In Moldova, a mechanism is needed for modernizing the whole higher education system given the decreasing number of students and the necessity of optimizing the use of the funds allocated from the state budget to universities. The adoption of a new methodology of financing universities is a step forward, but this is not enough. The subject of higher education reforms was discussed at a public debate staged by Radio Moldova Tineret on the theme “University education in the Republic of Moldova: opportunity of reforms”, with support from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), IPN reports.
According to professor Romeo Țurcan, who carried out a general study of universities, it was proven that the number of students declines abruptly even if the tendencies are optimistic. By 2030, the number will decrease to about 15,000 students. The undertaking by the Ministry of Education and the Government of a process of restructuring and optimizing higher education is a challenge that should be dealt with. “Taxpayers’ money should be used efficiently and with maximum profitability. A mechanism for modernizing the whole system is needed,” he stated.
Technical University rector Ion Bostan said their university developed such internal platforms as Moodle that ensures better connection between the teacher and the student, particularly during the pandemic. The pandemic oriented education to the online environment. During the last two months, the university’s information services were accessed three times more often . The biggest problem is that higher education is seriously underfinanced. A new financing methodology was adopted, but this is not enough. The volume of financing for universities and for research should be reviewed. If this is done, changes will be felt in several years.
ASEM rector Grigore Belostecinic said the Academy of Economic Studies has developed Moodle since 2005. The pandemic made the students and teachers use it for completing the school year. He is for face-to-face education, while distance learning is complementary. The university has an own anti-cheating system where tens of thousands of Bachelor and Master’s degree theses are stored. Education in Moldova should be made more attractive by investment and by motivating not only the students, but also the teachers.
Nadejda Velishko, head of the Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Policies Division, said the pandemic made 90% of the teachers use the Moodle platform. Three assessment agencies from three countries carried out researches and said that studies are done in Moldova. The same studies showed that the Ministry’s efforts in the future should be aimed at making investments in higher education, in ensuring the quality of the programs of study, in opening distance learning programs that will be useful to the diaspora too.
Irina Tudos, acting rector of the State University “Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu”, said their university focuses on anti-cheating. A company was contracted to provide anti-cheating services. The university lays emphasis on the development of teaching-learning instruments and the pandemic increased the popularity of Moodle. The Bachelor and Master’s degree theses were defended online. Stress should be placed on the improvement of teachers’ skills, digital skills as the realities require this.
In Moldova there are 16 public higher education establishments with financial autonomy.
