The article proposes a model of the “subject of one’s own activity” as the highest level of development of students’ subjectivity; the totality of subjectivity in cognition, action, communication, as well as reflexivity. Psychological mechanisms of realization of the activity content of education by means of research and project activities of students are considered. The functions of reflexive types of activity are defined — research, project work, construction, organizational management and strategizing in the formation of psychological neoplasms of students at different age stages. Five stages of the formation of students’ subjectivity in the practice of scientific and practical education have been established, the leading mechanisms of the development of subjectivity through inclusion in a motivating educational environment have been identified.