KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Today, on the initiative of the Student Scientific Society of the Faculty of Primary Education, a students’ symposium headed “Education and General Upbringing Issues at Modern Schools” was launched at the Pedagogical. 

The Head of the Department of Native language and its Teaching Methods after Ashot Ter-Grigoryan Mr. Ashot Galstyan made the opening speech; the latter welcomed the participants of the symposium and expressed his hope for the discussed issues to assist in correct organization of further activities and clear orientation in a number of questions. 

The first report at the plenary session was presented by the MA student of the Faculty of Primary Education Ms. Shoushanik Yenoqyan on the topic of “Using the interdisciplinary linkages in teaching mathematics at elementary school”. 

First of all the future pedagogue defined the concept of “interdisciplinary linkages”, then she introduced the connection between teaching Mathematics and Native Language, Fine Arts, Music, Physical Education or other subjects.

What is more, Ms. Shoushanik Yenoqyan also noticed that teaching Mathematics is most effective when it is combined with other subjects and presented in forms of stories, riddles, and poems. Besides, during her presentation she stressed the fact that even though teaching Chess is still a new process at schools, its interdisciplinary connection was highlighted by the authors of textbooks on Mathematics; exercises included in the textbooks also give an opportunity to develop skills of chess at the same time recalling mathematical topics.

“Using interdisciplinary connections is a rather expanded, multi-scope and serious process that requires coordinated activities, great mastery and skills from teachers,” she added.

In addition, a number of questions were raised on this issue; the Dean of the Faculty of Primary Education Ms. Heghinei Khachatryan, who was also present at the symposium, assured that the course “Integrated thematic units at elementary schools” included in the curricula will facilitate the process of understanding the interdisciplinary linkages.

Further on, the plenary session proceeded with the report of Ms. Narinei Baghdasaryan on the topic “Constructive activities as a tool to develop thinking for senior preschool children”. Ms. Baghdasaryan observed that Fine arts are the most effective activity to stimulate child’s thinking. Likewise, an undergraduate student discovered in her personal studies that origami strongly stimulates thinking, activates constructive mind, fosters the development of mental processes and minor motoricity.     

“Children’s mental abilities may develop in the course of various creative, constructive activities. In fact, a great role is given to one of the oldest types of Japanese art- origami.”

Next at the plenary session were activities in groups conducted by the Head of the Department of Native Language and its Teaching Methods Mr. Ashot Galstyan and the Deputy Dean of Science and Postgraduate Education Ms. Lusinei Poghosyan. 

The latter was happy to notice that the students expectations of the symposium were justified, and the number of applicants “forced” them to undertake activities in two directions simultaneously.