Higher Education System Development for Social
Improvement and Humanity Sciences Competitiveness
Sokhumi State University
Project tasks and achievements
(2ND WORK YEAR)
BOLOGNA, ITALY
19-20 JANUARY, 2012
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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
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Involvement of social partners into the project
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EACEA recommendations and visits and evaluation of experts
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The results of the academic staff training in EU
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Working visit to Shota Rustaveli State University
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The representatives of Bologna University at Sokhumi State University
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Dissemination of information
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:
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General Education Qualification Framework
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Vocational Qualification Framework
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Higher Education Qualification Framework
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The fourth Annex
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The fifth Annex
http://eqe.ge/eng/education/national_qualifications_framework
Development of curriculum in Humanities
Sciences and elaboration of modules
Sokhumi State University
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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.
Shota Rustaveli 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 Shota Rustaveli
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.
Cooperation with the Ministry of Education and
Science and development of professional standards
and recommendations
Sokhumi State University and Shota Rustaveli State University actively cooperate with the ministries. The Head of
Higher Educatuon Development Division, Prof. Nugzar Chitaia actively participates in all the activities and tasks of
the project.
Recommendations
Social dialogue
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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
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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
Tasks of Sector Board Experts
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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
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Participation in the process of study programs elaboration
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Experts delegation for the elaboration and expertise of the occupational examinations
The tasks of regional boards of education and employment
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Coordination of education, employment and labour resources; professional training and re-training in the
region
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Coordination of examination and qualifying institutions
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Establishment of networks between education institutions and employers in the region
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Coordination of training and business practice processes
Mechanisms of social partners’ involvement assurance
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Unified responsibility of the social partners
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Order principle
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Flexibility of educational system and its correspondence to the demands of labour market
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:
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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.
Development of occupational standards
Master programme “Intercultural Communications”
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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.
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
Involvement of social partners into the
project
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Georgian Employers Association
Kote Marjanishvili 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”
Shota Rustaveli 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 Ilia Chavchavadze State Theatre of Drama
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.
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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 Shota Rusatveli State University and
Batumi Art Teaching University (27 May – 2 June, 2011) were covered by regional TV
media.
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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 Shota Rustaveli State University and expressed her support in
the project implementation process. The meeting with the Minister of Culture and Sport
(Adjara) Mr. Gia Abuladze was held in June 2011. The Head of Higher Education
Development Division at MoES of Georgia Mr. Nugzar Chitaia 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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Working visit to Shota Rustaveli State University
In the frames of TEMPUS project the working group of Sokhumi State University paid a visit to Shota Rustaveli
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 Shota Rustaveli State University Aliosha Bakuridze 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 Indira
Dzagania; the manager of project team, the Rector of Batumi Art Teaching University Prof. Ermile Meskhia; the
Head of Administration at Sokhumi State University, Prof. Shota Akhalaia; the Head of Slavic Studies
Department at Shota Rustaveli State University, the project participant Prof. Marine Aroshidze; the members
of Sokhumi State University delegation and the staff of Shota Rustaveli 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 - Ermile Meskhia) 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. Goderdzi Totochava. The
important issues of culture and social partnership were discussed.
On July 1, 2011 the Minister of Education, Culture and Sport of Adjara Mr. Gia Abuladze 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.
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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.
Dissemination of information
All the project-related information and activities are published:
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on the websites www.sou.edu.ge/tempus and http://bsu.edu.ge/tempus/;
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in the newspapers of the universities;
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by local media.
Thank you!