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Developing students’ project-based research competencies in ecology: challenges and effective practices

Modern Technologies of Personnel Training , UDC: 371.2 DOI: 10.24412/2782-6597-2025-113-24-34

Authors

  • Mnatsakanyan Vilen Vladimirovich
  • Monakova Anna Olegovna

Annotation

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and prospects for developing project-based research competencies in students in the context of environmental education. Typical student difficulties at various stages of project implementation are identified and systematized: from problem formulation to presentation of results and implementation of practical solutions. Based on the research, a comprehensive set of recommendations for teachers on organizing effective project activities is proposed, including tools for problem solving, scaffolding support, developing critical thinking skills, and organizing productive collaboration. Particular attention is paid to the practice-oriented nature of environmental projects and their social significance. The concept of civic ecology as a basis for project-based activities is introduced and developed. Methodology and methods: the study is based on a systems approach using a combination of methods: comparative analysis of teaching practices, observation of project activities, and content analysis of student work. Main research results: key student challenges are identified: difficulties formulating research questions, a lack of methodological literacy, and difficulties interpreting data. A set of practice-oriented recommendations has been developed, including scaffolding tools (the «Researcher’s Diary» and problematization algorithms), research organization methods, and results presentation strategies. Scientific novelty: an integrative approach combining scaffolding support with problem-based learning methods in the context of civic ecology has been proposed. A system of tools adapted specifically for environmental projects has been developed. Practical relevance: the research materials can be used by teachers to optimize project-based activities, in professional development programs, in the design of educational programs, and in the development of school-university-public organization networking.

How to link insert

Mnatsakanyan, V. V. & Monakova, A. O. (2025). Developing students’ project-based research competencies in ecology: challenges and effective practices Bulletin of the Moscow City Pedagogical University. Series "Pedagogy and Psychology", № 2 (14), 24. https://doi.org/10.24412/2782-6597-2025-113-24-34
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