Lecturers from 15 countries studying methods for Russian language teaching at St Petersburg University

At the opening ceremony of the programme, Marina Lavrikova, Senior Vice-Rector for Academic Activities of St Petersburg University, spoke about the role of the University as one of the leading institutions for Russian studies in the Russian Federation. ‘The University has been at the forefront of developing the Russian language for several centuries. St Petersburg University has several structures dedicated to the study of the Russian language, including the Faculty of Philology, the Research Institute for the State Language, and the Language Testing Centre. Through their active efforts, an extensive academic foundation has been established, academic programmes have been designed, tests have been conducted, and international relations have been maintained. Additionally, Russian language centres have been established in foreign countries,’ noted Marina Lavrikova.

St Petersburg University has a rich tradition and offers great opportunities in the field of Russian studies, teaching, and Russian language expertise. The University plays a significant role in shaping the state language policy.

Marina Lavrikova, Senior Vice-Rector for Academic Activities of St Petersburg University

Sergei Markov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for External Relations of St Petersburg, in his welcome speech highlighted the important role of Russian language teachers abroad: ‘You serve as ambassadors of Russian culture, shaping our way of thinking, perspectives, and aspirations.’

The professional development programme Russian Language and Literature in Higher Education and Schools: Teaching Bilingual and Foreign Speakers’ implemented at St Petersburg University is unique. This programme offers a comprehensive collection of relevant and valuable topics for teachers of the Russian language and literature from foreign countries. It takes into consideration the local specifics and the current state of the Russian language in these regions.

Dmitry Ptyushkin, Director of the St Petersburg University Language Testing Centre, noted that the course topics have been selected taking into account current trends and the wishes of the participants. At the lectures, students will get acquainted with: the techniques and methods of language teaching; and the results of international studies of key skills and skills of working with information (PIRLS, PISA, PIAAC). One of them, for example, is the OTSM TRIZ (General Theory on Powerful Thinking) technology, which is the development of thinking and creativity through problem-based learning. In addition, the lectures for the audience will be delivered by writers, in particular, Andrei Astvatsaturov, Professor at St Petersburg University.

In addition to theoretical and practical classes, an extensive cultural programme will be organised for the participants. They will visit the State Russian Museum, the Literary Museum of the Institute of Russian Literature, and the Great Gatchina Palace and the Priory Palace.

The St Petersburg University Language Testing Centre was established on 22 August 1997, with the aim of organising and conducting the state test of Russian as a foreign language (TORFL). The exam can be taken not only in Russia but also abroad. The University collaborates with 115 centres in 50 countries worldwide for the TORFL.

Upon completion of the course and passing of the final certification, students will receive a certificate of professional development in the standard form.