FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES OF HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS IN THE PROCESS OF STUDYING THE DISCIPLINE «DATABASES»

Abstract

The article examines the peculiarities of forming professional competencies of higher education students in the process of studying the academic discipline «Databases». The relevance of training future specialists for work in the context of digitalization of society and the increasing role of information technologies in professional activity is substantiated. The aim, objectives, and structure of the discipline are analyzed, which are focused on developing theoretical knowledge and practical skills in designing, creating, and using relational databases with modern database management systems, in particular PostgreSQL. The role of the competence-based approach in the formation of general competencies and the achievement of program learning outcomes is defined. The content modules of the discipline and their impact on the development of students’ professional skills are characterized. Special attention is paid to the use of practice-oriented teaching methods, including laboratory work and project-based learning, which contribute to the development of analytical thinking, digital literacy, teamwork skills, and the ability to make informed decisions. It is established that the combination of competence-based and practice-oriented approaches ensures effective preparation of higher education students for professional activity.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the peculiarities of forming professional competencies of higher education students in the process of studying the discipline “Databases” and to substantiate the role of a practice-oriented approach in achieving program learning outcomes.

Methodology. The study employs a set of general scientific and special research methods. In particular, analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature were used to identify modern approaches to teaching the discipline «Databases». The system approach made it possible to consider the structure of the discipline as an integrated didactic system that ensures the formation of professional competencies. The competence-based approach was applied to determine the relationship between the content of learning modules, types of educational activities, and expected learning outcomes.

The scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the clarification and systematization of approaches to the formation of professional competencies of higher education students in the process of studying the discipline «Databases» based on the integration of competence-based and practice-oriented approaches. The paper specifies the relationship between the content modules of the discipline, learning topics, and the formation of general and professional competencies, as well as program learning outcomes. The effectiveness of using SQL and PostgreSQL as tools for developing students’ digital literacy and analytical thinking is substantiated.

Conclusions. The study confirms that the discipline «Databases» plays a key role in the formation of professional competencies of higher education students. The implementation of the competence-based approach combined with practice-oriented teaching methods ensures a gradual development of knowledge and skills in working with databases. It is proven that the use of modern database management systems, in particular PostgreSQL, contributes to the development of digital literacy, analytical thinking, and readiness for professional activity in the context of digital transformation of society.