Abstract:

Educated people are the foundation for the development of society. High-quality education can be provided by motivated, competent, valued-oriented teachers. New standards for pre-school, basic and secondary education have been developed and approved in the Republic of Latvia. Consequently, the teacher education system should also change. It needs to be based on values of public interest and be relevant to the new curriculum. Teacher education should be based on the work environment and research. It needs to be more flexible, adaptable to the demands of the labor market and to technological developments. In turn, the issue of providing student-centered education has become a major focus of higher education. The authors' willingness to investigate the development of teacher education in the context of student-centered determined the choice of research topic.

The aim of the research is to analyze the emphasis of the student-centered approach in higher education and to identify the basic principles of teacher education and its development directions, strategic objectives and tasks.

Methods of the research: analysis and interpretation of scientific literature on topic of the research; analysis and interpretation of documents and materials, SWOT analysis of the study direction “Education, Pedagogy and Sport” at Rezekne Academy of Technologies and expert method.

As a result of the research it was concluded that student-centered education is based on the student's previous experience and active operation, while providing lecturer's management and support. A student learns independently and responsibly, creates knowledge in interaction. A student controls his/her training; he/she has the opportunity to participate in the formation of the learning content and process. The study results are focused on the development of the highest level of thinking skills; the aim of examinations is to assess understanding and its depth.

The basic principles of the teacher education implementation are: implementation of modern competence education; emphasis on the formation of important values of society for students; ensuring the acquisition of career development, special and inclusive education competences in the study process; reflection of the principles of human rights, egalitarianism, tolerance and empathy in the content of study courses and implementation of the study process; implementation of studies in close connection with the work environment, including not only pedagogical practices, but also study visits within the study course acquisition, development and approbation of contract research papers, execution of joint projects, etc. activities; attractive, creative, individual work and progressive study environment for students and the academic staff; access to physical and virtual environment resources for all actors in the field of education.

The main directions of teacher education development are: qualitative study programmes and studies; methodological and scientific development of students and academic staff; effective management and modern study environment; development of cultural identity and career education.

Keywords:

Teacher education, student-centred approach, strategic objectives and tasks, study direction.