Theoretical and methodological problems of natural science education in higher pedagogical school

The article substantiates the fundamental nature of natural science knowledge and the role of natural science training in the formation of a future teacher. It is emphasized that natural science knowledge not only influences the scientific and technical potential of society, but also forms a picture of the world, allowing us to find the right answers to socially and personally significant questions. The natural science training of future teachers is especially important, as it will help them form a correct picture of the world of their students in the future. Summarizing the experience of natural science training of humanities students obtained at Samara Socio–Pedagogical University, the authors reveal the main theoretical and methodological problems of natural science education (inconsistency of the content of the studied material with the current scientific picture of the world, lack of understanding by humanities students of the importance of natural science knowledge, low interest of humanities students to natural sciences in general, a small number of hours for natural science training). The authors concluded that it is necessary to search for new approaches in the natural science education of students – future teachers. In the course of the research, such methods as the analysis of scientific and pedagogical literature, pedagogical observation, comparison, generalization were used. The results of pedagogical research can be used in the educational process of higher pedagogical schools, in the process of professional development of educational workers.