Pedagogical practice as an essential component of methodological training of students majoring in biology

The paper pays attention to the practical orientation of students’ professional training at pedagogical universities. The author considers that pedagogical practice is the most effective form of a prospective Biology teacher training, when professional competencies develop on the basis of professional problems solving in a real educational process at school. The paper presents the study results showing that the content of pedagogical (intern) practice, structured as a set of educational and professional tasks corresponding to the professional tasks of a teacher, develops students’ interest in the professional work of a Biology teacher. When selecting the content of the pedagogical practice, it should be taken into account that students face problems arising in the conditions of the real educational process; actively interact with all participants in the process, learn to think critically, make responsible decisions. It was noted that the lack of willingness of modern students to solve professional tasks of a Biology teacher is explained by the students themselves for several reasons: lack of desire to work at school due to low wages; lack of knowledge and skills in Biology and methods of teaching Biology; indiscipline and gaps in knowledge; health problems. It was revealed that students are not ready for pedagogical practice at school because of a low level of some methodological skills important for the work of a Biology teacher.