ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan participated in the fourth annual conference of the Armenian Society of Fellows (ASOF) at Dilijan branch of the Central Bank of Armenia, presenting the reforms in the education sector in Armenia.

Welcoming the attendees, ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized the significance of forming such platforms in terms of raising issues in the education system, sharing viewpoints, and fostering cooperation. The Minister pointed out that Armenia's education system is undergoing active reforms; however, this process is marked by multifaceted challenges.

“Discussions on a wide range of topics often conclude with the notion that everything begins with education, and our diverse issues stem from the education system. This is both a significant responsibility and a strong motivator to drive change and advance the reform agenda. Reforms are complex processes at any time and in any country. However, there is no alternative to change, and investments in education are essential to achieving positive results,” said Zhanna Andreasyan, adding that without corresponding means, the most significant and exquisite ideas will remain incomplete.

The Minister emphasized that Armenia continued its education reforms uninterrupted throughout the coronavirus pandemic, when funding for education declined in various countries. Despite all the difficulties and challenges, the state increases funding for the sector year after year.

“We need to invest more to have higher quality and accessibility. Facing a number of challenges - pandemic, war, etc. - the state increases the education budget every year, at least doubling it in the last 4-5 years. This means that we can do more and achieve the desired outcome,” emphasized the ESCS Minister.

When it comes to implementing reforms in the field of education, Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized the significance of productive cooperation with international and local partners as well as pilot programs that are tested and later implemented in the field, becoming a component of the systemic changes. Zhanna Andreasyan presented the RA Government's program to establish educational complexes in rural areas, which will serve as community development centres.

“These centres should provide high-quality education for all children, as well as serve the entire community. The efficient use of resources is essential, and it applies to both financial and human resources, providing the necessary infrastructure in schools and creating an appropriate environment,” said the ESCS Minister.

In the context of enhancing the education quality, Zhanna Andreasyan also touched upon the training program for “Chemistry”, “Physics”, “Biology”, “Geography” and “Information Technologies” teachers, within the framework of which teachers are familiarized with the operation and maintenance rules of the equipment available in new natural science laboratories to use them efficiently.

“About half of the general education schools have already been equipped with STEM laboratories, and in parallel, we are also implementing a separate program for the professional training of teachers. It is impossible to talk about advancing the quality of education if STEM teachers conduct the teaching process only with textbooks, without having an appropriate environment and equipment for practical work,” Zhanna Andreasyan noted, adding that the establishment of new laboratories is one of the key directions of reforms.

The ESCS Minister also presented the process of introducing the new standard for general education piloted in Tavush region. Zhanna Andreasyan outlined that the introduction of the standard implies a shift in the concept of education, transforming from knowledge-based education to a general education system based on abilities, skills, and knowledge, while also providing the opportunity for project-based learning. Accordingly, the exams format has also changed. In particular, in Tavush region, the 9th graders take an exam in the subjects of “Armenian History” and “Literature” in a unified essay format.

“Through essays, we contribute to the development of children's critical and analytical thinking abilities. Reforms and joint efforts are a daily, ongoing process,” said Zhanna Andreasyan, noting that starting next year, a unified essay-format exam will be administered for all schools in the Republic of Armenia.

The panel discussion also touched on programs aimed at advancing teachers' professional skills, the integration of artificial intelligence in educational curricula, and other issues.

ASOF brings together 361 scholars and experts from 35 countries, specializing in more than 126 scientific areas, ranging from Natural Sciences to Social Sciences and Humanities. This diverse community includes both promising young experts and seasoned scientists, including Nobel Prize winners. Over 55 members currently teach and conduct research at the world's top 100 universities.