APPLICATION OF THE CASE METHOD IN TEACHING CYTOLOGY, HISTOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR FORMING PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

The article is devoted to substantiating the effectiveness of the case method in teaching cytology, histology and embryology. The article focuses on the need to implement innovative teaching methods that promote the development of analytical thinking, critical understanding of information, communication skills and decision-making abilities in simulated professional situations among higher education students. The purpose of the article is to justify the feasibility and effectiveness of using the case method in teaching cytology, histology and embryology as a tool for forming the professional competence of students, as well as to analyse the types, structure, stages of working with cases and their features that ensure the development of critical thinking, independence and the ability to make professional decisions. It has been found that the case method combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills through the analysis of cases that reflect real challenges of pedagogical and scientific research practice. The study analyses the types of cases, including educational, diagnostic, problem-analytical, discussion and integrated cases, which are appropriate for use in the study of morphological disciplines. The methodological structure of the case study, the stages of its implementation and the specifics of students’ work in the process of analysing situations related to cell structure, tissue organisation, and embryogenesis are described. The characteristic features of the case method have been identified: complexity and interdisciplinarity, stimulation of cognitive activity, contextual learning, development of practical skills, modelling of professional situations, development of communication skills and argumentation skills and assessment of the level of knowledge and competence. The author has noted that the systematic use of teaching cases contributes to the formation of key professional competencies: professional, analytical, communicative, research and methodological. The article emphasizes that the use of the case method ensures the training of competent and responsible specialists who are able to make informed decisions in conditions of professional dynamics and unpredictability.