Abstract
The article discusses the role of the teacher in the formation of research skills of students. The relevance and main factors of research activities in the educational process are determined. The concept of «research skills» is studied as an effective teaching method that allows students to gain knowledge, develop the skills of independent thinking, analysis and synthesis of information. It is summarized as the basis for achieving academic success, a way to form a distinctive style of educational activity, and a set of creative activities that form the motivations that lead students to education. The personality of the teacher is defined as a tutor (professional mentor), coordinator, inspirer, assistant, and advisor to the primary researcher in the education system. The main aspects of the role of a teacher are analyzed, such as creating conditions for research, developing critical thinking, providing support and motivation, teaching methods and techniques of research, forming the ability to work in a team, stimulating creativity and innovation, and evaluation and feedback. Methods and types of tasks for the formation of research skills of students are proposed. The main personal qualities, skills and potential of the teacher aimed at developing research activities of students are differentiated. The importance of electronic educational resources such as Ecowiki, Ecodialogue, Google Earth, and Windy in developing students’ research skills is identified and substantiated through tasks related to the teaching of geoecological problems.