The role of teaching methodology in curricula of pedagogical higher education institutions

The article emphasizes that pedagogical (teacher training) higher education institutions even after transition to multilevel system of higher education remain profession-focused. Their main objective is educating and training teachers capable to work at contemporary schools. The achievements of teaching methodology researchers are shown within the issue of theory and methods of teaching physics. They contributed to establishing specialized Chairs (Departments) and masters and doctoral Councils in many teacher training higher education institutions. Due to the changes in the higher and secondary education the problem of changing the priorities of academic subjects is increasingly recognized. It is stressed that these priorities have to be determined by the aims and objectives of pedagogical higher education institutions, and the scientific potential of academic staff. The authors maintain that it is important to reidentify the role, the place and the volume of teaching methodology subjects and modules in curricula of pedagogical higher education institutions. It is emphasized that the topics of graduation papers (projects) have to be determined by the main direction of initial teacher training and deal with teaching methodology.