Readiness of future primary teachers to professional activities: assessment of subject and methodological competencies

The article is focused on the readiness of future primary school teachers to solve professional problems taking into account the modern requirements for primary education of the state, society and the professional community. The assessment of students' readiness for professional activities was carried out from the standpoint of the formation of the subject and methodological competencies. Materials and methods. Analysis of scientific and methodological literature on the problem of students' readiness for professional activities. Analysis of legal documents (standards) in order to compare the approaches to determining the readiness of graduates to solve professional problems. Testing: assessment of the formation of subject-methodological competencies of graduates based on the results of their diagnostic work. Research results. The labor function of pedagogical activity in primary general education defined by the professional standard «Teacher» was compared with the students’ professional competencies according to the federal state educational standard «Pedagogical education». Though for a significant number of positions the correspondence was established but any provisions for reflective skills in the field of self-assessment of professional activity were not found. The results of diagnostic work performed by students testify to their readiness for professional activities is presented. Students demonstrated a sufficient level of professional competencies formation, 85 % of graduates coped with the tasks of diagnostic work. Nevertheless, some professional deficits as a result of the given tasks were revealed. It has been established, that students do not demonstrate a significant difference between methodological and subject competencies. The results of the practical part are consistent with the theoretical analysis and confirm the need for targeted development of reflexive skills in the field of self-assessment of professional activity. Practical significance. The findings of the study can be used for improvement the system of subject-methodical training of students - future primary school teachers; for adjustments to the content of the programs of academic disciplines; for diagnosing the readiness of students to solve professional problems.