Ruben Aghgashyan: Passage of Armenian higher educational establishments to credit system succeeded

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS: For the first time in 2010-2011 academic year Armenian higher educational establishments will have graduate completely learned by credit system. On this theme “Armenpress” interviewed Vice Rector of Yerevan State Architectural University Ruben Aghgashyan, who also chairs the commission for studying the results of passage to credit system set up by the Armenian Ministry of Education and Science.

-When did the teaching with credit system start in Armenia?

The passage of Armenian higher educational establishments to credit system started in 2006-2007 academic year, based on the agreement signed in 2005 in Bergen, to which Georgia and Azerbaijan joined together with Armenia. With that agreement Armenia joined the Bologna process. Though the official passage of the credit system took place at that time, the American University in Armenia worked with credit system from the very beginning. The Armenian Architectural University was the first to make an attempt of applying the credit system from 2002-2003 academic year.

-Have the problems and complications in Armenia been studied?

-To clear up such issues a commission has been set up under the patronage of the Education and Science Ministry. That commission managed to feel within several months of its activity both the good and bad sides of the Armenian educational system, and by taking into consideration those results, we can say that from the viewpoint of some major issues we are on a higher level than other CIS countries.

-Which are the main goals of Bologna process?

-After numerous interstate meetings the states affiliated with Bologna system have pointed out 10 main issues, among which is the credit system, on the basis of which a joint European assessment format is being designed. The last goal, which has added for the countries joined to the Bologna process, is the introduction of joint post-graduate education.

-It is four years that Armenia has passed to credit system. What kinds of works are involved in the agenda at the moment?

-To study the experience gained within these 4 years, the commission studied the general state of passage to credit system on the basis of information sent to us from 16 universities. Examining the information, we can say that the passage has succeeded, though there are still many tasks to fulfill.

-Which is the advantage and main goal of the credit system?

-First, we must realize that this system is student-centered, and stems from the profits of students. Credit system is not just an assessment system, but a system coordinating the work of the student.