"Time for Education" Forum: What Should School Be Like Today?

Contents:

• Turn to the teacher
• Filter for digitalization
• How to prepare students for the future

On the eve of the new academic year, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, together with the government of the Moscow region, held the Russian International Forum "Time of Education". As part of the plenary discussion "Ahead of Time: an education system for a person of a new era," key issues relevant to the entire educational sphere were discussed. These topics largely overlapped with the agenda of the recent meeting of the State Council Presidium. The forum's key issues concerned modern approaches to educational methods, the integration of technology into the educational process, and the training of specialists capable of working effectively in a rapidly changing world.

• How to restore the prestige of the teaching profession;
• What will school digitalization look like in the near future;
• What should be taught and what should be cultivated in modern schoolchildren?

Federal ministers, education experts, and business representatives discussed current issues. Their statements raised important questions regarding the current state of the education system and its interaction with business. Experts noted the need to adapt curricula to labor market requirements in order to provide graduates with relevant knowledge and skills. Ministers emphasized the importance of cooperation between educational institutions and companies to improve the quality of education and train specialists who meet modern requirements. Real-life examples of successful initiatives in this area demonstrate how joint efforts can lead to significant improvements in the education system and contribute to the country's economic development.

A Turn to the Teacher

The speech of the Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov began with a summary of the important decisions announced by the President at the State Council. One of the key points was the decision to abandon the term "service" in the context of education. The Minister emphasized that teachers do not simply provide a service, but fulfill their mission and calling. This change in approach to education emphasizes the importance of the role of teachers in shaping the future generation and rethinks attitudes towards the educational process.

Changing the role of teachers can significantly increase student motivation. When teachers become not only a mentor but also a participant in the educational process, students become more actively involved in learning. This contributes to the development of their interest in knowledge and critical thinking. This approach creates a more comfortable and open atmosphere in the classroom, which in turn has a positive impact on student achievement and engagement. The introduction of new teacher roles can be a key factor in creating a successful educational environment where every student feels valued and can develop according to their interests and abilities.

Russia has proposed declaring 2023 the Year of the Teacher, emphasizing the importance and prestige of the teaching profession. This decision, announced by Vladimir Putin, is aimed at raising the status of education and recognizing the contribution of teachers to society. A number of events are planned for this year to support and develop the teaching community. Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov outlined the main goals of these events, including improving teachers' working conditions, introducing modern educational technologies, and developing professional development programs. These initiatives will help attract more young professionals to the profession and create a favorable atmosphere for the education and upbringing of the younger generation.

Creating favorable working conditions for teachers is a key factor in promoting their professional development and enhancing the prestige of the profession. Providing teachers with a stable salary, respectful attitudes from society, and comfortable working conditions will allow them to focus on teaching and educating children. Our primary goal is to create an environment in which teachers can realize their potential and perform their duties effectively. Respect for the teaching profession and support for their work are important steps toward improving the quality of education.

Schools are experiencing a shortage of young teachers, but they are often met with mistrust and caution. The teaching profession needs fresh talent willing to introduce new ideas and teaching methods. However, working conditions and the attitudes of colleagues and administration can discourage young professionals. Creating a supportive atmosphere is essential to attracting and retaining talented teachers in the education system. Support from experienced colleagues and adequate evaluation of the work of young teachers can be key factors in the successful integration of new teachers into schools.

During the discussion of issues related to the traditional work of teachers, participants also touched on the digitalization of school education. Education Minister Kravtsov emphasized that schools are not planning to switch to distance learning and will not be implemented in the future. Electronic resources, including the Sferum platform, provide teachers with a unique opportunity to share experiences and knowledge, regardless of their geographic location. This contributes to a more engaging and interactive learning process. Minister Kravtsov emphasizes that the use of electronic resources is recommended for teachers, allowing them to integrate modern technologies into the educational process without conflicting with traditional teaching methods. Mikhail Gurov, winner of the 2020 Teacher of the Year competition, also spoke of this, emphasizing the importance of the harmonious coexistence of digital innovations and traditional approaches to education.

Creating a digital environment in education is an important task, but this does not diminish the importance of the teacher's role. Teachers remain key figures in the educational process, playing a central role in developing students' knowledge and skills. Modern technologies complement traditional teaching methods, but do not replace the professionalism and experience of a teacher, which remains the foundation of quality education.

A demonstration of domestic videoconferencing took place at the forum, during which the minister discussed weather conditions with school principals from various regions of the country. Schools from Salekhard, Sochi, the Kaliningrad region, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and the Kemerovo region, which represents the geographic center of Russia, participated in the discussion for a few minutes. This event highlights the importance of modern technologies in education and the possibilities of remote communication between educational institutions.

At a meeting of the State Council Presidium on Education, Boris Dobrodeev, CEO of Mail.ru Group, presented the Sferum implementation project. He proposed expanding the experiment to other regions, noting that the system should be operational in 15 regions and cover 8,000 schools by September 1 of this year. Dobrodeev also emphasized the need to include higher education institutions in the project, which will improve the quality of the educational process and the integration of modern technologies into education.

The Sferum project, which offers new opportunities for users, has launched in Russia. This initiative is aimed at developing digital technologies and improving the quality of services. Sferum provides a platform for interaction in various fields, including education, business, and entertainment. Join us to stay up-to-date with the latest news and opportunities this project offers. Read also about how Sferum can change your life and the benefits it offers.

A Filter for Digitalization

At the "Time for Education" forum, Sergei Kravtsov and Minister of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media Maksut Shadayev discussed the digitalization of school education. They emphasized that the digitalization process represents a compromise between the two ministries. Specialists from the Ministry of Digital Development strive to implement new technologies as quickly as possible, while representatives of the Ministry of Education carefully filter and gradually implement proposed initiatives. This approach ensures a balance between innovation and quality of education, taking into account the needs of students and teachers.

Consistent with this logic, the ministers did not discuss tools designed to support teachers, students, and parents, which are being developed using artificial intelligence technologies as part of the digital transformation strategy for general education. Clearly, the Ministry of Education has selected digital solutions that have long been in need of implementation. Ministers Kravtsov and Shadayev mentioned a number of such measures.

• According to Shadayev, connecting all schools in the country to high-speed internet will be completed this year. The required minimum is set at 50 Mbps for rural schools and 100 Mbps for urban schools.
• At the same time, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media is ensuring the security of the school internet by implementing content filtering and data protection systems.
• High-speed internet should be available in classrooms in the form of Wi-Fi by 2024, so that teachers can easily access the network from any device.
• Video cameras should be installed at all entrances and exits of schools.
• In 2023, every teacher should receive a tablet. As Maksut Shadayev said, tablets will become the "main means of production" for teachers - with their help they will have access to educational and methodological materials, an electronic journal, and reports.
• The system for advanced training and confirmation of teacher qualifications should be updated so that most procedures can be completed online.
• Schools will have access to digital educational content from platforms such as Foxford and Uchi.ru. It can be used as supplementary materials at the discretion of teachers and students.
• The system of school subsidies under the national Education project will change. Regions will now receive funds as a single subsidy, rather than a series of smaller ones. According to Kravtsov, this will allow us to purchase the necessary high-quality equipment and re-equip all 27,000 Russian rural schools by 2024.

Learn when EdTech benefits educational institutions, and when its use may be ineffective.

Sergey Kravtsov expressed the Ministry of Education's position on digitalization in education, stating that the ministry is open to new technologies, but they must serve the interests of the educational system. Maksut Shadayev also noted that both state digital developments and solutions from EdTech companies should be implemented in schools as recommendations, not mandatory requirements. This emphasizes the importance of a flexible approach to integrating digital tools into the educational process and the need to consider the needs of educational institutions.

It is necessary to approach changes in the education system carefully and consistently, avoiding the imposition of innovations. It is important to create a suitable environment and provide motivation for those involved. Federal authorities should provide opportunities and options for those willing to experiment and implement innovative solutions, without making it mandatory or setting rigid standards. This approach will allow education to develop more effectively and in line with real needs.

Find out why digitalization in our schools has not yet reached its potential. In this article, we will examine the main reasons for and obstacles to the full implementation of digital technologies in the educational process. We will discuss how modern approaches and innovative solutions can change the face of education and lead to more effective learning. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the future of digital schools and their impact on student learning and development.

How to prepare students for the future

At the beginning of the discussion, the moderator, Nikita Anisimov, Rector of the Higher School of Economics, invited the participants to consider the development of education from two key perspectives: teachers and students. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of existing problems and the search for effective solutions that take into account the interests of all parties. The discussion was aimed at identifying current issues in the field of education, which facilitated a productive exchange of opinions and ideas.

The current trend in global development is an emphasis on the individual as a key resource. The winners will be those who can invest in human capital, using knowledge and skills to achieve social sustainability and economic growth. This, in turn, will lead to an improvement in the standard and quality of life. A new social contract based on these principles poses a serious challenge to the education system and the labor market, requiring adaptation and rethinking approaches to learning and training.

The education system faces modern challenges, and it is important to determine which aspects will be the focus of investment in school education. The Minister of Education outlined two key areas, both of which are related to the concept of "revival." First, the Ministry emphasizes the revival of educational work in schools. Second, it seeks to recreate a unified educational space nationwide. These measures are aimed at improving the quality of education and developing students' well-rounded personalities.

Russia is accelerating improvements in the quality of school education, although some experts doubt that the stated goals will be achieved. Measures to improve educational standards and introduce new methods are being discussed. It's important to monitor the situation to determine whether the pace of reforms is meeting expectations.

Starting the new academic year, Minister Kravtsov announced that educational programs will begin to be implemented, covering not only schools but also kindergartens and vocational schools. The main goal of these programs is to develop key moral qualities in students that are relevant at all times. The Minister emphasized that to achieve this goal, it is necessary to minimize the influence of external factors.

We strive to organize educational work in an informal setting so that it is engaging for students. It is important to distract children from negative information, which often comes from the media and social media. Our goal is to provide children with the opportunity to pursue their dreams: clubs, sections, and sports. We must bring childhood back to schools by creating a space for positive communication and development.

Values-Based School Management: A Practical Guide for Principals

Effective school leadership requires not only administrative skills but also the ability to develop and maintain values ​​that will define the culture of the educational institution. It is important for the principal to understand how values ​​influence the behavior of staff, students, and parents, as well as the overall atmosphere in the school.

The primary task is to create clear values ​​that will serve as the basis for all decisions and actions. The principal must actively engage teachers, students, and parents in the process of discussing and shaping these values ​​to ensure their mutual acceptance and understanding.

Implementing a values-based approach to school management requires constant attention and practice. Regular meetings, seminars, and trainings can help the entire school stay on the same page and support the adopted values. It is also important to evaluate how these values ​​impact the educational process and interactions between all participants in the educational process.

The ongoing development of values ​​in a school contributes to the formation of a positive image of the educational institution and increases its attractiveness to prospective students and their parents. Successful values-based school management is not only the work of the principal, but also a collaborative effort of the entire school aimed at creating a safe and inspiring educational environment.

Read also: How a Principal Can Manage a School Based on Values.

A unified educational space is key to ensuring equal access to quality education for students in both rural and urban schools. To achieve this goal, it is planned to develop standardized curricula for key subjects. Teachers will be able to use ready-made curricula, which will simplify the teaching process. At the same time, as Kravtsov noted, teachers will be able to supplement federal curricula with their own methodological developments at their own discretion. This will create a more flexible and adaptive educational environment that fosters the development of every student.

The Ministry is already developing core programs that will include not only the core content of the subject but also topics required for each grade. The Minister of Education noted that these programs will emphasize the development of creativity and other skills relevant to the 21st century. Vadim Uzun, President of the Prosveshcheniye Group of Companies, announced that the publishing house will promptly prepare a unified set of teaching aids that comply with the new educational standards. These materials will help teachers effectively implement modern approaches to teaching and provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills for a successful future.

Model educational programs are now available to help in curriculum development. These programs provide flexibility and variety in instruction, taking into account the interests and needs of students. The use of such programs helps improve the quality of education and increase student motivation. Explore the new opportunities that are opening up to you.

Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), emphasized the need to innovate in the educational process in his speech. He emphasized that information skills and critical thinking are becoming no less important than the technology itself. Modern schools should not simply impart knowledge, but also develop the ability to apply it in practice. This change in approach to education will prepare students for the challenges of the modern world and significantly increase their competitiveness.

Andrey Sebrant, Director of Strategic Marketing at Yandex, noted that in the modern educational process, it is necessary not only to integrate digital technologies into schools but also to rethink the structure of school subjects. In particular, computer science should be perceived not as a specialty for career guidance, but as a fundamental subject, important for all students. This new understanding of computer science will prepare students for the demands of the digital age and provide them with the necessary skills for success in the future.

Teaching physics in school does not assume that all students will become scientists at research institutes. It is important for children to understand the world around them. To do this, they must know the basics of physics, such as why bricks fall, as well as the characteristic reactions that occur when acid and water mix, and vice versa. Computer science is becoming as important a science as physics or chemistry, as the modern world is closely intertwined with digital technologies. Understanding the basics of computer science is essential for successfully navigating the digital space and using technology in everyday life.

The Unified State Exam (USE) in computer science is becoming increasingly popular among high school graduates. Interest in this exam is growing every year, due to the increasing importance of knowledge in the field of information technology. Successfully passing the USE in computer science opens the door to admission to leading universities, where training in IT specialties is becoming increasingly relevant. The popularity of this exam is also due to the fact that information technology is permeating all spheres of life, and skills in this field are becoming essential for a successful career. Preparation for the Unified State Exam in computer science requires a systematic approach and a deep understanding of the subject, which in turn contributes to the development of analytical thinking and practical skills in students.

Other discussion participants noted that schools cannot and should not independently address all educational and developmental issues. Aram Pakhchanyan, Vice President of ABBYY and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ayb Educational Foundation, highlighted a number of challenges facing modern educators. These challenges include a lack of resources, high teacher workloads, and the need to collaborate with families and the community to create a holistic educational environment. Pakhchanyan emphasized the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, parents, and local communities to achieve effective results in the education and upbringing of children.

• the widespread erosion of moral guidelines;
• inequality of educational opportunities in cities and villages;
• the lack of confidence among some children that they can ever succeed;
• laziness among those children who are overly generous with their parents.

Pakhchanyan believes that the key answer to many modern problems lies in creating communities focused on solving a variety of social and global issues. These communities can become catalysts for change, bringing people together to jointly seek solutions and actively participate in important initiatives.

Involving parents, teachers, and children in communities focused on solving real-life problems can transform the educational process. This approach will help children understand the significance of their learning and its connection to real life. Creating active communities around relevant topics fosters a deeper understanding of the material and develops critical thinking skills. This, in turn, makes education more relevant and meaningful for each student, motivating them to learn and develop.

The principal of the Primakov Gymnasium, Maya Maisuradze, expressed an important idea when she noted that "schools must open their borders." This metaphor emphasizes the need to expand the educational space, which should include not only traditional teaching methods but also interaction with the outside world. Opening the school's borders means creating conditions for the integration of diverse knowledge, cultures, and experiences, which facilitates deeper learning and student development. It is important that educational institutions not only impart knowledge, but also develop students' skills to adapt to modern challenges.

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