Education

How Russians Learned in Schools 100 Years Ago (and Even Earlier) / ITech content

How Russians Learned in Schools 100 Years Ago (and Even Earlier) / ITech content

Learn: The Profession of a Methodologist from Scratch to PRO

Learn More

In this article, you will become familiar with the main aspects of the topic. We will cover the key points in detail and provide useful information that will help you better understand the subject of discussion. Expect practical tips and recommendations that can be applied in practice. Read on to gain valuable information and deepen your knowledge.

  • When the first courses appeared in Russia and what they taught;
  • How a large network of courses appeared on the initiative of merchants and industrialists, and why agricultural courses were needed in a country that was already an agrarian one;
  • How the shortage of electrical engineers and representatives of other new professions was made up, and how semi-literate workers were further educated;
  • What was taught in pedagogical courses and what people's universities were.

How and why the first courses appeared in Russia

Courses are a unique educational format that goes beyond the traditional education system, including schools, secondary vocational schools and universities. They provide the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in various fields that meet the requirements of the modern world. In Russia, courses began to appear en masse in the second half of the 19th century, a response to societal changes and the need for new qualifications. These educational programs offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing people to study at their own pace and in comfortable conditions, making them attractive to a wide audience. Higher education in Russia before the Revolution was accessible only to a limited number of people. Most citizens faced barriers to admission to public universities due to discriminatory factors such as gender and nationality, particularly for women and Jews. Furthermore, many potential students lacked the basic education required for admission. Specialized institutes also existed in pre-revolutionary Russia, but they were predominantly private and only began to actively develop in the early 20th century. Admission to these institutions also required a certain level of education, which limited access for the majority of the population.

Aleksandrovskoye Real School in Tyumen, 1889 Photo: Nikolai Terekhov

There were not only higher educational institutions, but also a system of schools offering secondary vocational education. These schools covered a variety of areas, including technical, vocational, and commercial specialties. However, firstly, they did not meet all the needs of the labor market, and secondly, they were focused primarily on children and adolescents. Thus, a broader and more flexible educational system was needed, capable of adapting to the requirements of the adult population and providing high-quality training for specialists in various fields.

Adults seeking a profession but lacking sufficient basic training for admission to a university faced certain difficulties. Industrialists, in turn, sought ways to improve the skills of their workers, who were often former peasants. During the industrialization of the second half of the 19th century, when railways were actively built, joint-stock commercial banks were opened, and enterprises developed, an urgent need for qualified personnel arose. Under these conditions, it became important to create educational programs and courses that helped workers master new equipment and technologies. This not only increased workers' knowledge but also contributed to the country's economic development.

Society was undergoing significant changes: interest in knowledge increased, and representatives of various social groups, who had previously had no opportunity to study at gymnasiums and universities, sought ways to realize their potential. At this time, female emancipation was actively developing, which also contributed to a change in public consciousness and the role of women in society.

People were striving for knowledge, and the new era required an increase in the number of educated specialists. However, the traditional education system could not provide the necessary number of qualified personnel. Moreover, universities and colleges had not yet developed appropriate educational programs for some modern professions.

In response to modern challenges, educational courses were created. They are represented by both private and public initiatives, operating under various departments. There are also a number of courses organised on a voluntary basis, where enthusiasts raise funds from philanthropists and public organisations. These educational programs are aimed at meeting people's needs for acquiring new knowledge and skills, which is especially relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Read also:

Big break on Zarechnaya Street: adult education in Soviet schools

On Zarechnaya Street A major change was taking place that affected not only students but also adults. In Soviet schools, adult education became an important part of the educational system. Adults seeking to improve their skills or gain new knowledge had the opportunity to attend classes and participate in various educational programs.

The education system in the Soviet Union was aimed at providing access to knowledge to all segments of the population. Adults could study various disciplines, from technical to humanities, which contributed to their personal and professional growth.

Education in Soviet schools for adults was distinguished by its structure and approach. Teachers took into account the experience and life circumstances of students, which made classes more effective and productive. This created a unique atmosphere where knowledge was transferred not only within the educational process, but also through the exchange of experience between participants.

Thus, the big change on Zarechnaya Street symbolized not only changes in educational methods, but also society's desire for continuous development and learning. Adults studying in Soviet schools not only improved their professional skills but also contributed to the development of their community and the country as a whole.

Non-governmental courses began to appear in Russia in 1869, having received permission from the authorities. The first of these were the women's Alarchinsky Courses in St. Petersburg and the Lubyanka Courses in Moscow. In 1870, the Vladimir Courses opened, becoming the first mixed course, accepting both men and women. These courses were taught in sections: some materials corresponded to the gymnasium curriculum, and others to the university curriculum. The format of classes included short cycles of public lectures, which contributed to the accessibility of education to a wide audience.

The 1870s saw a significant growth in the popularity of non-governmental higher education courses, especially among women, as society desperately needed such educational initiatives. These courses became an alternative to university education, offering similar programs and attracting the same professors as those at state universities. Their history is fraught with complexities, but it's important to note that they played a key role in expanding access to higher education for women and contributed to changes in the educational system of the time. Let's examine what courses existed beyond exclusively female higher education institutions. We'll consider the most common examples, excluding highly specialized ones, although these did exist. Some of these mass courses eventually evolved into full-fledged universities, colleges, or technical schools that survive to this day. History shows that courses have always been in demand in cases where formal education was not able to meet the current needs of society.

Also study:

Would you have become a student in the Russian Empire? Take our test and find out. This test will help you immerse yourself in the educational system of that era and assess your knowledge of student life in the Russian Empire. Explore educational opportunities, the disciplines studied, and the difficulties faced by students of that time. Make sure you are prepared for the challenges faced by young people seeking knowledge in the Russian Empire. Take the test and discover a unique historical experience.

Commercial Courses

Commercial schools in Russia began to emerge in the late 18th century, offering both basic education and training in accounting, trade, banking, and insurance. In 1894, these educational institutions received the status of full-fledged secondary educational institutions. However, by the end of the 19th century, there were only about five commercial schools in the country, which did not meet the needs of commercial and industrial enterprises for qualified personnel. As a result, private courses emerged, where training was conducted by experienced accountants and economists. These courses offered both introductory training for beginners and advanced two-year programs for graduates of commercial schools.

The concept for the development of commercial education aimed to increase the number of educational institutions, open courses, and create specialized universities, primarily private ones. This process was initiated both at the state level and by potential employers who were in dire need of qualified specialists. Finance Minister Witte established a special commission within his ministry to coordinate these efforts, emphasizing the importance of education for the economy and the labor market. The development of commercial education became a key factor in preparing personnel capable of meeting the demands of modern business.

In 1897, at the initiative of merchants and industrialists, the Moscow Society for the Dissemination of Commercial Education was founded. The society's first step was the opening of "trade classes," evening courses for adults with secondary or primary education. These courses taught the basics of commercial activity, providing knowledge in various subjects necessary for successful trading. The duration of training ranged from 6 to 12 months. Trade classes quickly became an important part of Moscow's educational infrastructure: by 1911, they had graduated more than 3,600 specialists, and by 1913, they operated in 11 of the city's 24 districts. These courses contributed to the development of commercial education and the training of qualified personnel for the trade sector.

The society created full-fledged commercial schools for both men and women. In 1903, higher courses were opened for graduates of these schools, which became equivalent to higher education. A few years later, these courses received the status of an institute, which is today known as the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. Similar courses also operated in St. Petersburg and Kyiv, and they soon became institutes.

These courses accepted not only graduates of commercial schools but also people without a secondary commercial education. However, such participants could only study as auditors and subject to availability.

Agricultural Courses

At the beginning of the 20th century, Russia remained a predominantly agricultural country, but scientifically based agricultural technologies were poorly developed. Against the backdrop of vast agricultural lands, there was a shortage of specialists and graduates of specialized educational institutions. In 1904, Professor Ivan Stebut, recognized as the patriarch of Russian agriculture, opened agricultural courses for women in St. Petersburg. Two years later, mixed courses were organized, open to both men and women. In the first year, 178 people registered for the courses, and by 1913 the number of students increased to 1,400. Classes were held during the day, and in 1908, evening agronomy courses were created for those who wanted to combine study with work. This contributed to raising the level of education in the agricultural sector and training qualified specialists for the development of agriculture in Russia.

Plowing with a plow. Vologda Province, 1906 Photo: Russian Ethnographic Museum

Educational institutions that trained specialists in agronomy, animal science, land management, as well as organizers and managers of agriculture and agricultural statistics, underwent significant changes after the revolution. Courses, previously existing as separate curricula, were transformed into institutes, which eventually merged into a single university. Currently, this university is known as the St. Petersburg State Agrarian University, which continues the tradition of training highly qualified specialists for the agricultural sector.

Similar courses were held in Saratov.

Courses for government officials

Various departments felt the need for narrow specialists, so they began to create courses to train them. For example, in 1904, the first statistics courses were opened at the Central Statistical Committee, subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Although statistics was taught at universities, the regions were acutely short of qualified officials to collect state statistical data. In these courses, students studied over ten disciplines, including statistical theory and its various branches, as well as the fundamentals of higher mathematics and other important subjects. These courses contributed to the advanced training of personnel and the improvement of the quality of statistical data in the country.

A similar situation was observed in the field of geography: despite the presence of teaching at universities, practicing geographers capable of studying Russia's territory remained in short supply. The Department of Agriculture of the Ministry of State Property experienced an urgent need for such specialists. Consequently, a soil committee was established within the department, which sought to initiate the creation of a specialized geographic institute. However, the government did not support this initiative, and it was decided to limit itself to the opening of the Higher Geographical Courses in 1915. These courses were an important step in training specialists capable of solving problems in the fields of geography and agriculture.

Technical and Electrical Engineering Courses

In 1866, the Russian Technical Society was founded in St. Petersburg, whose main goal was to develop technology and the factory industry in Russia. The Society actively researched new technical inventions and was engaged in educational activities, including lectures, conferences, exhibitions, and the publication of specialized publications. In addition, the Russian Technical Society opened technical schools and courses for workers. In 1888, more than 2,000 people were studying at these educational institutions located in various cities of Russia. This initiative significantly contributed to improving the skills of the workforce and introducing the latest technologies into the country's industry.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Russia experienced a serious shortage of specialists in electrical engineering, including not only engineers but also qualified electrical workers with the necessary knowledge. To address this problem, a comprehensive strategy for the development of electrical engineering education was developed and approved at the state level on the eve of the 1917 Revolution. This strategy envisaged the creation of a multi-level network of courses aimed at training workers in this field. A primary focus was on adult education, which made it possible to quickly fill the shortage and improve the level of professional training in electrical engineering.

After the Revolution, when the country faced profound upheaval and destruction, the need for electrification arose. The idea of ​​developing the electric power industry once again became relevant. The project was led by electrical engineer Evgeny Galkin. In 1918, having received permission from the Commissariat of Trade and Industry, he opened the Matveyev Electrical Engineering Courses in Petrograd, which later transformed into a technical school. This step became an important stage in the training of specialists for the further development of the electric power industry in the country.

Courses for Other New Professions

The 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by the emergence of many new professions, including those related to the development of the telegraph network. Maintaining this system required a significant number of specialists with the appropriate training. As in other new professional fields, graduates of secondary vocational schools were insufficient, and the need for personnel increased. In response, specialized postal and telegraph senior classes and courses began to open at regular secondary schools, such as city schools. Since 1865, given the shortage of personnel, women were allowed to be accepted for training, which contributed to the opening of postal and telegraph courses for women. This decision not only increased the number of specialists in this field, but also contributed to a change in the role of women in society, opening up new opportunities for their professional development.

Post office employees, Kuznetsk, 1900-1917 Photo: Public Domain

As industry developed, the need for secretaries and office workers grew, and the widespread use of typewriters in the early 20th century led to the emergence of the typist profession. These specialists were trained in courses, the first of which for secretaries opened in the Russian Empire in 1868 in Kharkov. These courses taught not only the basics of office work but also shorthand, which contributed to increased efficiency in offices.

By the end of the 19th century, Russia saw a significant increase in the number of printed publications. However, journalism as an educational field was not yet represented in either universities or colleges. Editorial offices employed not only famous writers and public figures, but also people with diverse educational backgrounds. This created a unique atmosphere where different views and approaches to presenting information merged.

In 1905, against the backdrop of the first revolution, private journalism courses were founded in Moscow. These courses were intended for newspaper employees without a university education and sought to provide them with a systematic knowledge of ethics and jurisprudence. The goal of the training was to develop an understanding and discussion of public issues that form the basis of journalism. The course curriculum covered legal, historical, and philological disciplines, and also included knowledge of culture and art, along with practical classes. This training marked an important step in the professionalization of journalism in Russia and contributed to the development of high-quality journalism.

In 1918, after the revolution, the Central Newspaper Courses were opened at the Ya. M. Sverdlov Communist University, marking a significant step in the training of journalists in Russia. However, that same year, an armed uprising in Moscow forced the cessation of classes, and no such educational institutions were established again until the revolution. In 1919, the Russian Telegraph Agency (ROSTA) also organized courses for journalists, which lasted for a month and a half. These events became the basis for the formation of a system of journalism education in post-revolutionary Russia.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a new skill and profession emerged – driving a car. In 1908, the first driving courses were opened, which occurred even before the adoption of road safety regulations in 1911 and the rules for testing and registering drivers introduced in 1914. This underscores the importance and rapid growth of automobile culture at that time.

Driving and car repair courses were organized by the famous athlete and car dealer Alexander Fokin. Although these courses were short-lived, they became the basis for the emergence of new educational institutions. By 1917, six driving schools and courses were operating in Petrograd, demonstrating the growing interest in automobiles and driver training. Furthermore, in 1909, the first courses in aviation and aeronautics were opened at the capital's Polytechnic Institute, highlighting the rapid advancement of technology and the need to train specialists in these new fields.

Medical Courses

Medical education has traditionally been provided by universities and specialized institutes, which became especially significant with the opening of the Women's Medical Institute in St. Petersburg in 1897—a major step forward for its time. However, pharmacy has long remained outside of higher and secondary vocational education, considered only an auxiliary part of medicine. Pharmaceutical training was carried out according to the old method—through apprenticeships with experienced pharmacists. This approach limited opportunities for professional growth and development in the field of pharmacy, which plays a key role in healthcare. In the modern context, the need for high-quality pharmaceutical education is becoming increasingly urgent, as professional pharmacists make a significant contribution to the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Pharmacists had three levels of professionalism: assistant, pharmacist, and apothecary, or Master of Pharmacy. The highest title, Master of Pharmacy, was awarded after defending a research work at the medical faculty of the university. It is worth noting that higher education was not mandatory for pharmacists, and it was possible to obtain a master's degree only through additional training. An attempt to create a pharmaceutical school with a five-year course of study in 1808 was unsuccessful, since pharmacists preferred to train their employees directly on the job.

A nurse in a hospital pharmacy preparing medicines. Chisinau, 1900s. Photo: St. Petersburg Archives.

In the 19th century, officials began to recognize the need to regulate pharmaceutical activity, which required specialized knowledge. As a result, a training scheme for future pharmacists was developed. They not only received practical training but were also required to attend lectures at courses offered by 11 Russian universities. These courses lasted from one and a half to two years, and participants studied as auditors rather than full students. To become a qualified pharmacist, it was necessary to work for at least three years as an apprentice and the same amount as a pharmacy assistant. They were also required to complete a course of lectures on approved programs at the university and pass qualifying exams. This approach ensured high standards of training for pharmaceutical specialists. Short-term medical courses training nurses became widespread in the mid-19th century with the establishment of the first communities. During the Crimean War, Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna, with the support of the renowned surgeon Nikolai Ivanovich Pirogov, founded the Holy Cross Community of Nurses. Here, women and girls underwent an accelerated training course before being sent to the front. In peacetime, training for nurses took two years, while during wartime it was reduced to a few months. On the eve of World War I, there were already approximately 4,000 nurses in Russia. These courses formed the basis for the development of qualified medical personnel, who provided invaluable assistance on the battlefield.

Pedagogical Courses

Education in the Russian Empire was diverse, which was reflected in the level of teacher training. Gymnasiums employed qualified teachers with university degrees, but in the poor zemstvo schools, finding teachers with higher education was extremely difficult. At that time, less than half the country's population possessed even basic literacy. This situation was rectified by special teacher seminaries, as well as senior classes in secondary schools, completion of which gave the right to teach. Furthermore, to work in the lower grades, a complete high school education was sufficient. Such a diversity of educational institutions and levels of teacher training highlighted the disparity between educational standards across the country.

Teaching courses were organized by both the Ministry of Public Education and various social movements, including teachers' associations such as the Froebel Societies and the Society for Experimental Pedagogy. Private individuals also initiated the creation of courses. For example, in 1882, two-year courses for teachers and physical education instructors were opened at the Maria Stoyunina private gymnasium for girls, marking the first step in training female physical education teachers in Russia. These courses played a significant role in the development of teacher education and the formation of professional standards for physical education teaching.

Most two-year teaching courses functioned as secondary vocational education programs, but one-year and summer courses also existed. These teaching courses attracted both recent high school graduates and practicing teachers, which can be seen as analogous to modern professional development. The curriculum included general education and psychological-pedagogical disciplines. The early 20th century saw a significant increase in interest in psychology as a science, and although universities did not yet have specialized psychology departments, specialists in this field were already actively working and developing their knowledge. Such courses played a key role in the training of teaching staff and contributed to improving the quality of education.

Since the 1870s, higher pedagogical courses for women began to open in Russia, which initially provided practicing female teachers with the necessary knowledge in the field of pedagogy. Over time, these courses expanded their curriculum, adding disciplines corresponding to the level of higher education. As a result, they became an important part of the educational system, providing women with high-quality pedagogical education and promoting their professional growth.

General Education and Secondary Specialized Courses

With the onset of industrialization, a pressing problem arose: enterprises needed not just workers, but qualified specialists. Entrusting complex equipment to a semi-literate person without basic knowledge of its operation was impossible. Technical schools were unable to fully meet the growing demand for personnel. It was necessary to find ways to provide additional training for existing specialists, many of whom lacked even a primary school education. This created a need for advanced training and professional retraining programs, which in turn contributed to improving the quality of work and increasing productivity at enterprises.

Worker at a weaving factory, 1900s Photo: Ryazansky Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve / History of Russia in Photographs

In 1895, the Ministry of Public Education initiated a program aimed at supporting industrialists through technical and vocational schools. The main goal was to conduct courses for artisans and workers, covering general subjects such as physics and chemistry, as well as drawing and technology. As a result, evening and Sunday courses were organized for adults who were too old to continue their education in traditional educational institutions. These courses began to open throughout the country, providing access to quality education and improving the skills of the workforce.

The Ministry proposed making the courses fee-based to increase workers' commitment to training and reduce absenteeism. The cost of the courses was modest—from 1 to 10 rubles per year. This measure was aimed at encouraging workers to actively participate in educational processes and improve their skills.

Sunday schools for adults also taught general subjects, but the courses were a separate project.

In 1897, the Russian Technical Society founded the Prechistensky Workers' Courses in Moscow, which became one of the most renowned educational institutions of the time. These courses had seven branches across the country and were organized at three levels. The first level provided basic education for workers, the second level covered general education subjects, and the third level included vocational technical subjects. These courses played an important role in improving the skills of workers and developing technical education in Russia.

Read also:

There was a time when science was perceived with mistrust and contempt. Many said, "This isn't science, it's complete nonsense written by fools!" However, it was precisely at such moments that sailors, encountering officers, realized the importance of the knowledge and skills necessary for successful service. Despite the dismissive attitude toward science, experience and training became key factors in their development. Just as sailors learned from officers, scientific knowledge gradually penetrated the consciousness of society, changing its views on education and professional training. Training and practice became the basis for creating a more qualified and competent generation, capable of coping with any challenges.

Popular Science Courses

Education represents not only the practical acquisition of a profession, but also the deep satisfaction from the pursuit of knowledge. How can a person for whom the path to universities and institutes is closed obtain academic knowledge? For example, a worker with only three or four years of education in a parochial school or someone who recently learned to read and write in a Sunday school for adults may face difficulties in obtaining higher education. However, interest in science, beginning in the late 19th century, became popular among progressive youth of various classes, creating opportunities for self-education and development. People strove for knowledge, and this desire remains relevant in the modern world. Information technology and distance learning open new horizons for anyone who wants to learn and develop, regardless of their initial level of education.

In response to public demand that arose during the first Russian Revolution, people's universities emerged—a unique phenomenon that arose in various cities thanks to the initiative of enthusiasts seeking to broadly educate the masses. One of the most famous representatives of this movement was the gold miner and philanthropist Alfons Shanyavsky. Despite their name, people's universities did not have the status of higher education institutions, did not issue diplomas, and lacked the organizational structure of traditional universities. These institutions accepted anyone, with no educational requirements. Classes were held primarily in the evenings, as they were attended by working people. Essentially, the people's universities were accessible educational institutions for adults seeking knowledge and self-improvement.

People's universities primarily specialized in lectures, although they sometimes also organized practical classes. For example, at the Voronezh People's University, members of the aeronautics section worked on creating "aero-sleds." Lecture topics varied, from botany and political economy to refrigeration, depending on the availability of qualified instructors. Lectures could be either isolated or systematic, presented as courses. Each student could choose which courses to enroll in—either a single subject or several, depending on their interests. In addition, courses corresponding to the high school curriculum were also offered for those with primary education. People's universities provided access to knowledge and educational resources, facilitating the advancement of education among a wide audience.

Classes at these institutions were fee-based, as the donations they relied on were insufficient to cover the costs of renting the premises and paying lecturers. However, the cost of the classes was affordable, and the system was flexible: you could purchase either a whole cycle of classes or one separate class.

Reading is an important part of our lives, contributing to the development of thinking and broadening our horizons. It not only helps you acquire new knowledge but also improves your concentration and information analysis skills. In today's world, where information is available in vast quantities, the ability to filter and process it is especially valuable. Regularly reading books, articles, and scientific publications allows you to stay abreast of the latest trends and discoveries in various fields. Don't forget to devote time to reading; it's an investment in your future and personal development.

Under Soviet rule, universities proliferated like mushrooms after a rain, demonstrating a high level of interest in education. During this period, the number of educational institutions increased significantly, providing access to higher education to many citizens. However, over time, many of these universities lost relevance and closed, leaving behind many questions about the quality of education and its relevance to the times. It is important to analyze the reasons that led to this development in order to understand how to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of modern educational institutions.

What was the status of the courses and who studied them?

The status of higher education courses varied for a long time. Courses organized privately and publicly were not recognized as equivalent to formal education, despite the fact that classes were taught according to university curricula and by faculty from universities. This meant that the word "higher" in the title of such courses indicated the possibility of obtaining knowledge at the university level, but did not grant the right to receive a state diploma. Only in 1914 was a law on private education passed, which allowed graduates of higher private courses to receive diplomas equivalent to graduates of state universities. This law was an important step in the development of the education system, opening up new opportunities for students and improving the quality of educational services.

The law also defined the classification of private courses.

  • lower, where the volume of instruction did not exceed the curriculum of higher elementary schools and government vocational schools;
  • secondary, where the volume of instruction was higher than in lower schools, but did not exceed the curriculum of gymnasiums and other government secondary educational institutions;
  • higher - where the volume of instruction exceeded the curriculum of gymnasiums and other government secondary educational institutions.

Opening courses in the 19th century was fraught with difficulties, since they required state permission, which the authorities were reluctant to grant. This was due to the desire to control educational and enlightenment projects, fearing the spread of revolutionary ideas. As a result, the development of private and public courses, which began in the second half of the 19th century, faced serious restrictions. However, between 1905 and 1907, as a result of the first revolution, the government was forced to make concessions and relax controls over education. This led to a second boom in the courses, as well as other forms of private education, including private universities. General education courses attracted primarily artisans, workers, and low-level employees. Higher education courses were predominantly attended by students from the intelligentsia and government officials, as well as employees of commercial and industrial enterprises. These courses provided opportunities for advanced training and professional growth, which contributed to the development of skills and knowledge necessary in a competitive environment. The most successful and long-lasting higher education courses were those opened in cities with a developed higher education system. This is explained by the availability of a sufficient number of highly qualified teachers who combined their main jobs at universities and institutes with teaching courses. In regions with a shortage of teachers, such courses could not survive for long. For example, Kiselev's Higher General Education Courses in Orenburg and the Higher Scientific and Educational Courses in Ufa were unable to maintain their position on the educational services market due to a shortage of qualified personnel.

Enrollment in Esperanto courses. Petrograd, 1919. Photo: MAMM / MDF / History of Russia in Photographs.

In post-revolutionary Soviet Russia, a rapid growth of new universities, colleges, and courses began. This was necessary for the training of party agitators and specialists, as industrialization required significant human resources. In the 1930s, the emphasis shifted to improving skills in production, which led to the creation of an extensive system of courses for workers. These initiatives contributed not only to training but also to improved labor productivity, which played a key role in the country's economic development.

Key sources of information are reliable and authoritative resources that provide current and reliable data. These sources may include scientific publications, official reports, statistical data, as well as materials from recognized experts in their field. The use of such sources ensures a high level of quality and reliability of information, which is especially important for research, analysis, and informed decision-making. It is also important to follow updates and new data in order to keep the information provided relevant and accurate.

  • Bach O. B. Legal basis for the formation of non-state education in pre-revolutionary Russia // Bulletin of TSPU.
  • Vessel N. Kh. Essays on general public education and the public education system in Russia. - M., 1959.
  • Vysokov M. S. From the history of state management of telecommunications in Russia // Virtual computer museum.
  • Vysokov M. S. Russian Empire on the path of modernization: The emergence and development of telecommunications in the 19th - early 20th centuries: abstract of dis. Dr. of History. - St. Petersburg, 2004.
  • Ivanov A. E. Higher school in Russia in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. — M., 1991.
  • Igtisamova G. R. Formation of the system of vocational education in pre-revolutionary Russia // New technologies.
  • Kalsina A. A. From the history of the development of private education in Russia // Bulletin of the Prikamsky Social Institute.
  • Klimakov S. A. Vocational education before 1917.
  • Conroy M. Sh., Sosonkina V. F. Formation and development of pharmaceutical education in Russia, Belarus and the USA (16th century - 70s of the twentieth century).
  • Kuzminov Ya. I., Yudkevich M. M. Universities in Russia: how it works. — M., 2021.
  • Molokov D. S. Formation and development of pedagogical courses in Russia in the second half of the 19th - early 20th centuries. // Bulletin of Tomsk State University.
  • Mukhina T. G., Koposov E. V., Borodachev V. V. History and Prospects of Development of the Domestic System of Professional Education in the Context of Higher School. - Nizhny Novgorod, 2013.
  • Pidzhakov A. Yu., Khoroshikh V. A. The Emergence of Aviation Societies and Aviation Education in Pre-Revolutionary Russia // Bulletin of the Leningrad State University named after A. S. Pushkin.
  • Polyakova S. V. On the Issue of Driver Training // Bulletin of the Chelyabinsk State University.
  • Rostovtseva E. A., Sidorchuk I. V. Non-governmental Educational Organizations and Initiatives in Russia (Late 19th - Early 20th Century) // Schedule of Changes: Essays on the History of Educational and Scientific Policy in Russia - USSR (Late 1880s - 1930s). — M., 2012.
  • Ryzhkovsky V. V. Higher specialized education in the 1880-1930s (medicine, agriculture, finance, economics) // Schedule of changes: essays on the history of educational and scientific policy in Russia - USSR (late 1880s - 1930s). - M., 2012.
  • Sokolov. V. Ya. Evolution of accounting education in Russia and the tasks of the current stage. Architecture of university education: modern universities in the context of a single information space: proceedings of the III National scientific and methodological conference with international participation. Volume Part II. Edited by I. A. Maksimtsev, V. G. Shubaeva, L. A. Mierin. — Saint Petersburg State University of Economics, 2019.
  • Fando R. A. The Rise of Non-State Higher Education in Pre-Revolutionary Russia // Genesis: Historical Research.
  • Fedorov V. A., Tretyakova N. V. Professional and Pedagogical Education in Russia: Historical and Logical Periodization // Education and Science.

Methodologist Profession from Beginner to Advanced

You will develop skills in developing curricula for online and offline courses. Master modern teaching practices, structure your experience, and become a more sought-after specialist.

Find out more