARATION OF FUTURE TEACHERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES FOR WORK IN THE NEW UKRAINIAN SCHOOL

Abstract

The article shows the main trends in the development of natural education worldwide. Methodical features of teaching natural subjects in the conditions of the New Ukrainian School are revealed. Emphasis is placed on the availability of various model curricula of integrated courses, i.e., «Natural Sciences,» «Knowing Nature,» and «Environment.» The necessity of teacher training for work in the New Ukrainian School is substantiated. The relevance of the specialty 014.15 Secondary education (Natural Sciences) in higher education institutions is confirmed. Educational training programs for future teachers of natural sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology are analyzed. The main methodological guidelines in the teaching of natural sciences are outlined: implementation of an integrative approach to the content of courses through the introduction of special integrated courses in the field of natural sciences, using integrated tasks (physics + chemistry + biology + geography), conducting integrated lessons and extracurricular activities; the use of competence-oriented tasks that model standard or non-standard life and professional situations and require students to independently engage in cognitive activities, as well as personal qualities that determine readiness for such activities; implementation of educational projects; implementation of a research approach using methods similar to the scientific activity of a scientist (observation, experiment, formulation of a hypothesis, substantiation of a theory, processing of data, formulation of conclusions, design of subsequent studies); use of elements of STEM education, in particular, making; application of various digital computer technologies, equipment of specialized offices with multimedia projectors, interactive whiteboards, tablets, etc.; formative assessment of students’ knowledge.
 Each of these guidelines is described in detail. Thus the essence of integrative and research approaches is revealed, the peculiarities of competence-oriented tasks and formative assessment are clarified, digital resources of natural sciences are indicated, and STEM education in general and one of its directions is characterized. Nowadays, significant changes are taking place in school science education due to the implementation of the conceptual provisions of the New Ukrainian School. All in all, it is crucial to prepare future science teachers for the introduction of new integrated courses in the field of science education. The mentioned issues can be systematically considered during the study of the educational discipline «Methodology of Teaching Integrated Courses in Natural Sciences.»