Department of sociology and psychology
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- 5.2. Research work of academic staff and its effect on study work
- 6. Perspective evaluation of higher education programme
- RSU study programme
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Aim of application of different teaching methods and forms is to strengthen students’ theoretical knowledge, to perfect ability to analyse situations and problems critically, applying theoretical knowledge, to develop practical skills and attitudes, to develop communicative skills and ability to work both individually and in a team, to perfect ability to evaluate diversity, to perfect skills in expressing thoughts in written form. The task of teaching staff is to help students organize their individual work, to give consultations in case of need. Study methods and forms are chosen in conformity with aim and tasks of higher education programme, and specifics of teaching material in each study subject. Different teaching methods are applied: lectures, classes, seminars, analysis of problem situations, essays on a concrete study topic, reports and their public discussions, work in groups. In accordance with requirements of contemporary university didactics emphasis is put on active teaching forms, more and more academics do not use a lecture only as an open lecture, but stimulate discussions on the given topic and organize work in small groups. Active teaching methods are widely used in classes and seminars. Thus conception of RSU development is taken into account, where it is stressed that lectures as a free elective place for obtaining knowledge in all study subjects should be seriously evaluated and, in case of need, essentially improved, taking into consideration possibilities given by modern information technologies. It is determined, firstly, by the fact that literature for studies and information in general is more available. Great attention is paid to students’ individual work, which is orientated to analysis of scientific literature, preparation of reports and individual projects. In this aspect, wherever it is possible, one of academics’ tasks is to organize students’ individual work. Starting studies students, in order to be informed and able to orientate in study plan, receive „Students’ manual” which describes study process and requirements, elaboration of content and form of study work and Bachelor’s work, designing of the literature used and other sources. In study process active e-communication between the department and students takes place, course descriptions, materials prepared by academics, etc., are sent to students. 5.2. Research work of academic staff and its effect on study workResearch work takes an important place in RSU academic process in general. In conception of RSU development it is determined that all academics should participate in scientific work, this process should be financially supported as much as possible. RSU regularly every year publishes a collection of information on scientific publications of the academic staff in the year. One of tasks of Department of Sociology and psychology is to strengthen a link between study quality and research work. For the time being priorities of RSU scientific development have not been precisely defined, which makes slightly difficult for the Department as a structural unit to choose the research topic. The academic personnel of the Department participates in different scientific and practical projects. Research projects are financed from Latvia State budget (Scientific Council of Latvia, LR Welfare Ministry, LR Education and Science Ministry), from the European Union ( national research programmes of the EU social fund). Results of scientific research are revealed in scientific publications and presented in scientific conferences. Areas in which academic personnel conduct research work are the following: society integration, social rejection, spreading of narcotics and addictive behaviour, youth sociology and value study, labour market and employment, social and psychological reasons of poverty, study of social risk families, life quality in different groups of population, correction of self-attitude. The students of the Department together with the academics participated in RSU study „Habits of usage of non-traditional medical methods among population of Latvia”, which enriched the students with experience in conducting research. In November of 2007 and 2008 in RSU International inter-disciplinary scientific conference „Society, Health, Welfare” was organised, where several speakers from different countries reported on psychology topics. Academics from the Department and other structural units, who participate in implementation of the programme, regularly conduct research activities. Their scientific activities are reports and participation in scientific conferences in Latvia and abroad, publication of scientific articles in Latvia and abroad (including those under review), participation in financed scientific projects (See Appendix 2 - CVs of academic personnel). 5.3. Involvement of students in research projects One of the tasks put forward by the Department of Sociology and Psychology is to facilitate students’ scientific research. For the present students’ research work proceeds mainly in the framework of working out course papers and Bachelor’s work. In the period of studies students acquire the necessary skills in conducting of research – develop skills in delving into the problem to be investigated, in making analysis of scientific literature, comparing and summarizing approaches and views of different authors on the issue to be investigated, expressing their own viewpoint as well; students learn how to work out project of empiric study, to realize it; to develop skills in choosing of adequate research methods, correctly collect data, process it, analyze, interpret and make conclusions; they develop skills in critical reasoning. For research work students are prepared gradually. In Course paper I students carry out theoretical study in psychology branch chosen by themselves and acquire or make more profound the skills in looking up, selecting and evaluating of sources, as well as skills in literature analysis. In Course paper II students carry out an empiric study in the chosen topic, showing their ability not only to make literature analysis, but also to choose adequate research methods, correctly collect data, process it, analyze, interpret and make conclusions. In the 7th and 8th term students write and defend Bachelor’s work, in which research skills acquired in the previous years are extended. In general, study courses in the programme have practical tendency, they are designed so that there would be practical classes during which teaching material could be piloted in practice. Praxis outside the university is organized in the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th term in different work environments, carrying out training of practical skills necessary for work, in accordance with the profession Standard. Praxis is comprised by three basic components – Methods of psychological investigation and assessment, Psychological counselling and Psychological correction and rehabilitation. Tasks of praxis are performed under supervision of head of praxis. Tasks of praxis in each unit are projected to development of practical skills, piloting of the acquired knowledge in practice. An important part of praxis is regular supervisions with head of praxis. At the end of praxis a student writes a report and defends it. Evaluation of praxis is comprised by student’s self-evaluation, mentor’s and supervisor’s evaluation on student’s practical activities – performance of the tasks, development of Professional skills, understanding and application of professional ethics. Within the period of praxis students write a praxis diary, in which they reveal analysis of praxis in conformity with objectives and tasks of praxis. Results are assessed in each subject separately. RSU offers to practise in basis of clinical praxis: P. Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Children University Hospital, National Rehabilitation Centre „Vaivari”, Ltd Riga Health Centre „Plavnieki”, Riga Municipality Ltd Riga Maternity Home”, Rehabilitation Centre for Handicapped Children „Mēs esam līdzās”, Health resort Rehabilitation Centre „Jaunķemeri”, Vidzeme Rehabilitation Centre “Līgatne”, Riga Municipality Ltd “Health Centre 5”, State agency of Mental Health , etc. 6. Perspective evaluation of higher education programme6.1. Conformity of higher education programme to standard of professional higher education and standard of professionThe Programme has been designed in conformity with the structure defined in the Cabinet’s Regulations No. 481 on November 20, 2001 „Regulations on second level Professional higher education State Standard” ( See Table 4) and profession Standard of psychologist’s assistant (See Table 5). Table 4 Conformity of second level Professional higher education in Bachelor’s and psychologist’s assistant professional study programme to the professional higher education Standard
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