- Why do teachers in Tajikistan leave the country ?
- What should young people know when going to Western universities?
- Is it possible to advance in science without money?
These and other questions were answered by Dublin City University professor Abel Polese, who is closely familiar with the state of education in Tajikistan.
Radio Ozodi : Earlier you said that the demand for scientists and university professors in Tajikistan is tougher than Harvard . I mean , what ?
Abel Polese : “Unlike in our countries, degree seekers here have to publish a large number of scientific articles. Perhaps the government wants to raise the level of science by this means, but expectations must be set correctly. When a first-year degree seeker is asked, to publish up to three scientific articles a year in Scopus, first of all, he should be explained what Scopus is. possible.”
Radio Ozodi : The state of education and general education in Tajikistan has been severely criticized in recent years , what is your opinion ?
Abel Polese : “When there is no motivation and teachers leave the profession, I think this process is related to two factors: firstly, the salary is low, and secondly, teaching is probably not as prestigious a profession as before. Such a process exists in the whole region. I don’t know, maybe Are we now under the influence of “TikTok? Everyone wants to make a lot of money as soon as possible. One should not be discouraged, on the contrary, one should try to attract good specialists to the field.”
Radio Ozodi : After graduating from school , college or university in Tajikistan, some young people go to universities in Europe or America . They complain that their level of preparation is very low …
Abel Polese : “The requirements of Western universities are not compatible with the requirements of your country. I always emphasize that the learning process in every country has both advantages and disadvantages. When a student goes from here to the West, he should be aware of what is the demand in another country. For example, in America, exact subjects are not so strong in schools, but critical thinking is given a lot of attention. When a person comes to America, he knows exact subjects well, but his critical thinking is weaker. It does not mean that he is not ready for the world, it is about the environment.”
Radio Ozodi : Is it possible for a scientist or title seeker to make a ” career ” without money ?
Abel Polese : “It is impossible to do anything without money, and you cannot build a “career” in science either. There are grants that can finance your scientific work. Getting to know other scientists is sometimes more useful than money.”
Radio Ozodi : For example, a university professor has several economic problems , including he is a tenant and does not receive a good salary . In this case , is it possible to devote oneself completely to science ?
Abel Polese : “If a person wants to dedicate himself one hundred percent to science, it will be difficult without money. In addition to science, you should have a certain job to get regular income. I am not the only one who has this opinion.”
Radio Ozodi : You spoke with representatives of universities in Tajikistan. Has anyone recognized these problems ?
Abel Polese : “It’s not a problem, maybe we can call it a test?” Everything depends on the person himself, then on the place of residence and the university. When we had a meeting with the teaching staff of the National University, they talked about their problems. We talked together about how to support the science sector in Tajikistan when I returned to Europe.”
Radio Ozodi : What was the most important issue ?
Abel Polese : “The ways to find capital, to find new acquaintances in the field of science, advancement in career and science were among their main questions.”
Radio Ozodi : Have you seen the teaching style of Tajik teachers ? How do you rate them ?
Abel Polese: “What we call critical thinking has been developing in the region for a long time. It is also based on the personal choice of individuals. I think they pay little attention to critical thinking in the country. Most of them want to be interested in exact sciences.”
Source : Радио Озоди