With the support from the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, ANQA launches the main stage of the training “Building innovative teaching capacities in VET (development of research and digital skills)”
The aim is to strengthen teaching capacity in the VET system, empowering teachers to prepare not only skilled practitioners, but also proactive research-oriented specialists, capable of adapting to a rapidly evolving labour market.
Why is this necessary today?
Accreditation results and labour market analyses clearly indicate that theoretical knowledge alone is no longer sufficient. Today’s VET teachers need research competences and the ability to continuously review and update academic programmes (APs) based on real-world issues, data and analysis.
This approach ensures that students graduate not with pre-set methods, but with the capacity to analyse professional challenges, draw evidence-based decisions and propose practical solutions.
The trainings will be conducted in three interconnected stages, guiding teachers from idea to ready-to-use learning outcomes.
Stage one: Research environment and digital tools
In the first stage, participants will explore approaches and tools designed to cultivate a research-oriented and creative educational environment. They will learn to apply digital tools not as an add-on, but as an effective method to organise the teaching and research process, thereby fostering active student engagement and individual works.
Stage two: Step-by-step model for research activities
In the second stage, participants will be introduced to the complete research process, from the formulation of a professional question to data collection, analysis, and identification of patterns. Teachers will work on the modules and content they deliver, gaining the skills to formulate practical research questions and turn them into assignments.
Stage three: Introduction of research findings into academic programmes
In this stage, participants will be trained to incorporate research analyses and conclusions into modular programmes and lesson plans. The sessions will be more practical, problem-based, aligned with the requirements of the labour market, while preserving the academic programmes' core logic and established standards.
Training schedule
The training sessions will take place at the main building of the Armenian State University of Economics, St. 128 Nalbandyan.
Agricultral sector – January 19–21
Trainer, Andreas Melikyan, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor.
IT – January 20–22
Trainer, Ruben Topchyan, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor
Medical sector – January 21–23
Trainer, Ishkhan Sokhakyan, Candidate of Medical Sciences, doctor
It should be noted that the main stage was preceded by pilot trainings held in September for representatives from medical, IT and agricultural VET institutions. During that period, the training materials were piloted, and based on the outcomes, the project was improved and further clarified.
Expected outcomes
By the end of the project, approximately 80 VET teachers are expected to have modernised academic programmes and course descriptors, geared towards the preparation of specialists with creative, research-oriented thinking and practical skills for the economy.
ANQA expresses its gratitude to the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation and all the experts for their contribution to the development of research-oriented and proactive VET specialists.