FEATURES OF FORMING RESEARCH COMPETENCIES IN THE CONTEXT OF BIOLOGICAL EDUCATION

Abstract

This article examines the formation of students' research competencies in biology education and their pedagogical characteristics. Research competence directly contributes to developing students' skills in understanding biological phenomena through the application of scientific methods, conducting independent research, formulating hypotheses, and systematically analyzing the results obtained. The article presents the results of a practical study conducted with master’s students to investigate the melliferous plants of East Kazakhstan and the impact of climate change on their nectar productivity. The research work enhanced students' creative and independent inquiry, developed their creative thinking skills, and assisted them in mastering the stages of scientific research activities. Furthermore, the article analyzes students' group research work, their experience in completing specific tasks designed to develop research skills, and the level of formation of their research competencies. Survey results demonstrate that 90% of students acquired new practical skills and positively assessed the organization of the research work, while an increase in their research abilities was reported by 40% of the respondents. The research presented in the article highlights the necessity of improving the biological education system and the importance of scientific work for its future development. The application of specific methods and tools directs students toward independent work, the refinement of creativity, and the formation of modern scientific thinking.