STUDENTS AGAINST CORRUPTION
Support A1+!The «competitive education» which was the result of educational reforms cased complaint of the students. For example, a student of the Yerevan State University Faculty of Political science complains that it is very difficult to get excellent marks in their faculty. Another student of the same University tells that in order to get an excellent mark you have to give a bribe.
«The aim and logic of competitive education is to give an impetus to getting as much knowledge as possible», says Sasoun Meliqyan, head of the department of coordination of higher educational institutions of the Ministry of Education and Science. He tried to explain what the system of «competitive education» is.
«Due to the marks of the entrance examinations the first-year students either pay for their education or don’t. After the first academic year due to the results of the first exam session the students can switch places and those who didn’t use to pay might start to do so. That is to say, the decisive factor is the progress in education».
As for the concerns of the students about the risks of corruption, Sasoun Meliqyan mentioned that everything is being done to reduce the risks. The Ministry does not impose strict control as we consider it a weak method. Instead, they give preference to written exams. “We avoid oral examinations as it is more subjective. The most serious control is that realized by the students themselves. If a weak student gets an excellent mark, everyone will be surprised. What is important is to eliminate the reasons”.
