Introduction of innovative teaching methods in universities of the Chechen Republic: problems and prospects

Abstract

The relevance of the research is due to the need to modernize the higher education system in the Chechen Republic in the context of global trends in digitalization and personalization of education. The purpose of the work is to identify barriers preventing the introduction of innovative methods into the educational process of Chechen universities and to identify strategies to overcome them. Tasks: 1) to analyze the international experience in the application of innovative educational technologies; 2) to assess the current level of use of innovations in Chechen universities; 3) to systematize the problems associated with the implementation of innovations; 4) develop recommendations for university administrations. The study is based on a comprehensive methodological approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods: a survey of teachers (n=120) and students (n=400) from 4 universities of the Chechen Republic, a series of semi-structured interviews with 10 experts in the field of higher education, content analysis of educational programs and methodological materials. Multiple regression analysis was used to process the data. It is revealed that the main barriers to innovation are: 1) insufficient technical equipment of universities, 2) low level of digital competencies of teaching staff, 3) distrust of the effectiveness of new methods on the part of students and teachers. At the same time, it was found that the willingness of university administrations to change and additional funding from the state are key factors for the success of innovative projects.