Experts of the Institute of Education develop joint projects in BRICS countries
On 3-4 July, the IX BRICS Civil Society Forum was held in Moscow. Participants of the discussions emphasized that personal interaction between public figures and civic activists, and their joint efforts, strengthen and give substance to friendly relations between BRICS countries based on principles of mutual respect. The forum was organized by the BRICS Expert Council, based at the HSE University
Evgeny Terentyev, the Director of the Institute of Education, moderated a session on "Open Education, a Model for the Future of BRICS Countries". He's also the co-chair of the Working Group for the Education and Human Development Forum. Sergey Kosaretsky, the Director of the Pinsky Center for General and Extracurricular Education at the Institute of Education, moderated another session on "Transformation of General Education Systems in BRICS Countries: Challenges and Solutions."
Evgeny Terentyev discussed the key topics of the forum, one of which was the use of artificial intelligence in education. He noted that they discussed how to utilize the benefits of AI to enhance the quality and accessibility of education while also considering the potential risks associated with its implementation.
The mismatch between university programs and employers' requirements is a challenge faced by all BRICS countries, according to Evgeny Terentyev. He emphasized that universities adapt slowly, while the needs of the labor market change rapidly, and the educational system simply can't keep up with these changes.
To address these issues, the forum participants proposed a number of solutions. Among them, there is the creation of an online educational platform that would allow for the exchange of best university courses. Another proposal was the launch of joint research and educational programmes, including student exchanges. Additionally, a ranking of universities from BRICS countries was suggested.
Experts also agreed to work on recognizing educational documents in partner countries. This would facilitate academic mobility and facilitate the employment of graduates. In addition, the forum participants have decided to prepare a comprehensive analytical report on the trends in the development of general education in BRICS countries by October of this year. This document will help us to better understand the peculiarities of our educational systems, identify the strengths of each country and define areas for mutual learning, says Evgeniy Terentev, the Director of the Institute of Education. The main coordinator of this report is Sergey Kosaretsky, with the support of his team at the Сentre.
All the proposals from the forum will be presented to Ministers of Education and Heads of State. However, experts are not waiting for decisions 'from above'; research centers and universities have already begun working on joint projects within the framework of the proposed initiatives.
