Vietnam - Feb-March 2024
Azerbaijani Delegation at Khan Academy's Annual Meeting Advocates for International Education Standards
This year’s Khan Academy’s Annual meeting, held in Vietnam, saw the active participation of the Azerbaijani delegation, emphasizing the critical role of international standardized assessments in driving positive changes in education.
During the discussions, the delegation underscored the significance of aligning Azerbaijan’s education content with global standards, as highlighted by the results of the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) tests. Read More
Despite Azerbaijan’s engagement in PISA assessments since 2006, concerns arise as the results have shown a decline over time. Analysis of the 2022 PISA test performance indicates the necessity to address various factors contributing to below-average scores compared to the OECD average.
Key aspects to consider include:
1. *Resource Allocation*: Azerbaijani schools lack essential resources such as qualified teachers, updated educational materials, and adequate facilities, impacting both teaching quality and student performance.
2. *Curriculum and Pedagogy*: Evaluation of curriculum frameworks and teaching methodologies reveals outdated practices hindering students’ acquisition of essential skills assessed in the PISA test.
3. *Teacher Training and Professional Development*: The need for well-trained teachers is paramount to fostering effective learning experiences. Language barriers, with most teachers lacking English proficiency, necessitate additional support such as interpreters.
4. *Socioeconomic Factors*: Socioeconomic disparities, including poverty, inequality, and limited access to educational resources outside of school, significantly influence academic achievement, particularly in mathematics.
5. *Assessment Practices*: Azerbaijani schools’ assessment methods often prioritize rote memorization over critical thinking, leading to misalignment with PISA testing standards.
6. *Cultural Factors*: Cultural attitudes towards education, societal expectations, and the value placed on critical thinking are crucial considerations in enhancing student outcomes.
The Azerbaijani delegation emphasizes a collaborative approach involving policymakers, educators, parents, and stakeholders to address these challenges effectively.
Furthermore, the Khan Academy’s global project supports the internationalization of education content, providing free, accessible classes worldwide. By leveraging Khan Academy’s resources, students can enhance their critical thinking abilities and access a wealth of educational materials without boundaries.
For media inquiries, please contact:
[Your Contact Information]
*About Khan Academy:* Khan Academy is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. With a mission to empower learners and educators, Khan Academy offers a diverse range of resources and tools tailored to meet the needs of learners worldwide.
End of Press Release
Education in Sweden has given me new perspectives, broadened my horizons and strengthened my beliefs for the better future.
Leyla Gasimova Rasul, from Azerbaijan, completed her master’s studies in Nordic Welfare at Halmstad University in June. Here, she talks about her experience. Read More
Before coming to Sweden, I have been running peace-building activities on international level. The activities are related to the environment’s and women’s role in peace building.
I was looking for education on the theme related to peace building, so I researched it. According to my research, Sweden is ranked high globally in terms of inclusive society, women’s role in society and trust. In addition, my home country shows a great interest in the Nordic structure. My aim is to promote peace, democracy and tolerance, to influence the behaviours of individuals, especially young generations, to help build the conditions needed for a lasting peace and democracy. By protecting human rights, supporting tolerance and empowering youth, we can build a better living environment throughout the world. The social structure in the Nordic states is what I was interested in. That’s why I chose to take my master’s in Nordic Welfare in Sweden.
Now I am honoured to say that the studies in Sweden gave me valuable knowledge about the structure of the social system in Nordic states. I learned the societal challenges the Nordic countries faced in the past and how they have overcome the difficult situations by the unified social will and effort. I believe the Nordic model can be applicable for all developing countries, because this is the structure that enables everyone’s rights get respected, protected and included. I also got to experience, as an insider, women’s rights in an equal and inclusive society. Women’s active role in society is not any threat to men, and women here also prove that women are as capable as men to take good care of the society. Education in Sweden has given me new perspectives, broadened my horizons and strengthened my beliefs for a better future.
I highly recommend Sweden for education. It is a country with high-quality education, impressive culture and high-moral citizens. Through the education and SI scholarships, you will not only get valuable professional skills, but also achieve personal development. I was also amazed by the great care the people give to the environment – it’s green peace in practice and it inspires everyone. In addition, if you are interested in truly knowing and understanding the culture, the values and the democratic practices in Sweden, you must be here, live here and feel it personally.
In the future I would like to see myself being active in the field of international politics, perhaps working shoulder to shoulder with Swedes, to empower women in less developed countries, for a more peaceful and democratic world.
Participation in the First International Conference on Azerbaijan Studies in China
From September 27-29, 2024, Leyla Gasimova participated in the First International Conference on Azerbaijan Studies held in China. During the event, she presented her paper on *"Strengthening China-Azerbaijan Economic Cooperation and Fostering Peace in the South Caucasus Region.
The conference brought together esteemed academics, scholars, and researchers from both Azerbaijan and China, fostering rich discussions on various bilateral topics. Additionally, the event saw the participation of diplomatic representatives from both countries, who delivered speeches highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between Azerbaijan and China.
This event served as a significant platform for strengthening academic and diplomatic ties, reinforcing the strategic importance of China-Azerbaijan relations in fostering peace and economic cooperation in the South Caucasus.
Landmine legacy in Azerbaijan: A threat to reconstruction and sustainable development
The three-decade-long Armenia Azerbaijan conflict came to an end in 2023, but it left behind a hidden menace – the existence of landmines, particularly in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. These deadly remnants of war pose a significant threat to human rights, notably the right of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to their homes and properties, but also rights to sustainable development and environmental protection, as well as to peace and stability throughout the entire South Caucasus region. This article aims to shed light on the impact of landmines and the importance of addressing this issue promptly. Furthermore, it emphasizes the strategic significance of rapid demining for post-conflict reconstruction in the South Caucasus and underscores the need for concerted efforts to ensure development, environmental protection, and stability in the region.
Authors: Maurizio Geri, Leyla Gasimova, Aydan Huseynova, Luisa Canciello