Teaching Assistantship (Pedagogical) Practicum

Students enrolled in the E1 Biology and Biochemistry degree programme complete their teaching assistantship practicum in the third semester, in accordance with the curriculum. Introducing a system of gradual, practice-oriented training for future professionals into the educational process, thereby enhancing their professional knowledge and practical skills, is one of the key measures for ensuring the competitiveness of graduates in the labour market.

In this context, the teaching assistantship practicum undertaken by students enrolled in the E1 Biology and Biochemistry degree programme is an integral part of their master’s studies. It is prescribed by the programme curriculum and is intended to promote students’ professional development and independent learning. During the practicum, student teachers have the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge, abilities and skills in authentic higher education teaching environments and to develop the professional mindset required of a teaching assistant. The teaching assistantship practicum is one of the most important components of students’ academic training. The Department of Biology and Chemistry is responsible for assigning students to their respective practicum placements.

The aim of the practicum is to familiarise master’s students with the organisational structure of higher education institutions and to provide them with practical teaching experience through the performance of assigned tasks. Its further objectives are to facilitate adaptation to the higher education environment; develop new psycho-pedagogical and academic organisational competencies; improve teaching methodology skills; promote the effective use of academic literature and other sources; and enable students to apply contemporary teaching methods in the delivery of specialised courses.

Main Objectives of the Teaching Assistantship Practicum

To deepen and consolidate the theoretical knowledge acquired through the OK8 and OK13 courses.

• To familiarise master’s students with the organisation of teaching and educational activities within the department.
• To foster a positive attitude towards teaching and educational activities and encourage creative initiative in teaching.
• To develop the fundamental skills required to conduct classes, with particular emphasis on activating students’ cognitive activities through appropriate teaching methods.
• To develop the skills necessary to comply with ethical standards and uphold academic integrity in scientific and pedagogical activities.
• To strengthen the professional skills required for the organisation, planning and delivery of educational sessions, including lectures and practical classes, and to apply and critically evaluate contemporary pedagogical practices.
• To develop the personal and motivational components of professional competence in biology and biochemistry, thereby fostering an individual and creative teaching style.
• To encourage creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence in students in relation to teaching and methodological work.

Competencies to Be Acquired Upon Completion of the Practicum

• Preparing lesson plans and detailed teaching session outlines.
• Effectively identifying, evaluating and processing scientific literature and information sources when preparing for classes.
• Presenting course material to students in a logical, coherent and systematic manner.
• Assessing students’ knowledge through review questions and evaluating their performance objectively against established criteria.
• Providing consultations to students enrolled in the course on specific topics, when necessary.
• Reflecting on the experience gained during teaching sessions, summarising the outcomes and preparing the required practicum report.
• Organising various pedagogical activities within a higher education institution.
• Analysing students’ needs, interests and attitudes towards the learning process.
• Resolving conflicts with students and teaching staff constructively; establishing professional relationships; engaging in academic discussions with researchers and public figures; and expressing and defending one’s own scientific and pedagogical position on the basis of democratic principles.
• Critically evaluating one’s own pedagogical skills, identifying and applying innovative models and technologies for organising teaching and educational processes, and assessing one’s professional responsibility as an educator.

Expected Learning Outcomes of the Teaching Assistantship (Pedagogical) Practicum

• Deepening and expanding theoretical knowledge of the organisation of the educational process and applying this knowledge to solve specific pedagogical tasks during the practicum.
• Developing master’s students’ psycho-pedagogical and methodological skills in organising the fundamental forms of instruction, as well as acquiring practical experience in teaching relevant subjects in higher education through the use of contemporary educational technologies and teaching methods.
• Enhancing professional and pedagogical communication skills when interacting with students, in accordance with the principles of professional ethics, academic integrity and a high standard of communication.
• Gaining teaching experience and developing the moral and ethical qualities expected of a higher education educator, together with an individual and creative pedagogical style.
• Acquiring practical skills in the professional preparation of teaching and methodological documentation required for conducting classes in higher education.
• Developing the ability to observe the educational process and individual students from a psycho-pedagogical perspective, as well as gaining experience in organising and conducting educational activities and events.
• Developing the ability to integrate into and communicate within the department’s academic environment, and to establish effective communication strategies in the educational setting, with a view to applying the acquired knowledge and skills in a future teaching career.

Completed Teaching Assistantship (Pedagogical) Practicum

30 March 2026 The teaching assistantship (pedagogical) practicum undertaken by full-time and part-time master’s students enrolled in the Biology and Biochemistry degree programme is an important annual event in the life of the Department of Biology and Chemistry. It provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their preparedness for teaching in higher education by conducting classes for undergraduate students enrolled in the degree programmes offered by the department: Biology and Human Health, Natural Sciences, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, and Chemistry. (https://kme.org.ua/hu/hirek/sikeresen-zarult-a-biologia-es-biokemia-szakos-mesterkepzosok-asszisztensi-gyakorlata/)