WorldView on the Teacher’s Desk: From Flashmob to Webinar

For several days, a flashmob with the hashtag #WorldViewOnTheTeachersDesk spread across social media, in which active WorldView teachers shared lessons implemented using various methods from the manual “WorldView on the Teacher’s Desk.”

In response to this campaign, the creative team behind the manual organized a webinar, where 77 educators from across the country had the opportunity to share their impressions, lesson types, and applied techniques. The session was led by the manual’s co-authors, Haykanush Ghevondyan, Naira Yerkanyan, and Mariam Khachatryan, who are also trainers with the Foundation.

“This manual was a dream for all of us. The resources I need are always at hand. I no longer fear where an observer might come from. I teach geography, but I can easily apply the manual’s methods. WorldView is more than a tool; it’s an experience,” said Nune Aghekyan, a geography teacher at Yerevan’s No. 181 basic school.

Webinar participants shared what they found to be the most interesting and useful sections, as well as students’ reactions. “I’ve managed to conduct many lessons using the manual’s methods, and I joined the flashmob by publishing and continuing to publish the lessons I’ve conducted. Recently, I had a class observed by the director of the Armavir Pedagogical-Psychological Support Center, who came to assess my student with special needs. The class was very engaging; I successfully involved my students using hooks, and they began to contribute and express themselves. The specialist noted that they had seen such progressive methods only abroad and was impressed,” recounted Arpenik Margaryan, a history teacher at Nor Armavir Secondary School in Armavir.

Gayane Karakhanyan, a history and social studies teacher at Jrvezh Secondary School in Kotayk, added: “The guide is very comprehensive. I was familiar with some of the methods, but here they are presented so well that a teacher can’t get lost. Overall, it’s a pleasure just to flip through it—from the print quality to the colors. I’m getting to know it gradually, experimenting as I go; it’s a lot to take in.”

Olik Tosunyan, a history teacher at V. Mkrtchyan Secondary School in Ararat, noted, “The manual is a significant gift to all teachers, regardless of the subject because it can be adapted and applied across all subjects.” They described the methods they’ve used, saying, “With the OPCVL (Origin, Purpose, Content, Value, and Limitation), IARI (Innovation, application, Remember,Influence) methods from the manual, students are fully engaged, while the teacher assumes the role of a facilitator. This is precisely the student-centered approach the Ministry of Education and Science requires.”

“This is indeed the revolution in our lives. Three years ago, we were given new standards without explanation or the provision of resources, and we were expected to implement them. However, it’s only now, thanks to the manual’s methods and the WorldView platform, that they have become applicable. All my classes have now transformed into open classes,” added Javahir Badalyan, a history teacher at Movses village’s Secondary School in Tavush.

Amalya Zolyan, a history teacher at Gavar High School in Gegharkunik, who recently presented the WorldView platform at Gavar State University, emphasized other important aspects: “I was especially interested in the Essay section of the manual, which is currently vital for us. As the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Associate Professor Mr. Asoyan pointed out at the university meeting, the simpleness of the manual’s language is crucial for teachers.”

“I must add that despite my many years of experience and numerous trainings, this manual has truly become the book on my desk,” confessed Astghik Galstyan, a history teacher at Yerevan’s No. 115 High School.
We would like to remind you that the manual is available for purchase at the Zangak bookstore network or through the following link: https://zangakbookstore.am/ashkharhatsuytsn-usutschi-sekhanin.