Professional training future geography teachers

The article presents the experience of geography teachers’ training at the Pedagogical Institute of Irkutsk State University. We considered the fields of concern and activities that contribute to the effective formation of methodological and professional skills. It was revealed that the diverse extracurricular activities in geography, carried out in the interaction of the pedagogical university with public organizations, municipal information and methodological center and schools, is effective for the development of creative abilities of future teachers. The engagement of students in the created information and education space directly affects the result of the educational process, develops the ability to solve professional issues. Practical knowledge in the development and implementation of joint cultural and educational activities to popularize geography allows students to apply their experience and skills. Hands-on experience with advanced teachers of geography of the city and region, participation in scientific and practical conferences and methodological seminars makes it possible to form a stable motivation of graduates to pursue a master‘s degree and improve their professional qualifications. This practice allows mastering and using basic scientific and theoretical knowledge and practical skills in professional activities, is one of the mechanisms for managing education quality in training competitive specialists.