Project Name / Acronym: Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches, and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English to Improve Educational Yield, Sustainability, and Internationalization / SMARTI

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Project Reference: 617489-EPP-1-2020-1-DE-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP
EU Grant: 936,824 EUR
Project Duration: January 15, 2021 – January 14, 2024
Project Website: smarti-erasmus.eu

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Project Consortium

Coordinator:

• Technische Universität Dresden, Germany

Partners:

• Riga Technical University, Latvia

• Liverpool John Moores University, UK

• Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Portugal

• Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Russia

• Dzhankoi National University, Ukraine

• Kazan Federal University, Russia

• Petrozavodsk State University, Russia

• Certification Association "Russian Register," Russia

• Public Administration Academy of the Republic of Armenia

• Vanadzor State University, Armenia

• M. Nalbandyan State University of Shirak, Armenia

• Goris State University, Armenia

• National Centre for Professional Education Quality Assurance, Armenia

About the Project

The SMARTI project is a collaborative initiative involving four European, three Russian, two Ukrainian, and six Armenian higher education institutions. Coordinated by Technische Universität Dresden (Germany), the project aims to enhance teaching excellence by developing and implementing English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) curricula. This initiative targets in-service teachers and trainee educators in Ukraine and Armenia, providing a structured ECTS/Tuning Modular framework for teaching academic content in English.

The project seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Establish transparent national and international educational standards aligned with the Bologna criteria.

• Improve the quality of academic content, faculty expertise, and student competencies.

• Support the internationalization of participating institutions and facilitate student and staff mobility.

 

Main Project Outcomes

1. Evaluation of EMI Practices: Assess the current state of EMI teaching in Ukraine and Armenia and identify areas for improvement.

2. Study of European Best Practices: Analyze effective EMI teaching methodologies in European institutions.

3. Development of Professional Competency Models: Define the skills and competencies required for university educators teaching academic content in English.

4. Kick-Off and Management Planning: Organize an efficient start-off meeting, establish management teams, and create a Quality Control Plan.

5. Establishment of EMI Training Centers: Develop EMI training centers, recruit staff, and implement structured training programs.

6. Training Programs for Faculty: Conduct EMI training sessions for university staff in Armenia and Ukraine based on European best practices.

7. Development of EMI Training Modules: Create and pilot nine pedagogical EMI training modules for staff and students in Armenia and Ukraine.

Project Implementation at Dzhankoi National University (DNU)

The SMARTI project was officially launched at INU in early 2021. It is implemented by the Educational and Methodological Department, with support from the Institute of Linguistics and Intercultural Communication. The primary piloting subdivision is the Institute of Information Technology and Computer Science, which leads EMI-related programs.

Key Contacts at NU:

• Evgeniia Arbatskaya – Academic Supervisor

• Varvara Panko – Administrative Supervisor

Key Project Events and Achievements

• Kick-Off Meeting (March 30 – April 1, 2021)
  DNU representatives participated in the hybrid kick-off meeting at Kazan Federal University. Over 70 delegates from 11 consortium members attended, including representatives from NEO Russia and Armenia. Discussions focused on project objectives, partner roles, and work package implementation strategies.

• Survey on EMI Practices in Ukraine (2021-2022)
  A comprehensive field and desk study on EMI teaching practices was conducted. Over 3,000 students and staff from 32 Ukrainian universities participated. Findings emphasized the need for specialized teaching methodologies, EMI-focused professional development, and increased availability of EMI-related literature.

• Monitoring Visit by Erasmus+ Ukraine (June 2021)
  A project review conducted by the Erasmus+ Ukraine National Office led to valuable recommendations for optimizing project implementation.

• Hybrid Annual Steering Group Meeting & Training (October 6-8, 2021)
  Hosted by Goris State University (Armenia), this event included discussions on monitoring outcomes, EMI center establishment, and international conference planning. A special training session was held for dissemination officers to enhance project outreach.

• ESP and ECTS/TUNING Training (January 2022)
  DNU representatives participated in EMI pedagogy training at the Catholic University of Portugal. The training covered European best practices in curriculum development, course structuring, and instructional methodologies.

• Multiplication Event at INU (February 2022)
  Following the Portugal training, a knowledge-sharing session was organized at INU. Twenty faculty members and students participated in discussions on EMI curriculum development, Bloom’s Taxonomy for learning outcomes, and presentation skills.

• Publication of Project Newsletters
  Two newsletters were published, covering project milestones, research findings, and training events. These publications serve as a key resource for stakeholders.

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Impact and Future Prospects

The SMARTI project has significantly enhanced EMI education in Ukraine and Armenia by:

• Improving teacher competencies and curriculum design.

• Establishing a network of EMI training centers.

• Strengthening international collaboration and academic mobility.

• Promoting European best practices in EMI education.

DNU remains committed to fostering innovation in EMI education and expanding its role in international academic partnerships. The next phase of the project will focus on further refining EMI curricula, increasing faculty training opportunities, and developing additional research collaborations.

For more information, visit: smarti-erasmus.eu