Listening, hearing, interacting: a new quality of academic communication
The fourth training session of the “Soft Skills in Higher Education: EU Expertise” qualification enhancement program was dedicated to the topic of effective communication in the educational process. It was conducted by Olha Shmyndrukh, a PhD in Law, senior lecturer, lawyer, and mediator who combines academic expertise with practical experience in conflict resolution.
Participants of the training discussed complex situations of interaction between teachers and students, and learned how to provide feedback that motivates development rather than resistance or disappointment. The focus was on the language of trust, emotional literacy, and the ability for open dialogue. The training reminded us that effective communication is not just about skills, but about the culture we shape every day in the educational environment.
Teacher and AI: Partnership for Creative Learning
The fifth training session of the program addressed one of the most relevant topics of today – the role of artificial intelligence in higher education. The speaker was Oleksandr Novoselenskyi, a candidate of economic sciences, associate professor, and director of the Institute of Information Technology and Business at the National University of Ostroh Academy.
During the training, the opportunities opened up by using AI tools to support teachers in their daily work were discussed, from creating educational materials to forming an adaptive, interactive course. A special emphasis was placed on maintaining a balance between technology and live interaction. Artificial intelligence was not viewed as a threat, but as a resource capable of enhancing the teacher’s creativity and making the learning process more flexible and modern.
Grants as a Development Tool: The European Approach
The sixth training of the program focused on the strategic development of universities through fundraising and grant management. It was conducted by Eduard Balashov, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor, Rector of the National University of Ostroh Academy.
The training discussed how Ukrainian higher education institutions can effectively integrate into the European educational space, attract resources from international programs, and turn them into real changes. The focus was not only on the technical aspects of writing grant applications but also on shaping strategic thinking, building long-term partnerships, and using grants as a tool for institutional transformation. The European approach to supporting education was presented through the values of trust, collaboration, and investment in sustainable change.
