Revival and Introduction of Russian traditions in the Higher Education System

Abstract

Currently, the imposition of Western reforms leads to the elimination of traditional forms of Russian education. Experts in the field of education criticize the Bologna process, which destroys centuries-old national standards of the Russian higher school. Therefore, the revival of the national traditions in the higher education is a topical issue. Russian education needs reforming but the blind imitation of Western forms of education can lead to destabilization and, as a consequence, to the decline in educational levels in Russia. Social technologies are necessary to tackle this issue. A survey among students was conducted in 2013-2014; according to the results of the survey, Russian traditions among young people are being lost. Another survey was carried out among experts in the sphere of education and involved eight persons. The results of this survey helped defining the basic principles of social technologies aimed at introducing the Russian traditions in the system of the education management. A retrospective analysis revealed that one of the most crucial problems in modern Russian education system is lack of money that makes “the greatest minds” of Russia leave the country to work abroad. This article describes the following social technologies: patriotic education of managerial personnel; use of media for the promotion of the Russian traditions (press conferences, publications in journals, books, brochures, television programs, movies); interactions with the education veterans in academic, methodological and educational activities; celebrating historical dates and anniversaries in education; fostering sustainable communication between graduates and their teachers (meetings, receptions, banquets, personal awards); perpetuation of the names of the outstanding scientists and teachers; raising finance; state coordination of the activities of legislative, executive and judicial authorities, civil society institutions, raising the prestige of the knowledge workers.