KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

An all-university conference entitled “Merited Armenian Pedagogues in the Context of Modern Pedagogical Approaches” was held at ASPU at the initiative of the Chair of Theory and History of Pedagogy and the Chair of Professional Education and Applied Pedagogy.

During the conference dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the University, the reporters referred to the activities of distinguished pedagogues of different years, their professional views, philosophy of education and issues in modern pedagogy.

The organizers believe that the conference is yet another opportunity to review the path of the great pedagogues, their pedagogical heritage, recall their influence on the development of the Armenian school and pedagogical thought.

Professor Ayelita Dolukhanyan, Head of the Chair of Ancient and Medieval Armenian Literature, stressed the importance of the conference and added that the Pedagogical University has a strategic importance for the country. The Professor says it is not important how people ‘read Pedagogy as a subject;’ it is much more important how the subject is presented to them. In her report, she touched upon the activity of the great pedagogue Morus Hasratyan and issues in modern pedagogy.

“The basis of his pedagogical doctrine was the belief that what is happening in pedagogy should be done for the sake of a child and with a child, taking into consideration his/her natural, physical and mental peculiarities. In the field of education and upbringing it is always necessary to consider whether the given lesson, phenomenon, step or action will benefit the child,” Prof. Aida Topuzyan said when presenting the pedagogical heritage of well-known Diaspora Armenian educator Babken Minasian.

Aida Topuzyan assured everyone that the right and duty have always walked side by side in the pedagogical doctrine of the scientist.

“Education is a matter of love, rather than cruelty. The teacher who can attract pupils and penetrate into their hearts, who knows how to stay calm and peaceful without becoming indifferent, who will remain steadfast without hardening, who will be patient and mild without wakening, can really have influence on pupils,” Aida Topuzyan said citing Babken Minasyan. She urged future pedagogies to love their pupils and be loved by them.

At the plenary session, Professor Laura Asatryan presented historical facts about the medieval poet, philosopher and musician Arakel Syunetsi's philosophical, literary, grammatical, pedagogical and psychological thought, as well as the high level of Armenian school and pedagogical thought in Syunik.

“As a skilled educator Arakel Syunetsi did not stay indifferent to issues relating to the theory of music, its teaching, the relationship between the teacher and pupils. In this context, he highlighted teacher's duties and responsibilities towards his pupils,” Laura Asatryan said when speaking about the renowned pedagogue’s philosophy of education.

The participants of the conference later referred to the scientific heritage of other educators, their approaches and role in the history of Armenian pedagogy.