Geographic Education for Non-Geography Students: Organization and Transformation of Content

Abstract

Despite the positive changes in the attitude towards geographical science on the part of society and the authorities, the process of the disappearance of geographical disciplines from the university curricula of non-geographic areas and specialties, which began back in the 90s of the last century, continues. The purpose of the article is to outline the main directions for updating the content and organization of geographical education in non-geographic specialties. The main general scientific method is the reflection of pedagogical experience. The second method is the design method. In updating the content of geographical education in non-geographic specialties, it is necessary to design not just targeted, but exclusive courses. Such educational “intellectual products” must be highly competitive in order to attract students from various universities in the country. Presentation and promotion of new courses is possible within the framework of a single interuniversity educational portal (platform). In this regard, the experience of existing educational platforms and electronic library systems is interesting. However, it is necessary, in our opinion, to synchronize the educational process. The creation and smooth operation of such a single platform will ensure the academic exchange of resources, the possibility of joint work of teachers and students, including the use of remote technologies, and in the presence of a system of metric indicators, a comprehensive assessment of activities. Updating the content of geographical education should take place not only through the introduction of new directions into the educational process, but also through the use of new schemes of scientific explanation in traditional courses. New explanatory schemes in geography allow you to change the content of the courses. Geography should be multi-scale, that is, cover all levels: global, national, regional and, if possible, local. Regional (the level of the subject of the Russian Federation) and local (the level of the city) remain out of sight. But relevant information that can be used in the practical activities of small and medium-sized businesses is just at these levels.