KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

On May 16, Armenian State Pedagogical University hosted a delegation of Moscow State Pedagogical University headed by MSPU Rector, Academician Alexey Semenov. The group arrived in Armenia on an official visit.

The visit started with a meeting with the Deans of ASPU Faculties. During the meeting, the parties discussed avenues for cooperation between the two universities under question, outlining definite steps for pedagogical and research activities.

The guests expressed wish to organize joint conferences, seminars and, if possible, webinars with the participation of lecturers, students and high school pupils, in order to to share experience, knowledge and new achievements in the field of pedagogy. The Russian delegates also got acquainted with the activities of ASPU Faculties and achievements of University students, especially in chess and sports.

“We cannot compete with you in chess but we want to learn it,” said the Russian guests. They also expressed their admiration with Armenian musicians saying ‘they continue to remain the best.’

ASPU Vice-Rector for Educational and Scientific Affairs, Srbuhi Gevorgyan, assured the guests that ASPU regularly reviews the programmes of its Chairs making them compliant with school programmes. She added that the two pedagogical universities have common interests and the cooperation over them would be beneficial to both of them.

The rectors of the two universities stressed the importance of cooperation and exchange of experience, stressing the need to discuss practical results of each joint undertaking.

The visit was also marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two universities.

ASPU Rector Ruben Mirzakhanyan considered it an important and exceptional event in the history of the university, stressing that Moscow State Pedagogical University was and remains a major pedagogical educational institution in Russia.

“Armenian State Pedagogical University has signed cooperation agreements with many European universities and one university in the United States, but cooperation with Moscow State Pedagogical University is of special importance: the realm of activities is broad and has exceptional importance from practical point of view,” Mr Mirzakhanyan said. He also considered it a great honor for them to host the Russian delegates headed by prominent scientist, academician Alexey Semenov.

The MSPU Rector stressed, in turn, that each new agreement and contract is important to the extent it is honoured and implemented. “Though it was not possible to do many things during the short visit, it was significant and clarified the general work to do.”

Alexey Semenov emphasized the communication between Armenian and Russian students within the framework of cooperation and expressed wish that students will follow the example of cooperation between lecturers. “Friendly and human contacts with students will confirm that you have important partners in Russia,” he said.

During the visit, the MSPU Rector also delivered a lecture for the ASPU teaching staff and students. In his lecture entitled “The Development of Education and The role of Pedagogical University,” Mr. Semenov spoke about the ongoing processes in the field of education, cognitive revolution, methods of communication and knowledge transfer, opinion of famous people, the role of technology and man in science. The academician also touched upon the current trends and issues, flow of knowledge, its transmission. He noted that the development of information technology is changing human thinking and perception.

The rector expressed hope that the views and ideas sounded during the meeting would be interesting and useful not only for educators but also for students.

ASPU Rector Ruben Mirzakhanyan bestowed the title of “Honorary Doctor” of Armenian State Pedagogical University upon the Rector of Moscow State Pedagogical University. The ASPU Rector also hailed his Russian counterpart’s contribution to the field of informatics both in Russia and around the world. He added that during the lecture the academician spoke about complicated scientific issues and approaches in a simple and accessible language which speaks to his preparedness and professionalism. “It was a great opportunity for us to admire the abilities of a great scientist,” he said.

Alexey Semenov thanked the ASPU Academic Council and Rector for the warm reception and the title adding that pedagogical universities are the most important educational institutions in countries. “Your nation has always impressed me with achievements in various fields. I have many friends among Armenians whom I have always applied for help and advice: this is so characteristic of Armenians. It is important for me to deepen partnership with a country with which we have good neighborly and friendly relations. I believe that my title will become not only an honor, but also a guarantee of our daily work, enhancing progress of the educational process worldwide.”

The visit ended with a cultural event. Students of the Faculty of Culture, “Ave Maria” female chamber choir and violin ensemble of the Faculty of Art Education performed during the event.

On the sidelines of the visit, the Russian delegation also visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan, paid respects to the innocent victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide and laid flowers at the Eternal Flame. The group also visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin where they were received by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.