RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan paid a visit to Vanadzor Secondary School № 18 today, where the training of STEM teachers has commenced.

Acting Governor of Lori region Hovhannes Avetisyan accompanied Zhanna Andreasyan.

During the five-day course, teachers are introduced to the operation and maintenance guidelines of the equipment in the new natural science laboratories to ensure their effective use. As part of the program, about 250 teachers of “Chemistry”, “Physics”, “Biology”, “Geography” and “Information Technologies” from 63 schools in Lori region will be trained. The training is conducted by the “Centre for Education Programs” PIU.

Welcoming the training participants, the ESCS Minister emphasized that the RA Government is making substantial investments to improve the quality of education in natural sciences and technology, including the establishment of modern laboratories in schools.

“To improve the quality of teaching STEM subjects, the introduction of laboratories is essential, as it provides wonderful opportunities to make even the most complex concepts more accessible and understandable for children. Obviously, this process also entails enhancing teachers' skills so that the maintenance of laboratories is targeted and efficient. It is very important that the teacher feels confident in the lab when using the equipment. It is noteworthy that in these environments, a professional orientation can also be shaped, sparking children's curiosity in natural sciences,” said the Minister and thanked the teachers for their willingness to advance their professional knowledge after the school year ended.

According to Zhanna Andreasyan, corresponding manuals and video tutorials have been developed to help teachers use the laboratories. She informed that parallel work is underway to introduce similar skills at the Pedagogical University as well: in particular, a centre for excellence has been established for science and technology teachers, by studying the international best practices.

“The university can also provide additional training for in-service teachers throughout the year,” Zhanna Andreasyan said. The second phase of training will begin on June 28 for about 150 teachers. During the meeting, teachers asked the Minister questions and raised concerns, which related to the new standard, the school subscription program, transportation expense reimbursement, details of project learning, content and technical issues related to QR codes in textbooks, voluntary certification, etc.

Within the framework of her visit to Lori, ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan also visited Vanadzor High School № 13, where reconstruction works are underway as part of the “300 Schools, 500 Kindergartens” program. The Minister took a tour of the school to become acquainted with the ongoing and completed work and the existing issues. The school is designed for 500 pupils: as per the contract, it will be commissioned by the end of the year, fully equipped with new equipment.