Higher Education System Development for Humanities Sciences Competitiveness in Sokhumi State University

1. Project tasks and achievements (2ND WORK YEAR)BOLOGNA, ITALY19-20 JANUARY,2012 Higher Education System Development for Social Improvement and Humanity Sciences Competitiveness Sokhumi State University

2. Involvement into European Qualifications Framework • Development of curriculum in the field of Humanities Sciences and elaboration of modules • Cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science and development of professional standards and recommendations • Involvement of social partners into the project • EACEA recommendations and visits and evaluation of experts • The results of the academic staff training in EU • Working visit to Shota Rustaveli State University • The representatives of Bologna University at Sokhumi State University • Dissemination of information

3. Involvement into European Qualifications Framework National Qualifications Framework (NQF) was approved by a decree  N120/N of the Minister  of Education and Science of Georgia on December 10, 2010. The document includes all the qualifications and different levels of general, vocational and higher education competences that exist in Georgia.   The NQF defines what type of knowledge, skills and values an individual should have in order to receive a certifying document of completion at a corresponding level – School Certificate (Attestat), Vocational Diploma, Diploma. The NQF  supports:• Establishment of a  learner, vocational student, and student- oriented educational system;• Promotion of Education received in Georgia and its correspondence to international standards• Student and learner mobility process. The NQF is based on the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (LLL). NQF  consists of five documents: • General Education Qualification Framework • Vocational Qualification Framework • Higher Education Qualification Framework • The fourth Annex • The fifth Annex http://eqe.ge/eng/education/national_qualifications_framework

4. Development of curriculum in Humanities Sciences and elaboration of modules Sokhumi State University • 5 training courses have been developed: "Intercultural Communications", "Human Resources Management", "Use of New Information Technologies", "Project Management", "Culture Management". Each course consists of 5-6 ECTS. Training courses will be tested at the Master's program "Intercultural Communications" during 2011-2012 study year. • The syllabi for the courses have been developed using new, modern scientific literature and include the themes and subjects that are important for the students in order to acquire deep knowledge of their specific area. Developed training courses are based on modern Georgian, Russian and English teaching materials. Lectures are delivered in Georgian and Russian languages. • Training methods are paid big attention in order to make the learning process more successful. Different methods of teaching ("Project-Based Learning" (PBL), "Problem-Based Learning" (PBL), etc.) are used in the teaching process. • During their work on project students conduct thematic researches in accordance with their project topics. The project is a part of the curriculum and is evaluated at the end of semester. Seminars are held in the traditional method (questions - answers). • The demands of the labour market were taken into consideration while developing new study programmes. The current situation and problems of the cultural institutions have been reviewed. Also we got familiarized with their demands with respect to human resources.

5. ShotaRustaveli State University and Batumi Art University Two elaborated teaching courses undergo the approbation process: “Intercultural Communications” (5 ECTS) at the Master programme of the Humanities faculty and “New Information Technologies” (5 ECTS) at all Bachelor programmes. Considering the specific characteristics of region (rapid development of the tourism infrastructure) and the modern market demands, the majority of the humanitarian programmes is represented in the native and foreign languages (English, Russian, German, French, Turkish). In the process of development and approbation of new education programmes special attention is paid to the cooperation with employers, so while developing the programme their recommendations are taken into consideration. for this purpose ShotaRustaveli State University Batumi University of Art, have regular meetings with employers and graduates, etc. Bachelor programme “Culture Management” is successfully implemented at Batumi University of Art.

6. Cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science and development of professional standards and recommendations Sokhumi State University and ShotaRustaveli State University actively cooperate with the ministries. The Head of Higher Educatuon Development Division, Prof. NugzarChitaia actively participates in all the activities and tasks of the project. Recommendations Social dialogue • Social dialogue on the state level • Review of legal texts and state plans on the development of education, human resources and development in the sphere of employment • Definition of the social partners’ obligations and responsibilities Formation of employers’ motivation to participate in the educational issues Assurance of state resources appliance in the educational sphere in accordance with the real needs of labour market • Development of social dialogue on the level of certain field Involvement of social partners on the national level • National board of cooperation to be created, where the ministries, employers associations and trade unions will be involved • The subboard of education and cooperation in the field of employment to be created

7. Tasks of Sector Board Experts • With the view of education and employment improvement participate in the process of sector research, prognosticate the development of the sector • Active participation in the process of development and approval of sector occupational qualifications structure Initiation of elaboration of main demands and approval of the occupational standards • Participation in the process of study programs elaboration • Experts delegation for the elaboration and expertise of the occupational examinations The tasks of regional boards of education and employment • Coordination of education, employment and labour resources; professional training and re-training in the region • Coordination of examination and qualifying institutions • Establishment of networks between education institutions and employers in the region • Coordination of training and business practice processes Mechanisms of social partners’ involvement assurance • Unified responsibility of the social partners • Order principle • Flexibility of educational system and its correspondence to the demands of labour market

8. Development of Sector Benchmarks Mater’s program “Intercultural Communications” In the sphere of higher education, Sector Benchmarks is one of the mechanisms of quality assurance of higher educational programmes. Sector Benchmark is a document, which defines competences of educational programmes with regard to specific directions or field/specialization considering appropriate levels of education. The document is based on the National Qualifications Framework and European Qualifications Framework. It supports student mobility and development of joint educational programmes. Sector Benchmarks are developed in three directions - Law, Medicine and Education. (http://eqe.ge/eng/education/highest_education/benchmarks) This document defines minimum competences that a holder of a corresponding qualification (bachelor, master, PhD) is expected to possess. Sector Benchmarks have not been developed in other directions (neither in Intercultural Communications). The qualification, objectives, fields of employment, credit value (ECTS), learning outcomes, teachings methods and methods required for achieving learning outcomes in the Master’s programme in “Intercultural Communications” have been developed and defined in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework. Master’s programme in “Intercultural Communications” was developed by Sokhumi State University and modernized in the framework of Tempus programme. Learning outcomes are defined in accordance with the national qualifications framework, namely: • Knowledge and understanding – after ending the programme graduates will have profound and systematic knowledge of such issues as intercultural relations, Turkish language, Turkish culture and history, interaction of business and intercultural management, social psychology as an important component of intercultural dialogue. This knowledge enables students to develop new and original ideas and find different solutions for the problems.

9. Development of occupational standards Master programme “Intercultural Communications” • Applying knowledge/ practical skills – graduates are able to identify, analyze and solve complex problems using new, original ways under direct supervision as well as independently; comment on the research texts in accordance with the latest achievements; have the ability to use study materials through the usage of modern information technologies and interdisciplinary methods. • Making judgments - graduates have an ability to make conclusions based on the complex and incomplete information (including the most recent studies); are able to make synthesis of the information; possess planning and organization skills, decision-making and problem-solving skills. • Communication skills – graduates possess skills required for the usage of modern information technologies and technical equipment; management skills; are able to make conclusions and arguments as well as communicate in native and foreign languages (English, Turkish, Russian) in academic and professional circles; have developed social skills which are related to interpersonal relations, teamwork, expression of social and ethical responsibilities. • Learning skills – graduates are able to conduct independent studies, understand the peculiarities of the learning process; possess systematic skills (learning skills, skills required for adapting to new situations, independent and teamwork skills and management skills); possess strategic planning skills. • Values ​​– graduates are familiarized with the principles of tolerance and ethnocultural ethics, respect the culture of the communicant and at the same time realize the originality of their own values; are able to modify their behavior in accordance with the peculiarities of the intercultural relations; are able to identify and correct the causes of the cultural gaps; able to choose communication strategy and apply the rules of etiquette with the representatives of foreign cultures; are able to evaluate the attitudes towards the values and contribute to the development of the new values. This program is designed to achieve the learning outcomes and the minimum competencies that must possess an appropriate master's degree holders, will be offered for the Ministry of Education and Science as a Working Draft of these qualifications, relevant characteristics of the formation process.

10. Occupational Standards Occupational Standards define levels of vocational education, minimum credit value and mandatory competences in terms of knowledge, skills and values for each level. It also states additional requiremetns based on specifications of the profession. (http://eqe.ge/eng/education/professional_education/occupational_standards)Occupational Standards stand as the key source for creation of vocational educational programmes. Occupational Standards are developed based on the Vocational Qualification Framework (VQF) with participation of professional associations and other interested stakeholders and approved by the LEPL- National Center for Educaitonal Quality Enhancement (NCEQE). Since December 31, 2010  up to present more than 200 Occupational Standards (OS) have been approved. Occupational Standards: 01 Agrarian Sciences 07 Social Sciences 02 Business Administration 08 Art 03 Education 09 Medicine 04 Engineering 10 Humanities 05 Science/ Natural Sciences 06 Law

11. Involvement of social partners into the project • Georgian Employers Association • KoteMarjanishvili State Drama Theatre • Sokhumi State Drama Theatre • National Museum of Georgia • Association of Intercultural Communications • NGO "Multinational Georgia for Strengthening Democratic Values“ • Touristic agency “Sinop” • ShotaRustaveli State University of Theatre and Cinema of Georgia • LEPL – Art Museum of Adjara • Higher Music College of Kutaisi • Tbilisi Kutateladze State Academy of Art • Batumi State Music Centre • Tbilisi V.Sarajishvili State Conservatory • Antic-Line Ltd • Kiev Karpenko-Kari National university of Theatre, Cinema and Television, • Batumi State Theatre of Puppets and Teenagers • Batumi IliaChavchavadze State Theatre of Drama

12. EACEA recommendations and visits and evaluation of experts The dialogue with the social partners  An agreement of cooperation has been signed between Sokhumi State University and Georgian Employers Association. The agreement covers such issues as students’ internship and assistance in future employment at local organizations and institutions. Georgian Employers Association will provide recommendations and information on labour market demands. • Advertising the project in local, regional and national media All the activities connected to the project are published in the newspaper of Sokhumi State University and on the official website of TEMPUS - IV HESDESPI project (Georgia) www.sou.edu.ge/tempus. The conference held at ShotaRusatveli State University and Batumi Art Teaching University (27 May – 2 June, 2011) were covered by regional TV media. • The cooperation with the national authorities (MoES, Ministry of Labour, regional and local employment agencies) The Deputy Head at the Ministry of Culture and Sport (Adjara) Ms. Aida Abuseridze took part in the conference held at ShotaRustaveli State University and expressed her support in the project implementation process. The meeting with the Minister of Culture and Sport (Adjara) Mr. GiaAbuladze was held in June 2011. The Head of Higher Education Development Division at MoES of Georgia Mr. NugzarChitaia participated in the monitoring visit held by project expert Mr. Hans Skoglund (October, 2011). The heads of departments at the Ministry of Culture (Georgia) provide assistance in the implementation of the project. The meeting with the partners from Bologna University has already been arranged at MoES of Georgia (November, 2011).

13. MoES participation in the project The representatives of MoES of Georgia actively participate in every meeting and activity held in the framework of HESDESPI project. • A strategy for sustainable relationships with employers In the frame of the project Sokhumi State University and theaters, museums and touristic agencies h signed the agreements of cooperation. In the frame of the agreement the students of Master programme “Intercultural Communications” will undertake internship; the lectures in “Culture Management” will be delivered at the theatres; students will get familiarized with the administration system and management processes at these organizations, etc. • Project website The website of HESDESPI project www.sou.edu.ge/tempus (Georgia) covers all the activities carried out in the framework of the project.

14. The results of the academic staff training in EU In the frames of Tempus project, the representatives of Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia HEIs took part in the intensive professional training organized in the EU(Portugal, Latvia, Itlay). The following issues were discussed: intercultural communications, culture management, informational technologies in the field of culture, cooperation with the employers and project management. The role of the implemented training courses is of great significance to the project implementation process, since the main goal of the project is the improvement of humanity sciences competitiveness, enhancement of cooperation with the social partners, elaboration and development of corresponding recommendations. The training participants were awarded the certificates.

15. Working visit to ShotaRustaveli State University In the frames of TEMPUS project the working group of Sokhumi State University paid a visit to ShotaRustaveli State University in Batumi. The aim of the visit was summarizing the implemented works, developing the future plans, organizing scientific-practical conference and meeting the heads of the cultural organizations and employers. On June 27, 2011 the meeting with the Rector of ShotaRustaveli State University AlioshaBakuridze was held. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of Adjara Ms. Aida Abuseridze; the coordinator of HESDeSPI grant project, professor of Sokhumi State University IndiraDzagania; the manager of project team, the Rector of Batumi Art Teaching University Prof. ErmileMeskhia; the Head of Administration at Sokhumi State University, Prof. ShotaAkhalaia; the Head of Slavic Studies Department at ShotaRustaveli State University, the project participant Prof. Marine Aroshidze; the members of Sokhumi State University delegation and the staff of ShotaRustaveli State Unievrsity. The parties discussed the importance of the project for the participating HEIs and future project plans. On June 28, 2011 the scientific-practical conference was held which covered such issues as upgrading of educational programs, improvement of human resources management and development of cultural sphere. The conference was attended by the representatives of Sokhumi State University and Batumi Art Teaching University. On June 29, 2011 Batumi Art Teaching University (the Rector - ErmileMeskhia) hosted the meeting with the delegation of Sokhumi State University where the quests got familiarized with the educational programs of the first and second cycle; the discussion of higher education issues was held. On June 30, 2011 the project team of Sokhumi State University held the meetings with the directors of State Art Museum of Adjara and Khulo Local Museum Ms. Nino Nizharadze and Mr. GoderdziTotochava. The important issues of culture and social partnership were discussed. On July 1, 2011 the Minister of Education, Culture and Sport of Adjara Mr. GiaAbuladze hosted the meeting with the delegation of Sokhumi State University. During the meeting the cordial and business conversation was held. Attention was focused on the significance of the project. .

16. The representatives of Bologna University at Sokhumi State University On November 17-20, 2011 Roberto Righi (Coordinator) and Stefano Grandi visited Sokhumi State University.  The main goal of the visit was familiarizing with introduction of European educational principles into the Georgian educational system and finding out at what extent Georgian educational programs correspond to the European standards.  On November 17, 2011 Professors Roberto Righi and Stefano Grandi met with the Coordinator of TEMPUS IV Program of Sokhumi State University, Professor Indira Dzagania; expert Shorena Japaridze; project participants: Professors Shota Akhalaia, Manana Kuprava, Romeo Galdava; Doctor Irma Zakharaia; Gvantsa Jichoshvili and Bakar Asatiani.  Discussion touched issues, connected with the TEMPUS Project. Later Professors Roberto Righi and Stefano Grandi arranged presentation for students and academic staff about Bologna and its University. Special attention was paid to the University structure and Educational programs.  The Rector of Sokhumi State University, Professor Joni Apakidze met with the guests. Participation of the University in the Project and importance of sharing experience was the main topic of the conversation. Parties agreed on cooperation between the Universities and as the first stage - on the level of Humanitarian Faculties. 

17. Dissemination of information All the project-related information and activities are published: • on the websites www.sou.edu.ge/tempus andhttp://bsu.edu.ge/tempus/; • in the newspapers of the universities; • by local media.

18. Thank you!