Navigating the World of Academic Publications
Publishing in peer-reviewed journals is a priority for researchers in Uzbekistan higher education to disseminate their knowledge. 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, Iowa State University and the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers-Bukhara Branch (TIIAME-BB) are enhancing the reputation of research through professional development.
In Winter 2021, Iowa State University delivered a series of online professional development seminars for 22 TIIAME-BB faculty. Designed by the Engineering-Liberal Arts and Sciences Online Learning (ELO), the instructional design unit at Iowa State University, the modules shared best practices in the design of research projects and tips on how to write, find, and apply for grants.
 
In May 2021, Professor Tina Coffelt traveled to TIIAME-BB to share insights with professors on publication in journals abroad, collaboration with foreign professors, and English language for scientific fields. Prof. Coffelt consulted with 25 Uzbekistan faculty and provided feedback and edits to facilitate English development and emulate feedback from top-tier, high impact academic journals.
 
Iowa State continues to engage with TIIAME-BB faculty members and their research interests, to connect faculty from Uzbekistan with faculty at Iowa State and be a catalyst for new collaborations for joint publications, conference presentations, research projects, visiting fellowships, and access to library resources. Iowa State and TIIAME-BB outline their future collaboration as Uzbek faculty visits to Iowa State University to access to laboratory equipment, field stations, library resources, and observations of teaching methods.
 
Follow us on social media:
Instagram | Telegram | Facebook
#acglobal #internationalization #uzbekistan #iowastate #tiiame-bb #centralasia #globalresearch #academicwriting #highereducation
Learn more about UniCEN: https://unicen.americancouncils.org/

Enhancing Teacher Preparation for English in STEM

Kazakhstan’s ambitious educational reform strategy calls for an increase of English skills among teachers of STEM subjects. Through the U.S.-Kazakhstan University Partnerships Program administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan, Kokshetau University and University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) are enhancing teacher preparation and teaching methodology.

Since early 2020, UNO has organized three online modules for thirty Kokshetau University faculty members on educational leadership, student learning styles, and the use of technologies in online and distance education. After completing these modules, Kokshetau University organized a webinar on building partnerships through the enhancement of English and STEM teaching with participation from more than 170 colleagues from other Kazakhstani and Central Asian universities. Kokshetau University shared their experience in internationalization and partnership building and knowledge received during the online UNO modules.

Working in a virtual format, UNO offered three more modules on the use of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and its application in teaching STEM and Social Sciences in spring 2021 for 25 Kazakhstani teachers. The growing university partnership project led the two institutions to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand activities in designing and modernizing courses and syllabi, and planning future research projects in STEM and English as a Second Language. Both universities are looking forward to the visit of American colleagues in fall 2021 and further develop enhancing the teaching skills of teachers of English and STEM subjects.

#acglobal #internationalization #kazakhstan #UNO #KokshetauUniversity #centralasia #STEM #EnglishinSTEM #virtualexchange #highereduction

Learn more about U.S.-Kazakhstan University Partnerships Program: https://unicen.americancouncils.org/

Уважаемые коллеги,
приглашаем сотрудников международных отделов и преподавателей вузов со знанием английского языка на совместный казахстанско-американский семинар-тренинг «Интернационализация высшего образования: эффективное партнерство вузов Казахстана и США» - “Internationalization of Higher Education: Effective Partnerships between U.S. and Kazakhstan Universities” с 10 сентября по 13 октября 2021 г.
Семинар-тренинг направлен на изучение тенденций в интернационализации высшего образования в США и РК, стратегий реализации партнерства и обмен опытом сотрудничества с американскими университетами. Язык проведения семинара – английский.
Семинар-тренинг проводится в два этапа:
1) с 10 по 24 сентября 2021 г. - серия онлайн-сессий, посвященные обзору системы высшего образования США, анализу интернационализации университетов США и Казахстана, аспектам межкультурной коммуникации в академической среде, технике организации и проведения переговоров.
Для регистрации на онлайн-сессии необходимо пройти по ссылке https://forms.gle/PMNufjcAEHiEb984A
Заявки принимаются до 9 сентября 2021 г.
2) с 10 по 13 октября 2021 г. – очный тренинг на базе НАО «Торайгыров Университет» в г. Павлодар, направленный на формирование навыков коммуникации и изучение опыта сотрудничества с партнерами в США.
По завершению очного тренинга участникам выдается сертификат от Посольства США в РК.
Для участия в очном тренинге необходимо подать заявку (резюме, мотивационное письмо – не более 150 слов) до 30 сентября 2021 г. на электронную почту iheepuskz@gmail.com. При рассмотрении заявок на очный тренинг учитывается участие в онлайн-сессиях семинара.
Проезд поездом, проживание и питание участников очного тренинга в г.Павлодар покрывается Посольством США в РК.
По всем вопросам обращаться по адресу: iheepuskz@gmail.com.
Организационный комитет:
выпускники программы IVLP 2020

Dear Colleagues,
The Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN) team is reaching out to share a survey on virtual exchanges.

This project is conducting a large-scale study funded by the Stevens Initiative that aims to understand factors leading to participation of universities in various geopolitical regions in global Virtual Exchange (VE) initiatives. We would be very grateful if you took part in this global project.

Please click on the link below to complete a short survey (it will take only 10-15 minutes of your time, and you can choose to complete it either in Russian or English!). If you are an educator, we would be very grateful if you could pass this invitation on to other educators and administrators at your educational network. We will be collecting responses from participants until September 20.

Russian: https://www.cognitoforms.com/MUBS1/virtualexchangesurveystevensrussian
English: https://www.cognitoforms.com/MUBS1/VirtualExchangeSurveyStevensEnglish


Дорогие коллеги,
Мы – международная исследовательская группа Stevens Initiative Research Team– проводим опрос учителей, преподавателей школ и университетов с целью понять, какие факторы влияют на участие университетов в программах международных и межкультурных виртуальных обменов. Мы будем очень признательны, если ответите на вопросы опросника и поможете нам распространить опросник среди ваших коллег в вашем и других университетах и образовательных учреждениях вашего города.
Пожалуйста, нажмите на ссылку ниже, чтобы открыть опросник. (Опросник очень короткий и не займёт у вас больше 10-15 минут, и вы выбрать английский или русский язык ). Опросник будет открыт до 20 сентября!
Russian: https://www.cognitoforms.com/MUBS1/virtualexchangesurveystevensrussian
English: https://www.cognitoforms.com/MUBS1/VirtualExchangeSurveyStevensEnglish

Мы благодарим вас за вашу поддержку! Пожалуйста, пишите нам с любыми вопросами.

С уважением,

Stevens Initiative Research Team:
Nael Alami (MUBS, Lebanon)
Loye Ashton (Class2Class, USA)
Jim Elwood (Meiji University, Japan)
Kwesi Ewoodzie (Culture Beyond Borders, USA/Ghana)
Mirjam Hauck (Open University, UK)
Liudmila Klimanova (University of Arizona, USA)
Muge Satar (Newcastle University, UK)
Email: stevens.research.team@gmail.com

Launching Online Courses for Agricultural Mechanization

Uzbekistan seeks to improve the efficiency of farming through increased mechanization, with great demand for curriculum modernization. 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, Oklahoma State University and Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers (TIIAME) launched an online course for agricultural mechanization to support this critical industry.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram | Telegram | Facebook

#acglobal #internationalization #uzbekistan #oklahomastate #tiiame #centralasia #globalresearch #agriculture #partnerships #highereducation

Learn more about UniCEN: https://unicen.americancouncils.org/

Improving English Language for Uzbekistan’s Tourism

As the tourism industry rapidly grows in Uzbekistan, there is increasing need for English proficiency. 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 University of Wyoming (UW) partnered with three Uzbekistan universities to improve English language learning for the tourism sector. Beginning in September 2020, UW assisted Bukhara State University with methods to improve grading rubrics, performance measures, syllabus design, and how to launch student clubs for English. UW faculty supported Tashkent State University of Economics adoption of the credit hour system and reviewed their English curricula. Working with the Samarkand Tourism Academy, UW created a library of videos, links, and activities for English-language learners.

To enhance English as a Second Language in Uzbekistan, UW created a four-part webinar series on professional development, with an additional 10 hours of language support classes. Uzbekistani professors reported that their understanding of university systems and policies greatly increased. UW professors developed ways to make ESL lessons more applicable to the geographical and cultural landscape in Uzbekistan. As a result of the partnership, UW and its partners created an ESL for tourism textbook to improve English teaching and further the development of English within the tourism in sector Uzbekistan for years to come.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram | Telegram | Facebook

Learn more about UniCEN: https://unicen.americancouncils.org/

Advancing Hands-On STEM Education

Uzbekistan’s leadership has outlined a policy to expand project-based teaching methods, students’ entrepreneurship skills and transform universities into centers for the development of education and science. 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, professors from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Samarkand State University are sharing effective methods for hands-on science education for their students.

Dr. Michael Short, Associate Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT, and Dr. Akmal Safarov, researcher at the Nuclear Physics laboratory at Samarkand State, are committed to facilitating new hands-on experiences for students in the classroom. As a first step, the MIT professor sent Geiger counter kits for 20 students at Samarkand State to assemble. Using a mobile app and open-source mapping tools online, students in Uzbekistan collected everyday samples for analysis – from banana peels to toenails to archaeological samples.

MIT played a critical role in the development of laboratory scripts, faculty, and student guidebooks for Samarkand State University’s new innovative nuclear electronics laboratory, which was recently equipped and became fully operational. Approximately 170 bachelor’s and 20 master’s students are using the scripts to provide a hands-on approach to learn nuclear physics.

During a visit to SSU in August 2021, Professor Michael Short visited the newly established laboratory of nuclear electronics, supported by the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) and MIT through UniCEN. There, he demonstrated the operation of Geiger counters to lab staff members and doctoral students from the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, trained laboratory personnel and students, and helped to identify 3D scanning and printing equipment for expansion.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram | Telegram | Facebook

#acglobal #internationalization #uzbekistan #MIT #samarkand #centralasia #globalresearch #engineeringeducation #physics #virtualexchange #highereducation
Learn more about UniCEN: https://unicen.americancouncils.org/

Deploying Digital Learning in Kyrgyzstan 
Higher education curriculum in Kyrgyzstan often does not align with the needs of a rapidly changing learning environment that embraces digital instruction. 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 Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey partnered with the Ala-Too University to develop relevant and modern curricula for Kyrygyzstan’s higher education. Starting in September 2020, the two universities launched the Advancing Collaboration, Teaching, and Learning in Kyrgyzstan (ACTLK) project, where a team of seven U.S. and seven Kyrgyzstani faculty and students shared best practices in qualitative research, study design, and data presentation. Through Middlebury’s Digital Learning and Inquiry Office, the project team assessed higher education needs and shared their best practices for online education. 
In January 2021, the ACTLK team distributed a survey to Ala-Too University to determine how online learning and remote education training was being received by faculty. Based on this survey, the ACTLK team focused on improving online education in Kyrgyzstan. Middlebury is assisting Ala-Too University in planning conferences. In July 2021, 25 faculty from universities in Kyrgyzstan gathered at Ala-Too University to share teaching techniques and build a community of educators.  
Follow us on social media:  
Instagram | Telegram | Facebook  
#acglobal #internationalization #kyrgyzstan #middlebury #ala-too #centralasia #partnerships #curriculum #highereducation  
Learn more about UniCEN: https://unicen.americancouncils.org/  

Announcement: 1st Central Asia Genomics Symposium

December 9-10, 2021
Will be held in hybrid format at the National University of Uzbekistan in Tashkent and online

The symposium intends to be a hub for genomics related research in Central Asia, where participants can learn, network and engage to empower new research using genomic tools in the region. The focus of this symposium is the use of genomic and bioinformatic tools in research on different disciplines, ranging from human disease, microbiology, ecology, plant genetics, diagnostics, among others.

Submit an abstract by November 19, 2021.
Four best abstract awards will be given for students and early/mid career
researchers. https://www.centralasiagenomics.com/home/submit your abstract

Introducing American Studies to Uzbekistan

In recent years, students in Uzbekistan have expressed interest in taking courses on U.S. history and contemporary society while improving their English skills. 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, Union Institute and University partnered with Termez State University to launch the first American Studies course in Uzbekistan.

Beginning in December 2020, Professor Woden Teachout taught an online webinar on academic writing with the goal of improving the quality and clarity of students’ written English. The seminar also gave professors at Termez State University new strategies for improving the writing of their students, including providing warm-up writing assignments before students write long essays.

A ten-session masterclass on curriculum writing for advanced students at Termez State University followed, with the goal of assisting eight professors in writing a U.S. history course. Termez State University decided to create a American history course, using literature as the primary lens for understanding U.S. history, and crafted assignments and assessments to improve students’ critical thinking and research skills. The course will launch in Fall 2021 become one of the regular course offerings at Termez State University.



Follow us on social media:

Instagram | Telegram | Facebook

#acglobal #internationalization #uzbekistan #unioninstitute #termezstate #centralasia #globalresearch #academicwriting #americanstudies #highereducation

Learn more about UniCEN: https://unicen.americancouncils.org/

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce a Call for Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. Government agencies, cultural organizations, educational institutions, NGOs, and museums can submit proposals before November 25, 2021 ow.ly/qajT50GyZGk #AFCP

Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers through Virtual Exchange 
In light of adoption of remote learning spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) has gained rapid popularity as a model to support internationalization in the classroom. 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, faculty from Colorado School of Mines and Navoi Mining Institute of Uzbekistan jointly created engineering projects for virtual exchange. More than 70 students from the U.S. and Uzbekistan learned thermodynamics, and each others’ culture, through collaborative online education.  
Navoi Mining Institute and Colorado School of Mines signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore research in open surface and underground mine design for the mining industry. Partners are also discussing the possibility of in-person study abroad. 
Follow us on social media:  
Instagram | Telegram | Facebook  
#acglobal #internationalization #uzbekistan #coloradoschoolofmines #navoi #centralasia #globalresearch #partnerships #engineeringeducation #highereducation  
Learn more about UniCEN: https://unicen.americancouncils.org/