Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University is hosting an International Scientific Conference entitled “Education in a Global World: Research, Policy and Practice.” The event aims to provide a platform for discussing current developments in education, research findings and pedagogical experience, strengthening international academic cooperation, and fostering professional dialogue.
The two-day conference brings together academic staff from higher education institutions in Georgia and abroad, researchers, practicing teachers, education administrators, and early-career researchers.
The conference aims to strengthen the links between educational research, policy and practice, promote evidence-based approaches, and foster cooperation among educational institutions. Participants will discuss how research-based knowledge can be applied to improve educational decision-making and everyday pedagogical practice. They will also explore how the roles of teachers and universities are changing in contemporary society and what competencies education is expected to develop in response to digital transformation and labour market demands.
Two presentations will be delivered during the plenary session, addressing contemporary challenges in the education system from different perspectives. Mariam Darbaidze, Professor, Education Expert and Vice-Rector for Quality Assurance at Georgian International University (GIU), will deliver a presentation entitled “The Transformation of Higher Education: New Realities and Strategic Vision.” The presentation will focus on changes in higher education and the strategic directions for its future development.
Markus Boehner, Professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, will deliver a presentation entitled “Student Assessment and Fair Evaluation of Academic Achievement in Education in the Context of Artificial Intelligence Challenges.” The presentation will focus on the fair assessment of students' knowledge and achievements in the context of the growing opportunities and challenges associated with artificial intelligence.
The thematic areas of the conference include: Education Systems, the Economy and the Labour Market; Digital Transformation and Innovations in Teaching; Teaching and Pedagogical Practice; Inclusive Education and Children's Rights.
The presentations cover issues related to early childhood, general, vocational and higher education. Alongside scientific research, the programme includes analyses of teaching practices, educational projects and institutional experiences. Participants will explore the integration of theory and practice, practice-based training models, reflective teaching, and the role of institutional support and simulated learning environments in the professional development of future teachers. Particular attention will be paid to the training of early childhood education specialists, challenges in professional practice, and the continuous professional development of teachers.
A significant proportion of the presentations focuses on digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Topics include the use of generative artificial intelligence in higher education, opportunities for differentiated instruction, and the development of digital and pedagogical competencies among future teachers. Participants will also discuss the challenges of using technology, the development of critical thinking, student assessment, and academic integrity.
Special attention at the conference is devoted to inclusive education, children's rights and safe learning environments. The presentations address support for students with special educational needs, the adaptation of educational resources, teacher preparation for inclusive practices, and active student participation in the learning process. Other topics include bullying prevention, positive parenting, media literacy, and students' psychological well-being in culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse school environments.
Presentations focusing on teaching and assessment practices will address formative and diagnostic assessment, effective feedback, project-based learning, and the opportunities offered by non-formal education. Participants will share their experiences in teaching mathematical literacy, languages, literature and the arts, and discuss the application of interdisciplinary approaches.
In exploring the relationship between education and societal change, attention will also be paid to the skills required by the labour market, lifelong learning, first-year students' academic adaptation, and institutional support. The programme also includes discussions on the sustainability of rural schools and student migration, providing an opportunity to consider educational accessibility and the development of local educational environments.
The conference also provides young researchers with an opportunity to present their work, receive professional feedback, and develop academic connections. Collaboration among experienced scholars, practicing teachers and young researchers will facilitate knowledge sharing and help identify new research questions.
The second day of the conference, 7 November, is dedicated to a workshop entitled “Digital Tools in School Educational Practice: Opportunities for Interactive Teaching.” The workshop focuses on the use of digital tools in the educational process and explores opportunities for interactive teaching. It is particularly relevant to both practicing and prospective teachers.
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