METHODOLOGY FOR DEVELOPING STUDENTS' NATURAL SCIENCE LITERACY BASED ON THE INTEGRATION OF THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL LEARNING IN THE COURSE "FUNDAMENTALS OF ECOLOGY"

The article examines issues related to the development of students’ natural science literacy in the process of teaching the course “Fundamentals of Ecology” in higher education institutions through the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical activities. The content, structure, and effectiveness of a methodological system developed on the basis of competency-based and activity-oriented approaches are described. The results of the experimental study demonstrated positive changes in the formation of students’ ecological thinking, their ability to apply scientific concepts, analyze problem situations, and make well-founded decisions.