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On January 27, Rector of Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU) Ruben Mirzakhanyan held a working consultation with the Heads of University Chairs. This was the first meeting between the ASPU Rector and Heads of Chairs in 2016.
ASPU Vice-Rector Srbuhi Gevorgyan presented the results of a study of final Masters' theses in the full-time and distance learning systems.
In particular, the Vice-Rector spoke about their shortcomings, saying some thesis topics do not have more precise and comprehensive titles, are not well-defined and documented accurately or include a wider area. The problem is difficult to understand from the title: research is not sufficient.
She offered to review the selection of thesis topics and titles in the distance learning system, include [in the list] topics that are least studied or not studied at all, among them the ASPU University, laboratories and basic school, choose topics that will allow continuing experiments during educational practices and will provide practical reasoning, conduct a SWOT analysis in the Chair on a regular basis to identify strengths and weaknesses as well as potential risks which will enable to organize the process more effectively.
There were also proposals to review Master’s Theses in the full-time education system. It was suggested to discuss thesis topics during the sittings of the given Chair, explain to MA students the aims and objectives of topics and the methods of their implementation, gradually switch to the online version of Thesis submission which will make professional counseling more effective.
ASPU Rector Ruben Mirzakhanyan stressed, in turn, that a Master’s Thesis should not be formal; rather, it should be an independently written scientific work in a specific field and the Chairs should consistently follow the entire process.
Vice-Rector Mher Melik-Bakhshyan spoke about the application of new teaching methods, the importance of enhancing communication environment and making the educational process more interactive with the introduction of new education technology at the University.
In his speech, the Vice-Rector also focused on the new teaching methods already introduced at the ASPU, creation of an e-Learning platform based on Seafile software system, workshops and meetings with Deans of Faculties, Heads of Chairs, lecturers, specialists of Chairs and training seminars.
“To enhance further development and expansion of the new teaching methods and e-Learning platform it was proposed to replace Seafile system with Google Classroom. This is a blended learning platform for education which presents ample opportunities and is an easy-to-use application,” Mher Melik-Bakhshyan said assuring the attendees that the Department of Education Reforms and Quality Assurance is already working towards the introduction of the new system.
The Vice-Rector added that the University auditoriums will be furnished with the necessary equipment already in February. He also urged the Heads of Chairs to ensure lecturers’ participation in seminars and convene regular sittings to discuss the electronic educational and methodological materials prepared by lecturers, follow their creation and placement on the platform, update them periodically, attend lectures, motivate students and encourage their active participation.
