The second session of the conference held within the framework of the World Bank Second Education Quality and Relevance Project (APL 2) was chaired by Riitta-Liisa Korkeamäki,
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Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Oulu, Finland, and Mher Melik-Bakhshyan, Vice Rector of Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU), Head of the Department of Coordination of Academic and Scientific-Methodological Activities.
Riitta-Liisa Korkeamäki briefed the attendees on the results of the work carried out by the two universities within the framework of a cooperation project as well as their fears and concerns before the start of the project. “Passing through the phase of cross-cultural recognition we presented different methods and programmes in order to understand our future steps,” she said stressing that the programme implemented jointly with the ASPU was a good example of cooperation and team work.
“Reforms are essential but it is more essential to choose the right partners to achieve the desired results. What we created together is an important achievement, because we have tangible and valuable results,” she said enumerating the achievements, namely reduction in the number of certain subjects, innovative approaches, contextual changes, development of elective courses, review of literature, adoption of student-centered approach, simplification of Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes, opening of a career center, etc.
The Dean of the University of Oulu stated that professional development is evident at the ASPU. “To achieve internationalization – this is our future,” said Riitta-Liisa Korkeamäki.
In his turn, ASPU senior representative Mher Melik-Bakhshyan spoke about the initial and final results of the three-year work and underlined that the project was aimed at preparing high-quality teachers which is evident today. When enumerating the achievements of the University, Mr. Melik Bakhshyan added that almost all programmes have been completed. At the same time, he stressed that internship was organized in this context and cited the example of â„–57 School of the University where the Institute of Teaching Assistant was introduced in the result of cooperation.
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Ms Eva Maria Raudasoja, Director of Academic Affairs at the University of Oulu, also referred to the results of cooperation between the two universities.
“The project is over, but the work is just beginning. This is meant for the entire life and should be spread in all higher education institutions preparing teachers,” she said emphasizing that throughout the project they had been guided by European standards for quality assurance and assessment.
Armenian State Pedagogical University has chosen management transparency standards, i.e. quality policy, mindset change, culture of continuous development, continuing professional development, shift from manual to electronic documentation, assessment and evaluation of assessment and use of flexible tools.
The conference proceeded with reports delivered by Vahan Sargsyan, Head of the Internship Department, ASPU, and Heghine Khachatryan, Dean of the Faculty of Primary Education, ASPU, who dwelt to the results of the cooperation study.
In his report entitled “The System of Practice,” Mr. Sargsyan said, “Studies have shown that there are underlying problems connected with management, legal and regulatory framework, connection between theory and practice, educational resources, university-employer cooperation and other issues.
Vahan Sargsyan presented the University’s model for continuous practice and referred to the results and effectiveness of experimental practices held at School â„– 57
In her report “Development of Preschool Curriculum,” Heghine Khachatryan presented in detail ASPU’s experience in developing the curriculum for the specialization Pedagogy and Methodology /elementary education/ and spoke about the purpose of professional education. She stressed that all educational programmes should be aimed at improving and bettering professional education.
The Dean also talked about the key ideas of the educational programme, and gave the definition of educational outcomes, competency identification as well as peculiarities of the educational programme.
The conference ended with the report “Internationalization of Armenian State Pedagogical University and Results of Cooperation” which was presented by Ara Yeremyan, ASPU Vice Rector for Personnel and International Cooperation.
The latter reflected upon the strategic methods, tools, goals and objectives emphasized in the internationalization process of the University.
The Vice Rector also presented the provisions required for improving the quality of educational programmes and ensuring their comparability with European programmes. Those include introduction of quality assurance mechanisms and tools, enhancement of student and staff mobility, improvement of skills of students and staff, acquisition of knowledge and values, establishing connection between education, research and innovation, as well as with the labour market and provision of employment skills.
Ara Yeremyan presented the current issues and future steps to be taken within the scope of cooperation between the University of Oulu and ASPU, which include continuation of collaborative efforts, joint research, increase in the staff and student mobility, co-management of research work, etc.
