EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF RESEARCHING THE TRANSFORMATION OF MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The relevance of studying the transformation of mountain landscapes is determined by the complex interaction
of natural-geographical, social, and economic processes, which requires an integrated educational approach to develop
students’ comprehensive competencies. The characteristics of the mountain environment, in particular geographical isolation and demographic decline in small schools, create unique challenges for organizing the educational process. This emphasizes
the need for methodological developments that take into account the specificity of mountain territories and ensure the
development of ecological, spatial, and geo-economic competencies among students.
The aim of the study is to develop methodological principles for integrating the topics of the world economy and
the transformation of mountain landscapes into the geography curriculum. This contributes to the effective formation of
ecological, spatial, and geo-economic competencies, which are key for monitoring and rational natural resource management
by local residents in mountainous areas. The study was conducted using the analysis of scientific publications, project-based
activities, and a local studies approach. The local studies approach allows a deeper understanding of the local characteristics
of interactions between natural and socio-economic processes, particularly in the Carpathian region, and enhances students’
motivation.
Among the methodological techniques, the use of maps, remote sensing (RS), geographic information systems (GIS),
and case studies was highlighted. Such a comprehensive approach ensures the integration of theoretical knowledge and
practical skills. The results of the study confirmed that interdisciplinary integration of knowledge in geographical education
contributes to increased learning motivation and improved research quality. Studying the educational aspects of mountain
landscape transformation in the context of world economy development promotes the formation of systemic thinking and the
development of integrated competencies: ecological (ability to make responsible decisions), spatial (ability to use GIS and
cartographic materials), and geo-economic (understanding the impact of global processes). This format of organizing learning
fosters ecological awareness and prepares students to make informed decisions in the field of sustainable development of
mountain territories. The combination of world economy topics and mountain landscape transformation should become an
integral part of modern geographical education.