In the quality assurance process, self-audits should serve not only to pinpoint issues but also to record and share achievements. During the July 3 meeting with HEI representatives, this message was emphasised. Following the logic of the previous discussion, on July 10, ANQA conducted another online workshop to showcase two best practices in the AP enhancement.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that such discussions aim to facilitate the exchange of practice and the dissemination of effective solutions and initiatives between the HEIs.
Anna Karapetyan, head of the Chair of Human and Animal Physiology at the Yerevan State University, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor, shared the practice in the AP "Biology".
As part of the self-audit of the AP "Biology", the Yerevan State University implemented the following enhancements:
- International comparability through benchmarking: an international expert participated in the audit process. The academic programme was benchmarked against the similar APs offered by six leading HEIs listed in the Shanghai rankings.
- Revision of curricula and descriptors: descriptors of twelve subjects and thematic content were revised. A new subject, Bioinformatics was introduced.
- Emphasis on credit load and practical components: the laboratory work now accounts for 30%, with elective subjects making up 20%.
- Literature modernisation: modern scientific sources aligned with international standards were included.
- Development of professional English skills: a course "English for Biology is planned to be introduced.
- Strengthening of practical skills: clear goals, outcomes, teaching methods, and ways to use modern tools were incorporated into the descriptors.
- Active student involvement: active student involvement in research projects is planned from the second year of undergraduate studies.
Tigran Khachatryan, head of the Education Quality Assurance Department at the Educational Complex of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, shared the practice in the enhancement of the "Patrol" qualification.
Based on the self-audit results of the "Patrol" qualification, the Educational Complex implemented the following enhancements:
- Review of the AP duration: The AP duration was extended from five to twelve months and is expected to reach a two-year duration by 2027.
- Introduction of new components: new thematic components were established, and practical and simulation resources were expanded.
- Infrastructure upgrade: specialised rooms were set up for skill development.
- Revision of state educational standards: the state educational standards and modular programmes were updated.
- Improvement of the teaching staff’s recruitment process: the process was reviewed to ensure quality standards.
- Continuous trainings: continuous and scenario-based short-term training programmes grounded in real-world cases were introduced.
- Regional trainings: on-site training sessions with patrols were conducted during the visits to various regions.
- International cooperation: a programme for the exchange of best practice was introduced with partner universities in Ukraine and Georgia.
The meeting ended with a professional discussion followed by a Q&A session. The participants highlighted that methodological best practices in the implementation of the self-audit of the APs should also be presented in the near future, broadening the visibility of enhancements.
It was noted that the workshops will continue after the start of the new academic year.