Events

Workshop on English-Medium Instruction (EMI) at Gladzor University in cooperation with the Head of the Chair of Languages of YGU and our MOU partner Armenian Volunteer Network We were delighted to welcome Kimberly Russo, AMVN volunteer, a kinesiologist, an international educator and a certified TEFL/TESOL instructor from the United States, who will conduct a professional development workshop for the academic staff of Yerevan Gladzor University. Workshop Title: “Sustained Critical Thinking & Overcoming Mental Blocks in EMI Classrooms: Strategies for Deep Learning and Inclusive Engagement” With over a decade of global teaching experience across Taiwan, Vietnam, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Peru, and Guatemala, Kimberly brings a wealth of knowledge in teaching English as a second language and designing student-centered, critical thinking-oriented classrooms. This workshop was designed specifically for professors who teach in English, and focused on: Strategies for fostering sustained critical thinking in the EMI setting Encouraging inclusive student participation and deep learning Fighting thought collapse, addressing “mental shut-downs" and cognitive fatigue in a classroom environment Practical techniques for enhancing classroom engagement We are grateful to Ms. Russo for her willingness to volunteer with Armenian volunteer network and install her time and expertise in support of higher education in Armenia.

On May 14, the plenary session of the 28th Conference of the Student Scientific Society (SSS) of Yerevan Gladzor University took place. During the session, four outstanding student research presentations—selected through intra-departmental hearings—were delivered. The event brought together students from various faculties of the University, along with members of the academic staff. Faculty representatives commended the students' initial steps in scholarly research, expressing hope that their dedication and enthusiasm would serve as a source of inspiration for their peers. At the conclusion of the session, awards were presented to the top participants of the 27th SSS Conference, held during the previous academic year.

Second-year students of the International Relations program, accompanied by Robert Ghevondyan, PhD in Political Science and Associate Professor, took part in an event organized by the Caucasus Institute entitled "Approaching Storm: Regional Security in the South Caucasus in the Context of the Global Order Crisis."

On November 7, students from the Faculty of International Relations at Yerevan Gladzor University participated in an interactive discussion titled “5x5+1 Media Literacy or the Opportunities of AI and Media,” hosted at the American University of Armenia. The event was organized by the Media Initiatives Center as part of Media Literacy Week and was attended by YGU students through the initiative of Eliza Hovhannisyan, Head of the University’s Career Centre, within the framework of the Media and Diplomacy course. The discussion featured six speakers—comprising both local and international media experts, journalists, marketing professionals, and education specialists. Each speaker presented on a contemporary topic in a 15-minute format, using 15 slides to structure their talk. The event was held with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).