TRAINING AND STUDY VISIT WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE ERASMUS+ DESIRE PROGRAM
As part of the Erasmus+ DeSIRe project(Development of Soft Skills at Higher Education Institutions of Armenia and Georgia in Compliance with the 21st Century Labour Market Requirements), aimed at developing soft skills aligned with 21st-century labor market demands in higher education institutions in Armenia and Georgia, I had the opportunity to participate in a four-day training held at Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT), Finland. The training brought together 38 participants and focused on the design and implementation of three core modules and one MOOC.
From GSU Rector Tigran Vandunts, Head of the Department of Economics and Management Naira Safaryan, and Acting Head of the Department of Economics and Management Syuzanna Petrosyan participated in the training.
The first day was dedicated to Media and Digital Literacy Skills. The participants took part in a Photovoice workshop where they explored the use of visuals to express personal goals and reflect on learning experiences. This hands-on session, facilitated by PhD candidate Iulduz Khairullina, introduced the trainees to visual storytelling through photography and video-making. Later, the participants examined the role of generative AI in enhancing creativity and its potential for transforming teaching and learning practices. PhD candidate Anna Kruzenshtern led a compelling discussion on how AI can be integrated meaningfully into educational contexts.
On the second day, the focus shifted to Prioritizing and Decision-Making Skills. Through case-based sessions and practical examples, the participants explored how data analysis can inform better decision-making processes in educational planning. The sessions the participantsre led by Professor Leonid Chechurin and PhD candidate Anna Kruzenshtern. Their insights from the System Engineering Research Group highlighted how a systematic approach can support prioritization in complex environments.
The third day offered a highly creative and emotionally engaging experience through an Improvisational Theatre Workshop. Led by Iulduz Khairullina, the workshop combined theoretical foundations with experiential learning. The participants worked in groups to tackle complex problems using emotional awareness, guided by action sheets that encouraged reflection and the application of new techniques. This approach emphasized the importance of empathy, adaptability, and interpersonal insight in addressing real-world challenges.
On the final day, the participants focused on Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills. A dynamic workshop explored creativity as a teachable and applicable skill. Professor Chechurin introduced the trainees to the TRIZ methodology—a systematic approach to finding innovative solutions. This session provided a structured framework for problem-solving that can be effectively adapted in curriculum design and classroom activities.
Throughout the training, the participants also began shaping the foundation for MOOC 5: Emotional and Social Intelligence, which will be one of the key outputs of the DeSIRe project. The course aims to foster emotional and social competencies in students and staff by integrating interactive tools and reflective practices into online learning environments.
The training was a valuable professional development experience that deepened the overall understanding of current pedagogical trends in soft skills development. It also highlighted the importance of cross-disciplinary approaches and innovative methodologies in preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce. The knowledge and tools gained during these sessions will inform the future development and delivery of similar modules at GSU, and the trainer will share these insights with their colleagues during the in-house multiplication training.