A NEW APPROACH TO THE CONTENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM (CURRICULUM) IN GENERAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS

The modern development direction of the science of geography has influenced the content of school geography. The research-oriented nature of geography has led to the activity-based approach gaining a prominent place in the teaching of the subject. Although changes to the content of the school geography subject in Azerbaijan began in the early years of independence, fundamental reforms were implemented with the adoption of the new educational program (curriculum) in 2006. In this program, fundamental changes were made to the content of the geography subject, and physical and economic-social geography were presented not as separate courses, but as a unified, integrated subject. However, this change was transitional. Because the knowledge component had priority in the accepted standards. In the learning outcomes, the educator aimed to teach geographical knowledge. The latest improved educational program (curriculum), adopted in 2020, is characterized by its simplification, more systematic structure, and stronger focus on activity-based learning. One of the key advantages of the new educational program is its primary focus on developing 21st-century skills in learners.