Series of webinars on launching Government Administration Master’s Degree Program is continued under joint project “Support of Improvement of Potential of Government Officials in Turkmenistan” implemented by the Academy of Government Service under the President of Turkmenistan and European Union. 

Trainings with participation of professors, teachers and specialists of the Academy of Government Service are dedicated to use of active and interactive educational methods in Master’s Degree Program. International expert Klemen Belhar, the Professor of Ljubljana University, Slovenia was a moderator of the webinar. 

In introduction part of the webinar, the international expert has presented a brief review of changes occurring in modern European system for the formation of new model of education of disciplines in Master’s Degree Program.

It was mentioned that application of active and interactive methods is one of the most important requirements of educational standards. As per recommendation of the leading European universities and specialists of Bologna Educational System, the weightage of such classes may occupy from 20 to 30 percent in educational process depending on direction of study.

Discussing case study methods, the participants of the training stated that application of active and interactive technologies supports the development of skill of critical thinking and educational interest among the students.

New educational model of disciplines in Master’s Degree Program “Government Administration” is intended to support implementation of competent approach in training of specialists. Teaching profile disciplines is aimed not only at formation of practical oriented management and social and economic thinking but also at mobilization of creative potential of students.

Yazmurat Kakayev, the Senior Teacher of the Academy of Government Service highlighted that the program of specialized training of Master’s Degree according to standards includes scientific, research and pedagogic work together with theoretical part. Therefore, learning outcomes in Master’s Degree Program is to give the students an opportunity not only to receive new theoretical knowledge but also to gain the skills of analytical activity.

During practical part of the training, the participants discussed certain aspects of methodological organization of self-study in small groups and business simulations. It was highlighted that it is relevant to hold scientific discussions and disputes for development of professional competency and public speaking skills. Practically oriented education includes case study methods, in other words, the review of certain situations, solution of objectives and conducting of trainings and master classes. All of these supports to implement an integrated approach while teaching Master’s degree.

The final part of online training was held in a brainstorm format, during which efficient methods of teaching have been reviewed on samples of organization of teaching Master;s degree in the Economy and Finances Department of the Academy of Government Service. Round table or discussion format, which has been successfully introduced to the Master’s Program on Digital Management, is one of most often used interactive methods.

The process of mastering knowledge is activated, motivation and involvement of participants in solution of problems under discussion are enhanced. It results in maximum learning of material and interest of students in the discipline they study.

Summing up the outcomes of the webinar, the participants of the training have noted the importance of use of information and communication technologies in educational process. Modern Master’s degree education is impossible without high technologies. Multimedia lessons develop the ability to sum up and analyze a creative activity, support the formation of teamwork skills.

Hajimurat Pirmuhamedov, the Senior Teacher of the Academy of Government Service