Tackling Environmental Challenges through Curriculum Updates

Ferghana Valley is most populous region of Uzbekistan, and environmental challenges are critical to the region's future. Through the Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN), administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, American University partnered with the Ferghana State University to develop teaching and learning methodologies in science with a focus on climate change and sustainable development.

American University professors identified several areas for curriculum development, in climate science and environmental health and risk assessment. Faculty and graduate students from Ferghana State, including top level university officials, collaborated to modernize areas of hydrology, human and ecosystem health, fertilizer use, and ecosystems.

In October 2021, Professor Michael Brody from American University visited Fergana State University and introduced teaching and learning methodologies for environmental science climate change and included meetings with senior administrators, faculty researchers, and students.

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Dear Colleagues,

American Councils for International Education is pleased to announce a Call for Applications for a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Training Program within the 2021-22 Central Asia University Partnerships Grants Program (UniCEN). Funded by the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, UniCEN builds capacity for substantive international engagement between higher education institutions in the United States and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan). Here is an Introduction to COIL for your overview.

The COIL Training Program is a four-week online training program offered between January 10-February 4, 2022 to a selected cohort of U.S. and Central Asian teaching faculty to learn how to design and implement virtual exchange courses using the COIL model. Participants will receive guidance and coaching throughout February-May 2022 to launch their COIL courses.

The training program (in English) is open to teaching faculty from U.S. and Central Asian universities interested in co-designing and implementing virtual exchanges. Faculty are encouraged to develop multi-disciplinary courses across subject areas that jointly address United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs): clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; responsible consumption and production; and climate action.

Dr. Andrea Thomas, a leading expert in virtual exchanges, will support course design and content development, provide ongoing faculty mentorship, and host “office hours” to ensure proper guidance and course correction to launch virtual exchanges. Dr. Thomas will guide partners through the implementation of their courses to ensure participants are on-track to developing their COIL courses in February-May 2022.

COIL Training Program participants will receive a stipend of $500 (before taxes) to help launch a virtual exchange between U.S. and Central Asian teaching faculty.

To Apply: https://airtable.com/shryzfk5O4oeK1Kcz
Application Deadline: December 15, 2021

After application submission, American Councils will support matchmaking among interested faculty. Applicants will be notified of selection results in late December 2021, and the online training program will begin on January 10, 2022 with an orientation session the week of January 6, 2022.

SIT Graduate Institute and Nukus State Pedagogical Institute

SIT Graduate Institute and Nukus State Pedagogical Institute

Exchanging English-Language Curriculum on Plurilingualism and Multiculturalism

Students across Uzbekistan have expressed interest and growing demand for modern English-language curriculum. Through the Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN), administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, the SIT Graduate Institute partnered with Nukus State Pedagogical Institute to advance English language teaching and Curriculum Design. The emphasis of the collaboration centered around plurilingualism and multiculturalism.

During three two-hour synchronous sessions beginning in November 2020, 14 faculty and graduate students from Nukus State Pedagogical Institute and four from SIT Graduate Institute evaluated syllabi in detail. In the first quarter of 2021, the partners reviewed English-language syllabi to integrate optimal learning, communicative competence, grammar, hands-on discussion, and reflection. NSPI then posted the revised syllabi on a specially designed Canvas site. NSPI faculty learned from STI first-hand how to interact with students.

As a result of collaboration, NSPI successfully completed its re-accreditation process. Input from SIT contributed to curriculum design, which led to effective reporting and reconceptualization of English-language education offered to future teachers.

In April-June 2021, five professors from SIT Graduate Institute organized and conducted five 90-120-minute seminars for fourteen faculty members from Nukus State Pedagogical Institute. SIT continues to share resources on the Canvas site, as well as publications and research conducted in neighboring Central Asian countries. This new information will be incorporated into multiple short- and long-term courses in the department.

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Kettering University and Andijan Machine-Building Institute (AndMI)

Supporting University-Industry Relations in Automotive Engineering

A new generation of qualified workers is essential for Uzbekistan’s automotive industry, based in Andijan. Through the Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN), administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Kettering University and Andijan Machine-Building Institute (AndMI) co-developed a master’s certificate program to support workforce development in engineering.

To launch the cooperation, partners decided to focus on Maintenance Engineering, Material Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering. In September 2020, Kettering University organized 40 hours of online English courses on the topics of English for Automotive Trends, English for Co-ops and Internships, and English for Study Abroad. In April 2021, Kettering University provided faculty training to AndMI faculty and administrators on developing certificate level learning outcomes, and aligning curriculum with the skills most needed by industry.

In May and June 2021, Kettering and AndMI with the Uzbek automaker UzAutoMotors to discuss how to effectively develop a cooperative training model at AndMI and gather feedback and guidance for AndMI to further develop the co-op model. Additionally, Kettering established tools and resources on learning outcomes and skills needed to help build a graduate program that integrates corporate engagement and student preparation.

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Enhancing STEM Research and Curriculum in Uzbekistan

Enhancing STEM Research and Curriculum in Uzbekistan

The government of Uzbekistan has placed the development of science, technology, and innovation in the country as a top policy priority. Through the Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN), administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Washington State University (WSU) and Urgench State University are collaborating to enhance instructor preparation and training and to support English language teaching in STEM in Uzbekistan.

In the first phase of the project, Dr. Sergey Lapin of WSU conducted webinars for math faculty and administrators at Urgench State University, highlighting respective approaches to teaching math and statistics, and introducing the array of STEM disciplines offered at WSU. The partners developed the idea of creating a multidisciplinary course, Mathematics through Applications, where calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and statistics are taught using real-world applications in various sciences.

In September 2021, Dr. Lapin met with Urgench State University administrators and faculty to design new research collaborations. In presentations, Dr. Lapin spoke about the U.S. student assessment system, educational processes, modern teaching methods and innovative technologies in education implemented by Washington State University. The also partners continued work on the development of the mathematics interdisciplinary course and classes for math students with emphasis on teaching in English.

Looking to sustain the partnership, areas of future collaboration include the organizing summer camps for students, establishing Ph.D. programs, assisting Urgench State in its quest to increase its international rankings, and internships.

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Advancing Human Genomics and Bioinformatics

Advancing Human Genomics and Bioinformatics

Deeper understanding of the relationship between human genetic variation and population differences in disease distribution is a key step in informing health disparities around the world. Through the Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN), administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, University of California-Davis and National University of Uzbekistan are advancing research and student mobility in human genomics and bioinformatics.

Through initial online discussion on research findings and future research perspectives, UC-Davis delivered genomics research tools and databases for 30 students at National University of Uzbekistan. As a result, students improved their knowledge of databases, methodologies, and how to write a scientific article.

In December 2021, UC-Davis and National University of Uzbekistan organized the 1st Central Asia Genomics Symposium as an online platform for collaboration in the context of science diplomacy of the 21st century. 25 distinguished researchers from the U.S., Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, the European Union and other countries shared new approaches and research using genomic tools. The symposium raised the profile of Uzbekistan as an emerging area for the use of genomic and bioinformatic tools in research on different disciplines, ranging from human disease, microbiology, ecology, plant genetics, diagnostics, among others.

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American Councils for International Education announces the awardees of the latest round of Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN) grants to support projects between U.S. and Central Asia higher education institutions.

Funded by the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the 2021-2022 Central Asia University Partnerships (UniCEN) Program builds capacity for substantive international engagement between higher education institutions (HEIs) in the United States and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan).
For more information, please visit https://unicen.americancouncils.org/central-asia-university-partnerships-program-unicen-awards-announcement-2/

Catalyzing International Administrative and Research Collaborations in Engineering and Agriculture

Over the past three decades, the internationalization of higher education has become a priority in developing higher education in Uzbekistan and is considered an important tool in ensuring its economic stability. Through the Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN), administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UT) and Namangan Institute of Engineering and Technology (NIET) designed collaborative approaches for research, administration, education, and workforce development.

In an online format, Dr. David Ader of UT-Knoxville’s Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture shared cotton research, Dr. Gretchen Neisler, vice provost for international affairs, discussed planning for international research, and Dr. Deborah Crawford, Vice Chancellor of the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development, presented best practices for building the research enterprise. Partners discussed ongoing development of international education programs, partnerships and student exchange programs, industry outreach, and collaboration opportunities in agriculture studies. UT-Knoxville created a YouTube playlist of webinars to disseminate the information for the broader academic community.

Faculty from the partnership used the opportunity to present a joint research project: “Skill Development Across the Globe: How Universities and Industries Can Work Together to Help Their Societies Prosper.” For this project, Dr. Reilman from UT-Knoxville utilized survey data from multiple universities in Uzbekistan to understand international workforce development initiatives, and Dr. Umarkhonov of NIET will support his efforts by recruiting survey participants from Uzbekistan.

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Enhancing English Education and Teacher Training in Uzbekistan

Enhancing English Education and Teacher Training in Uzbekistan

The Ministry of Public Education of Uzbekistan has introduced significant reforms in the education sector to modernize approaches and methodologies and to link education standards to best international practices. These large-scale reforms include the goal of improving the standard of English language teaching and learning outcomes of students. Through the Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN), administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Ohio University Program of Intensive English (OPIE) and Andijan State University are improve the English language and pedagogical skills for English teachers.

OPIE personnel in the initiative are Kyle Butler, Becky Challenger, Sally Hatfield, Gerry Krzic, and Aaron Schwartz. For ASU, Farhod Alimov, Head of the International Relations Office, and Professor Dilrabo Ahmadalieva coordinate the program in Uzbekistan. The plan, coordinate and monitor the project activities, ASU and OPIE held regular online administrative meetings.

In October – December 2020 and in January 2021, OPIE faculty offered online training sessions in Research Writing, Cross-cultural Communication, EFL Teaching Methodology and Instructional Technology to ASU students enrolled in the Teaching English as a Foreign Language preparation program. OPIE faculty also reviewed lesson plans submitted by ASU students and made recommendations.

The total of 25 ASU students have completed the virtual program offered by Ohio Program of Intensive English. The OPIE faculty reviewed and helped revise four courses taught at ASU, including TEFL Methodology for Communicative Language Teaching; Intercultural Communication; Utilizing Technology for Language Teaching and Learning; and English Language Skills for Writing a Research Paper.

The initiative has been a cross-cultural experience for all participants. In addition to OPIE faculty sharing their expertise, ASU students taught OPIE faculty about their education system and aspects of Uzbek culture such as the Uzbek national dish “palov,” the importance of the extended family, and the special role bread plays in human relations.

ASU faculty and administration of four travelled to Ohio University on November 13-20. ASU staff participated in International Week Activities at Ohio University and met with OPIE faculty and staff to discuss further program initiatives.

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Revitalizing Engineering Education in Uzbekistan

Engineering education in Uzbekistan requires global recognition to improve rankings and attract international students. Through the Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN), administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Tashkent University of Information Technologies (TUIT) and Kent State University are collaboratively exploring ways to bring computer engineering education in Uzbekistan in line with industry needs and best international standards.

Throughout the project period, the partners met online and exchanged perspectives on the modernization of engineering curriculum and teaching. Kent State University lent its expertise to TUIT’s Computer Science department towards receiving ABET Accreditation, the gold standard to meet quality for professional preparation of graduates in STEM fields.

Mindful of computer engineering curriculum that reflects international best practices and actual industry needs, Kent State University faculty and administrators prepared and conducted a series of webinars to help advance TUIT’s course design, curriculum mapping, learning outcomes, assessment metrics, and strategic planning. The total of 26 TUIT faculty and administrators completed the teaching methodology webinars.

As a result of the collaboration and support by Kent State University faculty, TUIT faculty are revising curricula to include learning outcomes and new teaching and assessment methods for implementation in the 2021-2022 academic year.

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Advancing Research in Plant Biotechnology in Kyrgyzstan

With a soil and climate that provides a favorable environment for horticulture, Kyrgyzstan has strong potential to become a leader in the production of high-quality fruit and vegetables. Through the Central Asia University Partnership Program (UniCEN) funded by the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent and administered by the American Councils for International Education, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and Kyrgyz National University (KNU) worked to provide tools for better plant disease management and regeneration techniques to improve crop production in Kyrgyzstan.

The partners began their collaboration on advancing research and teaching in plant biotechnology by exchanging teaching methods and materials used at both universities. Faculty set out to develop modules on plant biotechnology. They reviewed teaching strategies, available resources, and specific areas of cooperation in the field of plant and soil studies, which led to the creation of a joint online biotechnology course offered to students at both universities. To support KNU’s efforts to establish a modern biotechnology laboratory, UMES organized the delivery of supplies to aid in research and experiments

In November 2021, Dr. Sadanand Dhekney of the UMES travelled to Bishkek to work collaboratively with Dr. Baktyrbek Asanakunov at Kyrgyz National University and his students. Over the course of two days, they conducted a biotechnology workshop for KNU students and faculty. Participants learned about techniques and methods used in plant biology for crop improvement and preserving pathogen-free plant material for propagation and breeding. Following presentations and demonstrations, Dr. Dhekney traveled to eastern Kyrgyzstan to survey vineyards and orchards, and to meet local fruit growers. During that trip, Dr. Dhekney gained first-hand information about the challenges farmers in Kyrgyzstan face, including lack of access to efficient pest and disease management resources.

The partners intend to continue their collaboration and explore opportunities to further build capacity for training researchers and professionals in modern biology and plant breeding, which will serve to advance the agriculture sector in Kyrgyzstan.

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