Education Minister welcomed the guest and noted a special role of educational ties in the development of cooperation between two countries. Noting a particular interest of Azerbaijan in expanding international relations in the education field, the Minister expressed his belief that a fruitful relationship will be established with Argentina in the future. Having expressed her thanks for the warm reception, president of the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research of Argentina (CONICET) Marta Rovira gave detailed information on the organization headed by her. According to the guest, the CONICET is mostly provides funding for scientific research and support for the activity of scientists. It also closely collaborated with higher-education institutions of Argentina and provides support for the scientific – research works of students. According to M. Rovira, the National Council, in its 53 year history, has established cooperation with majority of universities worldwide. Moreover, members of the CONICET have been taking part in the scientific – research projects of international organizations. Noting that state –owned universities of Argentina are free for residents of the country and foreigners, the guest expressed her belief in the value of teacher and student exchange between two countries.   Misir Mardanov highly praised the serious achievements gained by Argentina, which has 5 Nobel Laureates, in the exact and natural sciences fields as a huge success. He gave information on the scientific and education system of Azerbaijan and underlined that more than 50 percent of scientists of the country are employees of the education system. Talking about the 20th anniversary of state independence of Azerbaijan the Minister gave information on gained achievements, development path of the education field, and Armenia – Azerbaijan, Nagorny – Karabakh conflict. Noting the possibility to discuss the issue on sending Azeri students to universities of Argentina within State Programme for the education of Azeri youth abroad in the years 2007-2015, the Minister highly praised today's meeting that will enable further development of cooperation. Next, there were exchanged views on other issues of common interest.    

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Media representatives took part in the monitoring. The monitoring was carried out at schools No. 177, 47 and 258 of Narimanov district of Baku based on the choice of media workers. During the inspection, there was revealed a high percentage of attendance of pupils of primary and senior classes (more than 95%). Monitoring Group also asked some questions concerning the organization of the education process at these schools, and responded to questions taken from journalists. In addition, it is planning to carry out the weekly monitoring of pupils’ attendance of comprehensive schools on each district of Baku.

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 The meeting was attended by the officials of the Ministry of Education, representatives of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, chess experts and heads of specialized chess schools. Having welcomed the attendees, Education Minister Misir Mardanov praised the State Programme for the development of chess in Azerbaijan for the years of 2009/2014 signed by the President Ilham Aliyev as an attention and care provided to this field. He talked about significant measures taken by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev to develop chess at the Republic in the 1970s of the 20th century and gave information on achievements gained by chess players of the country.  According to the Minister, there are 66 children – youth chess schools operating in the system of the Ministry of Education and more than 36 thousand of pupils are learning chess at 2648 groups of these schools. He talked about the measures taken to strengthen the logistical base of these schools, and their full provision with equipments, computer, textbook and teaching materials. Moreover, he underlined the particular meaning of new children – youth chess schools constructed at some districts over recent years.    Stressing the importance of teaching chess as an independent subject at general education institutions of the Republic, the Minister noted the works that will be implemented within planned activities in accordance with State Programme. From this point of view, he underlined the importance of developing an appropriate education programme, selecting teachers who will teach the subject and the need for depth analysis of international experience. The Minister expressed his conviction that the selection of schools, which will apply this innovation, and based on the experience gained by them, introduction of chess as an independent subject at other schools will bear more fruitful results. The Minister brought to the attention of participants the proposals submitted by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation to the Ministry, and gave advice and instruction to address the challenges ahead. Having thanked the Minister Misir Mardanov for the conduction of such meetings, the vice-president of Azerbaijan Chess Federation Faig Hasanov noted the support of Azerbaijani government for the development of chess is being accepted by the international community as a good example. According to him, from this viewpoint, children – youth chess schools operating in the system of the Ministry of Education occupy a worthy place in the gained achievements. Noting chess is taught as an independent subject at schools of the developed countries, he talked about the role of chess in developing the intellectual potential of people, as well as underlined that this work will create a fertile ground for effective organization of leisure-time for students.  Next, there was held an exchange of views on the teaching of chess at schools, and put forward some proposals concerning the solution of this issue. 

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 Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Education Minister Misir Mardanov highlighted the particular meaning of research topics that will be carried out by the Institute for Educational Problems. Noting the heads of selected research topics are taken part in the meeting, the Minister underlined the appropriateness to hear their opinions on research fields. The Minister said that the topics discussed in the previous meeting were reviewed, and asked to speak Director of Institute for Educational Problem Abdulla Mehrabov and give more information on these issues. A, Mehrabov noted that, the relevant improvement works on research topics have been done and defined 18 topics. These topics comprise the issues concerning the results for subject curriculum apply, comparative analysis of lessons led by one and/or many teachers on subjects at these classes, the organization of work on the preparation of five-year-old children for school, scientific basis for use of new pedagogical technologies and ICT, as well as its impact on the quality of learning, assessment of pupil’s achievement in the general education, improvement of assessment standards, and analysis of assessment methods, as well as other fields of the education. Moreover, he gave information on issues that will be reflected on research topics and familiarized participants with their main point. Next, Director of Department for curriculum for primary education of Curriculum Centre of Institute for Educational Problems Bibikhanim Ibadova and Director of Department for content and methods of evaluation of Centre for Applied Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Elkhan Baylarov gave information on topics headed by them and talked on expected results. Moreover, they responded to questions taken from attendees. Education Minister gave advice and instructions on topics that will be implemented at the Institute for Educational Problems, and noted the appropriateness to make some changes in the titles of these topics and approve after discussing them with relevant departments of the Ministry. Moreover, the Minister touched upon issue on stimulating these researches from different sources, At the meeting, there have been heard some proposals concerning the research topics and noted the importance of considering all of them. 

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Education Minister Misir Mardanov warmly welcomed the guest and expressed his pleasure at meeting him at the Ministry. Talking about the existing relations between Australia and Azerbaijan, he underlined the importance of promoting further education cooperation between two countries. The Minister estimated the election of Azerbaijan as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council while the country is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its independence as a significant event for Azerbaijan, and gave information on constructive activities implemented in the country, particularly, on achievements gained in the education field. Talking about Azeri youth studying at the top universities in the world within the ‘State Programme for the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad in the years of 2007/2015,’ the Minister emphasized 21 Australian universities have been added to the ‘List of higher education institutions selected for the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad’ approved in accordance with the Programme. According to him, currently, there are some Azeri students studying at universities of Australia. Moreover, the Minister talked about opportunity to acquaint the country with Australian universities, and stressed that this work will have a positive effect on the number of Azeri students wishing to study at universities of Australia. The Minister expressed his conviction that the cooperation between two countries in the various stages and fields of education and organization of mutual visits will contribute to the cooperation. Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Australia to Azerbaijan Ian Biggs has thanked the Minister for the warm welcome. He noted the importance of promoting education cooperation between Australia and Azerbaijan, and effectiveness of this area. He highly praised the study of Azeri students at universities of Australia within the relevant State Programme, and underlined its role in strengthening bilateral educational ties. The guest said he attaches importance to the inter-university cooperation, and mutual visits of experts. In conclusion, there were exchanged views on other issues of cooperation.  

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Education Minister Misir Mardanov warmly welcomed the guests and expressed his pleasure at meeting them at the Ministry. He congratulated the Ambassador on his new appointment and wished him every success in his future activities. The Minister talked on existing relationship between the United Kingdom and Azerbaijan in many areas, including measures taken to promote the cooperation in the education field. Noting there is great interest in learning English at secondary schools of Azerbaijan, the Minister underlined the role of British Council in establishing effective and useful educational ties. Talking about a wide range of projects carried out by the British Council in Azerbaijan, the Minister highly praised the works done by the organization. He gave information on positive results of works jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education and British Council, and stressed the contribution of Programmes manager Gulshan Huseynova to appropriate projects. The Minister also touched upon projects that carried out by Azerbaijan English Language Teachers Association (AzETA), which serve the promotion of relations, and noted the feasibility of expanding the activity of organization in regions. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Great Britain to Azerbaijan Peter Bateman thanked the Minister for the warm welcome. He spoke on relations existing between Azerbaijan and the UK, as well as noted that steps taken to promote the educational collaboration will be successfully continued. He gave information on the World Education Forum which will be held in the UK in January next year. Paul Clementson, Country Director of the BC, thanked the Minister for the support provided by him for projects implemented by the Council. He talked on the ways to improve the existing corporation and expressed their intention to launch new projects in the country. He added that these projects will help to promote the work of English language teachers. At the meeting, there were held an exchange of views on other issues concerning the promotion of educational ties.

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Monitoring, which was attended by media representatives, has been conducted to check the attendance of pupils. It was carried out at schools No. 278 and 285 of Surakhani district of Baku at the option of the media. During the inspection, there was revealed a high percentage of pupil attendance. Moreover, the questions asked by the journalists were responded. The monitoring will be held until the end of the year.

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The conference was attended by representatives from Turkey, Russia, France, Ukraine and Georgia, as well as universities of the country. At first, the attendees have visited Heydar Aliyev Centre established at the Institute. The event was opened by the Rector of Azerbaijan Teachers Institute Agiya Nakhchivanli. She welcomed the participants and gave information on the history and activity of the Institute headed by her. In her speech she also touched on problems existing in this field, and from this viewpoint, underlined the value of the conference. Speaking at the event Education Minister Misir Mardanov stressed the importance of holding such as international-level conference at the Azerbaijan Teachers Institute. Noting the conference is devoted to the current issues in teacher training, the Minister underlined that the future of each country depends on the ability of school and teacher to respond to the current global challenges. According to him, there are important tasks in front of the universities to develop a latest and effective model for training new generation of teachers and professional development of pedagogical staff. The Minister also stressed the importance of conducting serious research to apply new innovations in the teacher training field using modern advances in science and information technology. Misir Mardanov highlighted the stat care provided for the education and teachers of the country, and gave information on steps taken to stimulate teachers. Moreover, since 2008, the Best Teacher and Best School competitions have been held by the appropriate orders of the President in order to develop their innovative activity. He also talked about measures taken on teacher training field for the last few years and existing problems. The conference was also attended by Prof. of Eurasian Open Institute (Moscow), academician of International Academy of Psychological Sciences Alexander Morozov, who gave a presentation on the theme of “Shaping a new type of teacher as a main factor in the development of modern education.” Next, a film about the history and activity of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine was demonstrated at the event. After the break, the conference has continued its work at sessions.

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The issues concerning the accreditation of Astara Pedagogical College, Baku State Communication and Transport College and Mingechevir Tourism College were discussed at the meeting. Moreover, at the meeting were discussed the criteria for determining compliance of activity of general-education institution with state education standards. Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Education Minister Misir Mardanov stressed the importance of works done for accreditation of higher and secondary special-education institutions.  He asked to speak the Chairperson of Commission of Astara Pedagogical College, chairperson of Foreign Language Commission of Baku Humanities College Sadagat Gafarova to give more information on accreditation of Astara Pedagogical College. Talking on criteria for determining compliance the activity of Astara Pedagogical College with state education standards and its status S. Gafarova informed the participants on the management of institution, its content and structure of curriculum, organization of training process, as well as number of teachers working at the college, work provision for its graduates and, etc. Commission Chairman for accreditation of Baku State Communication and Transport College, Head of Switching Systems and Postal Services Department of Azerbaijan Technical University Elchin Gozalov stressed that the content of educational programs of the College submitted for accreditation complies with the relevant indicators, and gave detailed information on monitoring conducted at the institution. He also touched upon issues concerning its teaching staff; the signature stamp printed teaching materials for every 10 teachers over the past 5 years, Internet provision of the college and, etc. Chairman of the Accreditation Committee, Dean of Faculty of Education of Azerbaijan Teachers Institute Razim Mammadov gave information about the results of accreditation held at Mingachevir Tourism College and presented the conclusion made by the Committee. Next, there have been given answers to questions concerning each college, also voiced some opinions and suggestions. At the end, the Accreditation Council has estimated the activity of each education institution as “satisfactory,” and granted to Astara Pedagogical College 70 out of 100 points required by the relevant indicators of criteria set for the status of the college, Baku State College of Communications and Transport received 61, and Mingachevir Tourism College 65 points, and has been made a decision on accreditation of relevant specialties. Moreover, the ‘Criteria set for determining compliance of activity of general-education institution with state education standards’ has been approved at the meeting of the Accreditation Council, as well as underlined the appropriateness to consider some of the proposals.

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The conference was attended by government representatives, ambassadors of the foreign countries to Azerbaijan, employees of international organizations, foreign and local oil-gas companies and international experts. Speaking at the opening of the conference, Executive Director of State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan Republic (SOFAZ) Shahmar Movsumov gave detailed information on the activity of SOFAZ, which was established by the executive order of national leader Heydar Aliyev to gather, manage and pass the oil revenues to the next generations. He noted that the earnings of SOFAZ have increasing every year, and hailed this fact as growing financial and, overall, economic power of Azerbaijan. He also spoke about the measures taken, and projects implemented by SOFAZ.   The conference has continued in 4 sessions devoted to the themes of “State Oil Fund as an inseparable part of the national oil strategy”, “Investment policy of Oil Fund: basic principles, existing directions and future priorities”, “Projects funded by State Oil Fund: goals and results” and “Application of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative: current achievements and future outlook.” A number of reports have been heard during the sessions. The Minister of Education Misir Mardanov gave a report on the theme of “State Programme for the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad as a transfer mechanism of black gold to human capital.” Noting the national leader Heydar Aliyev had always attached great importance to the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad, the Minister stressed that this work is successfully continued by the President Ilham Aliyev. According to him, the policy for “transfer black gold to human capital” is being implemented under the leadership of the President, Azerbaijani youth is receiving an overseas education and the State Programme is being executed by the Ministry of Education. He noted that around 1200 students have been sent to 160 top universities of 24 countries within the State Programme for the Education of Azerbaijani Youth Abroad in the years of 2007-2015, financed by SOFAZ, and gave a statistical data regarding the programme. According to the Minister some of the students sent abroad are continuing their education at the next level; others have been working for the various state –owned organizations and private sectors. He gave analysis of statistics of students studying abroad by years and education levels. According to him, the number of youth wishing to study abroad has been increasing each year. Moreover, the Minister also expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation established between the Ministry of Education and State Oil Fund, and touched upon the successful results of joint collaboration. At the end of its speech, the Minister stressed the role of oil strategy in improving the social welfare of people, promoting the culture and developing all fields of economy.  Executive Director of Social Development Fund for Internally Displaced Persons Ayaz Orujov, Executive Director of Azerbaijan State Investment Company Afgan Isayev, Head of Administrative Department of the Ministry of Transport Javid Najafov made a speech at the session devoted to the theme of “Projects funded by State Oil Fund: goals and results.” Moreover, at the session was held an exchange of views on discussed issues, as well as responded to the questions taken from participants.

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