PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS THROUGH MODERN APPROACHES AND TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The field of geography education has witnessed significant advancements, and educators are increasingly adopting innovative methods to enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement. This article explores the application of four pedagogical approaches –acmeological, competency-based, heuristic, and learner-centered – in geography education to foster professional competence among future teachers. The acmeological approach emphasizes personal growth and achievement, encouraging students to excel in geographical concepts through goal-oriented learning and mentorship. The competency-based approach focuses on developing practical geographical skills via experiential learning and competency-based assessments. The heuristic approach promotes inquiry-based learning and problem-solving, utilizing fieldwork and critical questioning techniques to deepen students' understanding. Lastly, the learner-centered approach prioritizes individualized learning experiences, tailoring instruction to meet students' needs and interests. By integrating these approaches, educators can create a rich, student-centered learning environment that nurtures geographic proficiency and prepares students for a globalized world. The findings highlight that these methods provide valuable frameworks for developing geography teachers' professional skills, offering a roadmap for creating impactful learning experiences. The study concludes that applying these approaches contributes to producing knowledgeable, skilled, and reflective geography educators capable of fostering critical thinking and inquiry among their students.