Professional Standard of a Methodologist

Contents:

• Standards for the educational product
• Basic set of rules that all methodologists should know
• Set of principles for the methodologist's work

In June 2022, the Digital Learning community organized a meetup on the topic “Competencies and Quality of a Methodologist’s Work”. During the event, experts discussed the important issue of the necessary skills of educational program designers and the possibility of standardizing the competencies of methodologists at the all-Russian level. Participants concluded that three main types of standards need to be developed to help unify approaches to the training and assessment of specialists in this field.

Standards for an Educational Product

Elena Tikhomirova, CEO of the eLearning Center and author of the "Live Learning" Telegram channel, emphasized that attempts to standardize the work of instructional designers, methodologists, and methodologists in various countries have been made repeatedly. Currently, there is a lull in this issue, as the development of a universal typology is facing difficulties. The difficulty lies in the diversity of tasks in various fields, which makes it difficult to work them out in detail and break them down into specific steps.

Elena is confident that a solution to the current problem exists. She believes that one effective method of standardization is to develop standards focused not on specialists, but on educational resources. Such standards, primarily developed in the West, contain a list of essential elements that must be present in high-quality educational materials. This will improve the level of education and ensure compliance with modern requirements.

A specialist capable of developing educational materials in accordance with established standards demonstrates their competencies. Standardization of educational products has the potential for successful application in the Russian market, contributing to improved quality of education and compliance with modern requirements.

The skill set in this area is primarily aimed at experienced specialists. However, experts emphasize that standards are also important for beginners, as they help them quickly acquire the necessary skills and improve their competence. Standards serve as the foundation for developing professional knowledge and skills, which is especially important for young specialists striving for a successful career.

A Basic Set of Rules That All Methodologists Should Know

Svetlana Tolubeeva, a strategic methodologist and founder of the "College of Methodologists," shares her experience in answering questions and consulting with methodologists. She is often approached by specialists seeking to revise educational programs, but who do not always understand the purpose of these changes. Many of them are surprised that the course and the process of its reconstruction should have a clear goal. This highlights the importance of understanding the objectives and outcomes when developing and updating educational programs, which is a key aspect of an effective methodological approach.

Standards are an important tool for new professionals, as they provide a foundation of knowledge and skills. These basic rules help newcomers master key aspects of the profession. However, it is important that standards do not limit experienced professionals who are developing new methodologies and technologies. The main goal of standards is to create a foundation on which professional development is built, while maintaining flexibility for innovation and creativity in the field.

Methodological standards will provide significant support to newcomers to the field of education, noted Mikhail Osipov, an expert on the scientific approach to teaching and author of the Online Learning Laboratory Telegram channel. These standards will help ensure high-quality educational processes and improve the effectiveness of training, which is especially important for new methodologists.

Standardization of processes is important, especially for new professionals. They need to understand which functions should be developed in the context of a specific organization, be it an online school, an infobusiness, or an educational project. Otherwise, the employer may impose their demands, which will hinder professional development and adaptation to the specifics of the job. Understanding your own tasks and goals in this area will help you avoid such situations and improve your work efficiency.

A lack of knowledge and basic competencies is observed not only among beginners but also among experienced professionals. This problem is widespread across various fields, emphasized Pavel Bezyaev, leader of the Digital Learning community. The key question remains how to effectively convey these fundamental standards to those who need them.

The internet offers numerous useful resources and information for methodologists, methodologists, and instructional designers. However, without a clear "navigator" such as professional standards, finding the necessary materials becomes difficult. According to Svetlana Tolubeeva, professional standards play a key role in systematizing information, avoiding confusion and facilitating the search for relevant resources. Correct understanding and use of these standards helps specialists effectively navigate the vast amount of available information and find exactly what they need for their professional growth and development.

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The impressions of the profession of a methodologist for beginners are formed under the influence of various factors. Firstly, the level of training and knowledge of methodology play a crucial role. Understanding the principles and methods of teaching will allow newcomers to feel confident in their work. Secondly, the team atmosphere and support of more experienced colleagues are significant. A professional environment characterized by collaboration and the exchange of experience contributes to rapid professional growth. The availability of necessary resources and tools for work should also be considered. Access to modern methodological materials and technologies significantly improves the quality of the methodologist's work. Furthermore, the personal qualities of the specialist, such as communication skills and a desire to develop, influence the perception of the profession. All these elements together determine how positive the experience of a newcomer in the field of methodological work will be.

A Set of Principles for a Methodologist

Educational experience designer and author of the LXD hero Telegram channel, as well as former head of the School of Methodologists at the Skillbox online university, Evgeniya Rashchupkina, emphasizes that a standard for methodologists can be a set of working principles. Within this framework, experts identify two core principles that play a key role in effective methodological practice. Elena Tikhomirova emphasizes that any educational standard should be based on the principle "We are responsible for those we have trained." She notes that she often encounters people aspiring to work in education, whether as methodologists, product specialists, or course producers. However, they do not always realize the importance of their responsibility for learning outcomes. Many of them perceive their role as creating a "product," without considering that the success of the educational process depends on their efforts and approach to students. This approach can lead to a decline in the quality of education and student dissatisfaction.

Elena notes that a significant portion of the responsibility for learning lies with the students. However, if the educational process is designed in such a way that it becomes overly complex or overwhelming, then this is our responsibility. It is important to create an accessible and understandable learning structure to ensure maximum effectiveness and comprehension of the material.

Svetlana Tolubeyeva noted that educators can learn from medical professionals by following the principle of "First, Do No Harm." Inappropriately organized training, like ineffective treatment, can negatively impact students. At the same time, the methodologist may not realize that their approaches require changes. Providing standards with basic rules will help prevent undesirable consequences in the educational process, Svetlana emphasized.

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