Abstract
This article examines the development and integration of non - formal biological education practices within the European Union and their potential adaptation in Ukraine, particularly in the training of future biology teachers. Non - formal education, characterized by its flexibility, learner - centeredness, and experiential nature, complements formal education by offering innovative approaches such as virtual excursions, interactive workshops, an d citizen science projects. The study highlights the importance of combining formal, non - formal, and informal learning formats to enhance ecological awareness, critical thinking, and practical skills in biology. Through a comprehensive literature review an d analysis of European best practices - such as outdoor science centers in Finland, student laboratories in Germany, and science festivals in France - the article identifies effective tools and strategies to enrich biology education. It also reviews Ukraine’s current non - formal biological education landscape, including initiatives by the Minor Academy of Sciences and regional ecological centers, noting both achievements and challenges like limited integration into teacher education programs and unequal access. The authors propose concrete steps to adapt European experiences to the Ukrainian context: updating curricula, developing methodological materials, fostering international cooperation, and utilizing digital technologies. The interdisciplinary approach comb ining pedagogy, biology, and innovative methods is emphasized as essential for preparing motivated, qualified educators capable of implementing modern, engaging biological education. This work contributes to the ongoing modernization of Ukraine’s education system, advocating for the wider adoption of non - formal educational formats to cultivate environmentally responsible citizens and improve the quality of biological education amid contemporary challenges.
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