Need Assessment for Capacity Building of Armenian HEIs: discussion on study results at YSU

At the Innovation Solutions and Technology Centre (ISTC) of Yerevan State University, the results of the "Need Assessment for Capacity Building of Armenian HEIs" research study were presented. The meeting was organized within the framework of cooperation between the National Erasmus+ Office in Armenia and the YSU Continuing Education Center.

The research study was conducted by the Erasmus+ Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE) with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia and the National Center for Quality Assurance of Vocational Education (ANQA). The study involved a survey, in which 19 Armenian universities participated, providing summary information on their current needs and challenges. The research presents the universities' responses from the surveys, analyzes the identified problems, and suggests possible solutions.

Vice-Rector for Development and Innovation Mikayel Hovhannisyan underscored the significance of conducting similar studies within the higher education sector. He emphasized that practical steps will be taken based on the analyses derived from the research, including activity planning, and the development and implementation of strategic plans.

"It's important that the reforms planned and implemented in the university—such as developing educational programs, enhancing the research component, and modernizing management—are grounded in reliable methodologies and comprehensive analyzed information. This research offers an opportunity to address challenges from different perspectives, as well as effectively plan and manage development-oriented initiatives," said Mikayel Hovhannisyan.

Representatives of various Armenian educational institutions are included in the group of the Erasmus+ Higher Education Reform Experts that carried out the research. Kristine Gevorgyan, Higher Education Reform Expert and Coordinator of master’s programs at YSU Center for European Studies, presented the research directions, noting: "We have designed a questionnaire for universities, structured around six main: crafting a universally inclusive, learner-centered educational environment; enhancing the efficiency of education management; teaching and learning; digitalisation; internationalisation of educational services and products and internationalisation of research. In our research, we have presented potential solutions to these problems in universities across these directions."

Experts believe that the survey results and analysis will be useful in making reforms at national as well as institutional levels.

Lana Karlova, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office in Armenia, stressed the significance of conducting needs assessments for capacity building in Armenia, as well as establishing even more effective cooperation with European universities. She highlighted that Armenian universities have been fostering collaborative ties with various European institutions since 1996-1997. In this context, she noted that Yerevan State University (YSU) stands out as a leader in expanding cooperative relationships with European universities.

It’s important to note that the questionnaire used during the research was developed on the basis of the priorities of the "State Program for the Development of RA Education until 2030", summarizing the primary issues and the priorities of capacity development during the implementation of the strategic goals set by the universities at the national level.