The project meeting was carried out from 1st to 4th December in Qingdao (China).
The participants were welcomed by the vice president of Qingdao Technological University prof. Li Guohua and coordinator of the project from the University prof. Xuejun Bi.
After opening the meeting, the Chinese colleagues conducted an interesting excursion-presentation of research and development and teaching laboratories of the University. The audience showed a great interest in the laboratory, designed for conducting classes, equipped with a model of water treatment units. Representatives from many universities expressed a desire to establish similar models in their laboratories, which would allow students to perceive the course material better and prepare them for the practical training at the enterprises in the field of water.
During the meeting a seminar for students and teachers was held. Participants were presenting the latest achievements from the sphere of their scientific interests.
Aspects of high importance, such as: the mobility of students and teachers, the coordination of the upcoming meetings of the working group and the development of lectures and presentations related to 6 studying courses, were discussed in the meeting as well.
Concerning student mobility, the following dates were agreed: 18.06-08.07.2016 for summer training courses in Norway and the 1st of October 2017 as the start up date for annual studying in Germany and Poland. In addition, the requirements for English proficiency, established by host universities, were discussed.
Besides, the dates for the next three project meetings were set: in Germany (Höxter) – 25.03-28.03.2017; Ukraine (Cherkasy) – 8.07-11.07.2017; China (Shandong) – 24.10-24.10.2017.
A lot of time was devoted to the content of the training courses, analysis of what has already been done on the subject of “Wastewater Treatment” course. In addition, prof. H. Ratnaweera raised the issue of the teaching quality improvement – presentation of the lectures and the ability to awake students’ interest and curiosity by the subject of the lecture, which also entailed quite a hot discussion, exchange of best practices between the teachers. Finally, all the above-mentioned resulted in the design of 10-12 practical recommendations for lecturers that will attract the student attention to the studying material.
On the topic of cooperation with enterprises, it was decided that during the project implementation, every university should involve at least two companies in the practical training sessions for students and their further employment there.
Between discussions and contentious work the Chinese colleagues organized a kind of educational excursion to the Wastewater treatment plant in Qingdao and provided an interesting city tour.
In general, the meeting was fruitful, informative and interesting. Colleagues from Qingdao Technological University made good conditions for work and rest, and provided the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Chinese identity, to get acquainted with its culture and traditions.
Serhii Shmyhol, s.shmyhol@chdtu.edu.ua
