ERASMUS-EDU-2022-CBHE-STRAND-2
Implementation period: 01.02.2023 – 31.01.2026
The project aims to develop and implement the sustainable dual study undergraduate program in Agroecology at three universities in Kazakhstan as well as to establish lifelong courses for professionals. In modern agriculture, developing resource-saving technologies for the cultivation of agricultural crops, methods for producing high-quality crop products, effective ways of reproducing soil fertility, and methods of agroecological monitoring allows not only to survive despite all challenges, but also to successfully deal with fierce competition. The main goal of the project is to reduce the gap in the structure, volume and quality of labor resources from the real requirements of specific farms/enterprises and to educate professionals with competencies related to modern technologies. The (re)design of the educational program in agroecology in Kazakhstan through establishment of sustainable, internationally oriented dual study program will make students better prepared for all challenges facing agriculture in the future.
After adequate preparation and curriculum development, the program (new bachelor and lifelong courses) will be implemented. Special attention will be paid to quality control and monitoring and dissemination and exploitation of project activities and results.
The beneficiaries of the project outputs are: students (about 100 students per year: PSU and KazNAU 40 students per year, KEnEU 20 students per year), teachers, participating universities, companies, professionals (around 10 per year), and higher education system in Kazakhstan as a whole. More precisely, not only the Kazakh system of higher education, but society as a whole will benefit greatly, since through dual higher education the problems of providing qualified personnel to the agricultural sector are solved. The Kazakh authorities will solve the problem of providing rural regions with highly qualified personnel, as graduates return to agricultural companies that paid for their studies and participated in the learning process. The purpose of training under the dual program is not only teaching the skills to perform specific duties, but also the formation of the ability to work in a team, social competence and responsibility. Also, strengthening the practical orientation of training; elimination of the main shortcomings of traditional forms and methods of teaching - the gap between theory and practice; the maximum approximation of training to the specific requirements of production, as a result of which employers will receive exactly the kind of specialists they need; stimulating future specialists to study more consciously and with interest, seeks to gain a foothold in this enterprise after training.
The main result will be a better-quality training
of specialists capable of integrating into the activities of an enterprise without an adaptation period. There are 19 outputs (deliverables) that will be produced - reports, booklet, meeting agreements, accredited laboratories, study programs, conference, etc.
The general objectives of the project are:
- Modernization and innovation of the agroecology education in Kazakh HEIs to enhance its relevance for the labor market and the society.
- Developing, implementation, testing and validating new techniques in dual AE study programs at three HEIs in Kazakhstan in accordance with EU priorities for this country.
- Contributing through education process to agroecological transition of agricultural system, adapted to climate change and respectful of biodiversity, and the sustainable and integrated management of the resources.
These are further analyzed into the following specific objectives:
- Critically review the current state-of-the-affairs in both general Kazakh agro-ecology sector and agroecology education.
- Develop and adjust the AE curricula in accordance with the needs of companies in Kazakhstan.
- Involve professionals in defining their needs in the area of agroecology, elaboration of the content for the practical trainings within the dual technology of learning as well as in tutoring of students during their work/training in the companies. Transfer and implement the best practices from EU countries that have long-term experience in agroecology programmes by creating capacity for delivery of periodical practical trainings by academic and company staff.
- Create tools and templates to facilitate the phased implementation of practical training in enterprises. The Guide in dual methodology will be developed, with special attention dedicated towards communication between HEIs and companies, communication among teachers, tutors and students, and role of tutors in the educational process.
- Demonstrate the benefits of DE technology of HE for all involved stakeholders evaluating adapted curricula, necessary tools and training materials. All materials will be in three languages in orderto provide wide dissemination not only in Kazakhstan but also in the entire region of Central Asia: English, Kazakh, and Russian language.
- Develop methodology for modification and realignment of existing undergraduate curricula in Science & Technology for implementation in practice-integrated dual paradigm.
- Disseminate project results and stimulate the creation of more dual HE programmes in Kazakhstan and the region.
- Building a basis for future dual AE education and LLL programs in the region.
