National Seminar Highlights Progress in Enhancing Higher Education Quality in Azerbaijan and Russia
A groundbreaking seminar focusing on internal quality assurance in education was conducted as part of the "Enhancement of Internal Quality Assurance of Education in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment in Higher Education Institutions of Azerbaijan and Russia" (IQAinAR) project. Organized by the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ASPU) and Nakhchivan State University (NSU), the virtual event on June 29, 2021, gathered stakeholders to address teaching, learning, and assessment improvements.
Key Insights from the Seminar
The event featured 39 participants, including academic staff, students, and employers from ASPU, NSU, and Sumgait State University. Attendees debated the relevance and application of quality assurance indicators, which were introduced by the Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences and adapted to Azerbaijani institutional frameworks. Discussions spanned topics such as innovative teaching methods, research integration, and collaboration with industry leaders.
Focus Groups and Outcomes
Three focus groups targeted distinct stakeholder perspectives:
- Students: Moderated by a third-year physics student, the group emphasized experiential learning and modern teaching tools, advocating for compulsory internships and STEM-based education initiatives.
- Academic Staff: Discussions led by Mr. Galib Sharifov, Head of the Quality Assurance Department, stressed lifelong learning opportunities for educators, innovative pedagogical approaches, and integration of research findings into teaching.
- Employers: This group underscored the importance of practical skill development and industry collaboration, recommending more guest lectures and tailored job placement programs.
Strategic Goals and Implementation
Aligned with European Standards and Guidelines, the IQAinAR project aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement in Azerbaijani and Russian higher education institutions. Its roadmap incorporates student-centered practices, stakeholder input, and systematic reviews using the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. The initiative also seeks to harmonize local policies with international benchmarks while promoting lifelong learning for educators and expanding research capabilities.
Broader Implications
Preliminary survey results, shared during the seminar, indicated positive perceptions of quality assurance efforts among students and faculty. However, challenges such as aligning theoretical knowledge with practical applications remain. Employers highlighted the need for education systems to prioritize skill sets that meet industry demands.
Future Plans
Building on this seminar, the project team will implement revised indicators and conduct training programs for quality assurance professionals. Upcoming phases include establishing an e-platform for knowledge sharing and hosting additional workshops to refine strategies.
The IQAinAR project, co-funded by the European Commission, demonstrates the commitment of higher education institutions in Azerbaijan and Russia to elevate academic standards and foster international collaboration in education.