Experience of Professional Development at European Union universities
30.04.2025
In accordance with the implementation of Presidential Decree N. PD–2909 dated April 20, 2017, "On Measures for the Further Development of the Higher Education System", and Decree N. PD–42 dated December 10, 2021, "On Radical Improvement of the Training System for Engineering Personnel for Economic Sectors Based on Innovation and Digitalization", special attention is being paid to the development of international professional development programs at higher education institutions, particularly at our university.
As part of this initiative, Associate Professor D. Atakulov of the “Hydraulics and Hydroinformatics” Department of the "TIIAME" National Research University is currently participating in a Professional Development Program at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (Slovenská technická univerzita).
During the program, Associate Professor Atakulov is attending lectures, practical and laboratory sessions at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, gaining hands-on exposure to modern software tools and innovative technologies. He has been particularly impressed by the new teaching methods used by Professor Andrej Šoltés and Associate Professor Dana Baroková in the subjects of “Hydraulics” and “Hydromechanics.” These methods involve the use of modern modeling tools, digital laboratory equipment, and interactive teaching approaches, offering a firsthand experience of advanced European education practices.
An important part of the training has also been learning the methodology of working with students. For example, students are evaluated based on their preparation, participation in discussions and Q&A sessions, and the completion of practical tasks using a differentiated approach. Transparent assessment criteria and individualized attention to each student's learning progress help enhance the quality and efficiency of the educational process.
The professional development program also emphasizes scientific research. The Slovak University of Technology achievements in the fields of hydraulics and engineering hydrology, their research methodologies, and technical capabilities are being explored, with plans to carry out joint research in the future. Professor Atakulov is participating in scientific seminars, laboratory experiments, digital hydrodynamic modeling, and environmental monitoring projects.
This professional development experience is expected to make a significant contribution to strengthening "TIIAME" National Reserach University international partnerships, enhancing the professional capacity of its faculty, and advancing engineering education to a new level.
