On December 22—23, the Republic of Sakha Ministry of Education and Science held the regional science-to-practice conference “Pre-School Education Quality as a Strategic Resource.” The Conference was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of pre-school education in the Republic of Sakha. It brought together more than 1,400 experts in pre-school education from Russia and foreign countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. Laboratory of Child Development at MCU’s Institute of System Projects was the Conference’s partner. Laboratory’s staff presented their research at the Conference.
In his speech, Associate Professor Igor Shiyan, Head of the Laboratory, highlighted the structural and process aspects of pre-school education quality which should be put special attention by authorities of various levels — from ministries to kindergartens’ administration.
Associate Professor Tatiana Le-van, a leading research fellow of the Laboratory, and Anna Yakshina, a junior research fellow of the Laboratory, participated in the “Environment is the third educator” section. They presented their research on the principle of participation in pre-school education. Anna Yakshina commented on the presentation:
Besides, Anna Yakshina took part in the “Child and Book” session, where she presented the Laboratory’s research on the condition creation for developing interest in reading and writing among pre-school children. The speaker also gave practical advice to teachers and parents.
Also, students and graduates of the Master’s degree program “Design and Expertise of Pre-school Education (theory by Lev Vygotsky)” shared their experience in arranging informal professional communities for pre-school teachers’ professional improvement. Vera Seliverstova wrote in her blog:
Irina Panifidnikova told about the Lev Vygotsky International Contest, which became a resource for pre-school teachers’ professional development and a meeting point for practitioners from entire Russia: