The biological excursions in nature as an effective form of learning in the professional training of future teachers of the natural sciences educational field

The article explores the issue of professional training of future teachers in the natural sciences educational field through the organization of biological excursions as an effective means of developing research competence. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the effectiveness of biological excursions into nature as a form of learning in the process of professional training of future teachers in the natural sciences educational field, as well as to develop and test methodological approaches to their organization with the aim of forming subject-specific, research, and ecological competences of future specialists. The experience of conducting nature excursions in the territory of the Pereiaslav region is presented, which includes the study of the biodiversity of meadows, forest ecosystems, meadow and steppe areas, acquaintance with floristic and faunistic complexes, and the analysis of the processes of synanthropization and adventization. The methodologies for collecting, identifying, and recording biological objects, the methods for determining plants and animals in natural conditions, and the preparation of herbariums and biological collections that contribute to the development of research skills are characterized. Attention is drawn to the importance of employing interactive teaching methods, particularly game-based technologies (“Botanical Relay”, “Test Your Observation Skills”, “Bird Silhouettes”, “Learn to Distinguish Scents”, “Inventory”, “Guess the Plant”, “Be Attentive”), which contribute to the development of observation skills, ecological thinking, communication skills, and the ability to analyze natural objects. The peculiarities of fostering a caring attitude toward rare and endangered species of regional flora and fauna through their study during excursion activities are substantiated. The effectiveness of biological excursions into nature as an important component of the professional training of future teachers in the natural sciences educational field is proven, ensuring the development of research competence, practical skills, ecological culture, and their readiness to implement the objectives of environmental education and sustainable development in general secondary education institutions.