METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR STUDYING ANIMAL DIVERSITY FOR BIOLOGY STUDENTS IN PEDAGOGICAL EDUCATION

Abstract

This article examines the methodological foundations of teaching the study of animal diversity to biology students in pedagogical programs. The relevance of the research is determined by the need to align biological education with modern environmental and digital requirements. The aim of the study is to identify methodological approaches, effective pedagogical technologies and the level of practical training in teaching animal diversity through a comparative analysis of the pedagogical systems of Kazakhstan and Turkey (using Hacettepe University as an example). The research involved surveys and interviews conducted among students and faculty members of Hacettepe University, as well as an analysis of curricula and the content of practical classes. The results showed that Turkish universities, particularly Hacettepe University, widely apply research-based and interactive teaching methods such as project-based learning, laboratory work and field practice. At the same time, the study was not limited to Turkish experience: similar surveys were conducted among biology students in pedagogical universities of Kazakhstan. The results of the Kazakhstani survey indicated that, despite students’ high interest in practical lessons, the number of laboratory and field sessions remains insufficient. Although traditional theoretical teaching still prevails in Kazakhstani universities, recent years have seen the gradual introduction of problem-based learning and digital models. Most students emphasized the need for active use of digital tools – such as virtual laboratories and biological modeling platforms when studying ecosystems and animal diversity. These approaches enhance students’ learning engagement and develop their practical competencies. In this regard, adapting Turkey’s best educational practices to the context of Kazakhstani higher education institutions, the authors developed lesson plans and methodological recommendations for teaching courses related to the study of animal diversity. The findings of the study revealed that the effectiveness of teaching animal diversity depends not only on the content but also on the applied teaching methods.