Modern methods of learning geographical nomenclature using toponymy in the course of «Geography of Russia. Nature and population» at school

   The relevance of the research. Formed interest in learning is the basis for enhancing the cognitive activity of schoolchildren; creation of a positive motivation for learning, which will lead to positive motives for learning, that subsequently turn into a stable interest in learning, and interest into the need for learning. Such interest in mastering geographical nomenclature can be formed by improving teaching methods using toponymy.   The problem statement. School practice shows that the study of geographical objects and nomenclature proceeds in a reproductive way, mainly based on memorization, which negatively affects the quality of knowledge. In this regard, the problem arises of finding possible methods for assimilating geographical nomenclature that will intensify the process of their assimilation.   The purpose of the research is to substantiate experimentally modern methods for mastering geographical nomenclature using toponymy in the course of «Geography of Russia. Nature and population» at school.   The results of the research allowed us to draw the following key conclusions: 1. Modern methods of mastering geographical nomenclature include: toponymic methods (identifying the semantics and etymology of geographical names); teaching methods (partially exploratory, problem-based and research). 3. Analysis of the results of questioning and testing of students of the Maikop Gymnasium No. 22 in 2023/2024 academic year have shown positive results of the pedagogical experiment and proved the validity of the proposed methods for mastering geographical nomenclature using toponymy.