OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACADEMIC MOBILITY IN THE TRAINING OF FUTURE PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY TEACHERS

Abstract

The article discusses the problem of implementation and potential of academic mobility as a strategic tool for improving the quality of training future teachers of physics and astronomy in the context of Ukraine's integration into the European educational space. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to update the professional training of teachers of natural sciences, who must be prepared for innovative activities, intercultural interaction and continuous self-development. The authors conducted a thorough analysis of contemporary scientific approaches to the definition of the concepts of 'academic mobility,' 'professional mobility,' and 'social mobility, highlighting their interconnection and specificity in the context of teacher education. The work systematises the types and forms of academic mobility that are relevant for students majoring in 014.08 Secondary Education (Physics and Astronomy). Particular attention is paid to the classification of mobility by type: domestic, international, virtual, research and professional-practical. The material details specific opportunities for future teachers, including participation in exchange programmes (Erasmus+, DAAD, Fulbright), double degree programmes, internships at leading research centres and observatories, and the use of virtual laboratories (PhET, Go-Lab, NASA Virtual Labs). The main barriers to mobility have been identified: financial difficulties, language barriers, imperfect mechanisms for recognising learning outcomes, and insufficient awareness among applicants. It has been proven that academic mobility contributes not only to the deepening of professional knowledge, but also to the formation of research competencies and skills for adapting to the dynamic conditions of the education market. The conclusions emphasise that an effective combination of traditional and virtual forms of mobility is the key to the competitiveness of a modern physics teacher. Prospects for further research are outlined, consisting in the development of methodological support for the integration of international experience into national educational programmes.