Individualized educational pathways at university: how and why?

Contents:

• Without which IOT will not work

Individual educational trajectories (IET) are not just a current trend, but the roots of the educational process that existed in the first European universities almost a thousand years ago. To implement this concept in modern higher education institutions, it is necessary to invest in digital platforms, since manually compiling thousands of unique schedules is extremely difficult. However, it should be noted that digitalization is not the primary focus. Without creating conditions for active student participation in the educational process, true individualization is out of the question. The successful development of IET requires not only technology but also a change in the educational environment that will facilitate the self-realization and engagement of each student.

At the first all-Russian IET conference for universities, dedicated to individual educational trajectories in higher education, held with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the IT company CUSTIS, the National University of Science and Technology MISiS, and the Scientific and Educational Policy Expert and Analytical Center, key ideas and conclusions were presented. Over the course of ten hours, participants discussed current issues and trends in the individualization of educational processes.

Work in an interdisciplinary laboratory is available only to those students who have a unique development track and master specialized skills and competencies. Without the implementation of individual educational trajectories, the training of researchers and the scientific activity of students in the laboratory are impossible. These approaches enable the development of highly qualified specialists capable of successfully solving complex problems in various fields of science. Universities, since their emergence in Europe, have always offered individualized learning trajectories. Students studied with specific professors and moved from one institution to another in pursuit of the knowledge they needed. However, over the past hundred years, educational systems have begun to move away from this tradition of individualized approaches. People have different learning styles, and when educational institutions fail to accommodate this diversity, students lose interest in the learning process. It is important to restore a personalized approach to education to maintain student motivation and engagement. The boom in mass higher education began in the mid-20th century with technological changes that significantly facilitated professional training and competency development. However, this system faces new challenges. Technologies are changing, professions are becoming less defined, and the rate at which new technological challenges emerge has increased significantly. Modern technological and business trends require not just the acquisition of knowledge but also the development of skills that enable adaptation to new conditions based on a solid educational foundation. For a successful career in a rapidly changing world, it is essential to develop the ability to learn and acquire new knowledge and skills.

The academic community plays a key role in shaping students' knowledge and skills. Professionals in this field can guide students by identifying the necessary competencies for successful learning. The university is responsible for clearly informing students which courses are required and which can be selected based on personal interests and inclinations. This approach encourages a more informed choice of educational path and the development of individual professional skills.

State regulation of higher education in Russia in recent years has opened up new opportunities for students to choose their individual development trajectory. In particular, the admissions procedure introduced last year allows first-year students to be enrolled not in specific educational programs, but in broad groups of specializations or areas of study. Participants in the discussion "Are Individualized Educational Paths a Priority?" praised this initiative, emphasizing its importance in creating a flexible educational environment that accommodates students' individual interests and career goals. This innovation not only expands student choice but also facilitates a more in-depth exploration of skills in demand in today's world.

Sergey Salikhov, Vice Rector of MISiS, noted that it is difficult to imagine a high school graduate who, at 16, fully understands the difference between mining machinery and technological equipment. He also emphasized that only a small number of universities have adapted their admissions procedures to accommodate larger groups. This raises the important question of the need for changes in the educational system to better prepare young people for the demands of the modern labor market.

The new admissions model is a key element in the transition to modern higher education standards. Previously, university studies lasted five or six years, with students pursuing a single specialization throughout this time. Today, with the exception of medical and specialized programs, most universities have implemented the "4 + 2" model. According to this model, after completing a bachelor's degree, students can choose a master's program that is not necessarily related to their previously completed specialization. The "2 + 2 + 2" model, where students master general subjects in the first two years of their undergraduate degree, and then choose a specific professional field and delve deeper into it in the third year, is also a promising step. These changes allow students to approach their education flexibly and adapt to the demands of the labor market.

The "2 + 2 + 2" model proposed by Andrey Volkov gives universities the opportunity to adapt to students' changing attitudes toward their educational path during their undergraduate degree. This model allows students to choose between two similar, narrow specializations not immediately, but after two years of study, which promotes a more informed approach to choosing a professional path. Thus, students can gain more information about their interests and prospects before making a final decision on a specialization. This update to the educational system promotes flexibility and an individualized approach to learning, which is an important factor in modern higher education.

Transferring students from one specialization to another at universities is a complex task. Existing higher education regulations impose certain restrictions, which complicates this process. For example, transferring a state-funded student from one specialty to another requires significant organizational effort. Furthermore, as Sergey Roshchin noted, not all specialties are available for switching after two years of study in the general bachelor's degree. This creates additional difficulties for students wishing to change the direction of their educational trajectory. Transitioning from one specialty to another, for example, from history to biology within the "2 + 2" program, raises questions. Different fields of knowledge require different amounts of fundamental knowledge, which makes the universalization of this model difficult. Sergey Roshchin noted that a successful transition is only possible if these differences are taken into account. It is important to consider all possible options and approaches to ensure high-quality education and student development in their chosen field. It is difficult to imagine a 16-year-old high school graduate fully understanding the differences between mining machinery and technological equipment. However, it's worth noting that only a few universities have begun accepting applicants for these broad specialization groups. The problem lies in the insufficient preparation of schoolchildren for choosing their future profession, which hinders their navigation in the complex world of technical and professional fields. The transition to these broad specialization groups can help improve the learning process and students' adaptation to the demands of the modern labor market. According to Andrey Volkov, the "2 + 2 + 2" model allows universities to adapt to changes in students' perceptions of their educational paths already during the undergraduate program. This model allows students to choose between two similar, narrow specializations not at the start, but after two years of study. This approach promotes a more informed career choice and allows students to more deeply understand their interests and inclinations before making a final decision on a specialization. As a result, this can improve the quality of education and student satisfaction.

Transferring from one major to another, for example, from history to biology within the 2+2 program, is indeed possible, but it requires taking into account the peculiarities of different subject areas. Each area of ​​knowledge has its own unique amount of fundamental knowledge required to successfully master a major. Universalizing the 2+2 approach can be difficult due to differences in the scope and structure of curricula. It is important to consider the various options and opportunities that can be provided to students so that they can effectively adapt and develop in a new discipline.

There are limitations to the issue of collecting information on the psychological characteristics of students by universities. It is unclear whether the university has the right to collect such data. In some cases, students deliberately provide false information in studies, believing that the educational institution is trying to learn too much about them. This raises important questions about privacy and the ethics of data collection in educational institutions.

Komissarov reported that University 20.35's algorithms use digital traces to identify key aspects of building an individual educational trajectory. They analyze how a student progresses toward achieving educational outcomes, including changes in their understanding of the subject. They also examine program elements that spark interest and emotional response, as well as those that do not. This approach allows for a more precise adaptation of the educational process to the needs and preferences of each student, which facilitates more effective learning and development.

A tutor is a highly reflective individual with a complex life history. Their role in the educational process is not only to impart knowledge but also to support students in their personal and academic development. Tutors help identify students' strengths and weaknesses, promote their self-development, and foster critical thinking. This approach creates a more effective learning environment in which each student can realize their potential. Tutor qualities such as empathy, patience, and analytical ability play a key role in successfully working with students.

Explore how public and private projects interact in the field of education. The importance of cooperation between these sectors is becoming increasingly evident, as joint efforts contribute to improving the quality of educational services and providing access to innovative teaching methods. Public institutions and private companies can exchange experiences and resources, which allows for the creation of effective educational programs and the implementation of modern technologies. This collaboration not only enriches the educational process but also meets the demands of the modern labor market, preparing students for the challenges of the future.

Without which IET will not work

The conference concluded with an open discussion with students on the topic "Choice, Trajectory, and Free Will," moderated by Isak Froumin, Academic Director of the HSE Institute of Education. Five students from MEPhI, Tyumen State University, and MGIMO participated in the discussion. The results of the discussion partly reflect the opinions of university administrators and faculty, highlighting the diversity of perspectives on important issues of education and personal choice.

It turned out that it is possible to experience personalized attention and receive key information for one's individual development without the use of information technology.

The conversation began with the example of Dmitry, a second-year student at MEPhI, who shared his experience of participating in a mandatory classical lecture. The instructor finds an opportunity to answer students' specific questions, explain complex topics beyond the syllabus, and recommend additional materials based on the students' interests. Each student finds relevant and interesting topics, which makes the learning process more individualized and profound, rather than mechanical and monotonous. This approach promotes more effective knowledge acquisition and the development of critical thinking.

Isak Froumin repeatedly emphasized that, despite the superficial similarities of the higher education system in Russia, students at different universities receive significantly different experiences. This diversity is due to the unique educational approaches, cultural characteristics, and resources of different educational institutions. It is important to remember that quality education and successful professional development depend not only on curricula but also on the learning environment, student-faculty interactions, and opportunities for practical application of knowledge. Thus, the student experience at Russian universities is shaped by a multitude of factors, making it unique for each institution.

• Judging by examples from MEPhI, students there create their own trajectories (based on personal choice) within the general stream.
• At Tyumen State University, students create their own educational paths from various specializations, often resulting in an eclectic mix. For example, you can take courses in both translation and foreign language teaching, supplement this with psychology, and ultimately obtain a unique qualification at the intersection of three fields (though there will always be critics who will say that you have not become a professional in any of them).
• At the School of Advanced Studies (SAS) at Tyumen State University, this is compounded by the need to seek opportunities—conferences, competitions, summer schools—externally, and not just select courses from the university's "menu."
• At MGIMO, this is also possible, but at the center of the individual trajectory is the chosen narrow specialization, which is strung together with the necessary competencies.

Isak Froumin emphasizes that the key aspect of all existing and future educational approaches is the student's agency and their active desire to learn. This means that an important element of the educational process is not only the transfer of knowledge, but also the development of students' intrinsic motivation and the ability to learn independently. Given the diversity of teaching methods and technologies, an emphasis on subjectivity allows for the creation of more effective and personalized educational environments that promote deep learning and the development of critical thinking.

Personalization of education is based on a person's understanding of themselves and their future in the educational process. Learning occurs in this context. We can organize instruction like set meals or buffets, but without active participation from the student, this will be a waste of digital infrastructure resources. It is important that educational programs take into account the individual needs and interests of students, which will create a more effective and meaningful educational environment.

One of the key issues for higher education institutions is identifying and developing students' individuality, as well as their motivation to create their own educational path. This is especially relevant for those students who previously did not consider their goals, following the guidance of teachers at school and who entered university at the request of their parents. It is important to help such students understand their interests and ambitions so that they can actively participate in shaping their educational experience and achieve their goals.

Students participating in the discussion proposed several approaches to achieving their own goals. One effective way is to step outside your comfort zone by engaging in educational experiences that require unfamiliar and challenging tasks. Collaborating on projects with other students and faculty helps develop essential skills and abilities. Mentoring from senior students or professional tutors who can guide and support you throughout your learning process can also be helpful. Flipped counseling is a method that improves student performance and helps them become excellent students. This approach relies on students' active participation in the learning process. Instead of a traditional lecture format, students first study the material independently and then apply it through discussions and interaction with faculty. This method not only improves understanding of the subject matter but also develops critical thinking, which ultimately leads to high academic results. Flipped counseling is becoming increasingly popular among educational institutions seeking to improve the quality of education and student engagement. Isak Froumin concluded that digital technologies can only act as a support for students. It's important that these technologies facilitate finding needed help and establishing connections with mentors. However, the foundation for shaping an individual educational trajectory remains a student's personal vision of their future. This vision plays a key role in choosing educational and professional development paths, allowing each student to chart their own unique path to success.

Reading is an essential part of our daily experience. It not only broadens our horizons but also enriches our consciousness. Immersing ourselves in books, articles, and other textual materials allows us to gain new knowledge and develop critical thinking. Modern research shows that regular reading improves cognitive function and enhances concentration. It's important to choose a variety of genres and topics to maximize your experience and deepen your understanding of various aspects of life. Read regularly to not only develop your skills but also enjoy the process.

• Does a mass school need individualized educational trajectories?
• What future do experts predict for global higher education?
• How to promote a university brand?
• A strategy for the digital transformation of universities has been published.

Individualization of education is based on each person's perception of themselves and their future educational prospects. This process involves learning, which can be organized as traditional classes or in a free-choice format, like a buffet. However, without the active participation of the learner, such approaches become ineffective and only lead to unnecessary expenses on digital infrastructure. The effectiveness of the educational process directly depends on the student's engagement and awareness, which emphasizes the importance of an individual approach to learning.