November 14, 2022 | 15:19
Education
REFORMS DIRECTED TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE EDUCATION QUALITY CONTINUE AT THE YSU FACULTY OF JOURNALISM
In various faculties of YSU, reforms are continuously implemented to improve the quality of education, strengthen students' practical skills, and many other directions. This year, a new modern format of education organization called "Practicum" was introduced in the Faculty of Journalism, and an experimental TV station was also founded.
We talked with Naghash Martirosyan, dean of the Faculty of Journalism, about the reforms implemented in the faculty.
- Mr. Martirosyan, how was the development of "Practicum" decided, and the idea of implementing it with partner media?
The strategic plans of the university and the faculty are the benchmarks of the educational process, but to improve the quality of education, to find and implement new and innovative solutions, we also study the results of the continuously conducted social surveys among students, we thoroughly discuss their opinions, concerns, and suggestions at the meetings of the academic council of the faculty and chairs.
An effective connection between the university and the labor market is also important for us. The main problem pointed out by our colleagues in the media and especially by students is the necessity to increase the number of hours allocated to practical work and practical skills in the educational process.
In fact, the ratio of theoretical and practical hours in professional courses ranges from 30-70%. However, this academic year is distinguished by the fact that the new format of the education process developed during the discussions with YSU vice-rector for academic affairs Elina Asriyan and our colleagues from the Armenian public television company, which is implemented with partner media, is coming to life.
-How is the “Practicum” organized?
- Third and fourth-year students visit media companies once per week according to the following principle:
in the first semester of the third year: print media editorial offices and radio companies, in the second semester of the third year: TV stations and online media companies, in the first semester of the fourth year: all mass media listed above, also media divisions of various agencies, guided by the thematic coverage of the thesis.
- The establishment of an experimental television station is also among the faculty reforms. What new opportunities will it provide for faculty and students?
- Yes, the second new and important idea that we are implementing is the establishment of an experimental television station.In order to impart practical skills to students, a YouTube channel will be created in the first semester of the 2023-2024 academic year, where students' programs (also live) will be shown. We plan that these reforms will make the faculty a complementary academic and production environment.
Marine Mkrtchyan
