From 11 to 15 May, Associate Professor Marine Matosyan, Vice-Dean for Science and International Cooperation of the Faculty of Biology, Chemistry, and Geography at the Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU), and Anna Khakhumyan, a specialist at the Center for International Cooperation and Program Management at ASPU, were at Dimitrie Cantemir University in Romania within the framework of the Erasmus+ mobility program.

The visit aimed to strengthen and further develop the cooperation between the two universities, as well as to promote the exchange of experience in international educational programs and research.

During the visit, the ASPU delegates held meetings with representatives of the International Cooperation Department and the Faculty of Geography and Tourism of Dimitrie Cantemir University.

Marine Matosyan also delivered a special lecture for students based on VaKE (Values and Knowledge Education), an innovative constructivist teaching methodology that integrates moral values with academic curriculum. In the framework of the Erasmus+ PROVE project (Promoting Values-Based Education in Higher Education in the South Caucasus), VaKE is being adapted and established across higher education and pre-service teacher training institutions in Armenia and Georgia. The course was structured in clearly defined methodological stages, the sequential application of which allowed for maximum engagement of the audience.

As a starting point, students were presented with a complex moral dilemma, followed by individual and group discussions, information gathering, and analysis of arguments. This dilemma-based approach not only promotes students’ analytical and critical thinking, but also develops their ability to form well-reasoned and balanced positions. The class was conducted in an interactive environment, where the clash of different opinions and values turned into a constructive, respectful, and productive dialogue thanks to the rules of the methodology.