MEETING ON “ERASMUS+ MODEST” PROGRAM

The meeting was organized by the division of International Relations of the Department of International Cooperation of YSU. The representatives of National Erasmus+ Office in Armenia, University of Latvia, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, YSU teaching staff as well as Armenian State Pedagogical University after Kh. Abovyan.

The head of YSU Department of International Cooperation Alexander Markarov greeted those present and presented the agenda. He stressed the necessity of getting informed about partners’ experience in the development of doctoral studies and taking it into account.

The Program Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office in Armenia Lana Karlova, telling about Erasmus+ Modest program noted that it aims to develop and modernize doctoral education and improve teaching methodologies.

She attached importance to the positive working atmosphere and expressed willingness to assist in this issue.

The Director of administration of the University of Latvia Ansis Grantins, greeting the partners presented the achievements of their university in the system of education.

The University of Latvia celebrated its Centennial in 2018. A film telling about the event was shown during the meeting.

MODEST Coordinator in the University of Latvia Inga Skendere told about their experience of joining the program and stressed that it’s important to take into account the possibilities of distant learning.

She presented other universities partners of the program and the fields of their responsibility. Among Armenian higher educational institutions involved in the program are YSU, National Polytechnic University of Armenia and Armenian State Pedagogical University after Kh. Abovyan.

She stressed that each university has its need and peculiarities and the program takes them into account.

During the presentation of the working plan and schedule Inga Skendere answered the questions about the program.

The issue related to choosing online working platforms and their effective use were discussed. Lana Karlova stressed that each working group must involve IT specialists.

Irina Obukhova spoke told about Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology presenting its history. She noted that there are a number of difficulties related to arrangement of teaching educational programs in English but they are trying to overcome them.

She spoke about the problems related to post-graduation programs informing that there is an opinion in the system of Russian education that as the third degree of education it should be abolished.

Alexander Markarov spoke about dissemination of results and outlined the special role of PR (Public Relations) in this issue.

First of all, the fact of the program existence should be publicized. According to Mr. Markarov, university is a large structure and targeted audience should be selected: post-graduates, specialists working with them, corresponding subdivisions.

He told about the program and its dissemination in details and outlined the most effective aspects of communication.