On March 9, 2023, Assistant Professor of Education, Dr. Shaghig Hudaverdian presented her recent PhD dissertation entitled “Armenian Identity Development in Schools: Current Perceptions and Future Recommendations” to an audience composed of Armenian school principals, teachers, scholars and students.
Dr. Hudaverdian was introduced by the Chair of the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Hanine Hout, who described her as a passionate professor, diligent researcher, perseverant and determined person, true to her academic endeavors.
In her presentation, Dr. Hudaverdian explained how the rapid changes in the ethnic composition of nations worldwide has led to the importance of understanding ethnic identity development in general, and the mission of preserving the Armenian ethnic identity in the diaspora Armenian schools in particular.
Within the context of the Armenian schools in Lebanon, Dr. Hudaverdian’s research examines perceptions of Armenian Studies (language and social studies) teachers’ role in developing the ethnic identity of their students, their perception on how to translate that role operationally into educational practices, and the students’ perception of the teachers’ role.
Stemming from her research findings, Dr. Hudaverdian’s recommendations pertain to: systematic planning and implementation of written policy directives about Armenian identity development; subsequent curricular-reform initiatives and the use of student-engaging exploratory instructional models; teacher participation in relevant professional training that equips them with the necessary theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practice skills to recognize, affirm, and develop their students’ ethnic identity; and the active involvement of the educational policymakers, community leaders, administrators, teachers, students, parents and the public in a discourse related to the above-mentioned domains.
The very insightful lecture was followed with a rich Q & A interaction.
The program concluded with President Haidostian’s word of appreciation and gratitude.
Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director