On the definition of the concept “Research competence of a secondary vocational education student”

The article is a comprehensive study aimed at conceptualizing the concept of “students' research competence” in the context of the system of secondary vocational education (hereinafter - SVET). The paper analyzes theoretical approaches to the interpretation of this term existing in the scientific literature, clarifies the ideas about the content and structure of research competence of students of vocational education institutions.The work is based on the analysis of modern domestic and foreign theoretical sources, including pedagogical, psychological and methodological studies, which allowed author to identify the diversity of interpretations and methodological positions.The article defines the key features of this competence, highlights its specificity as applied to vocational education and training students, taking into account the practice-oriented nature of their education. Within the framework of structural analysis three interrelated components are revealed in detail: motivational, cognitive, and activity components. Special attention is paid to the integrative nature of the competence, which combines theoretical training and practical skills relevant for future specialists. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using the obtained results for the development of educational programs of vocational education and training aimed at the formation of research skills, as well as for the creation of diagnostic tools for assessing the level of competence.