Advancing Human Rights Education at Yerevan State University

From September 26-27, 2024, the Armenian branch of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI) and Yerevan State University (YSU) held a Human Rights Pedagogy Workshop aimed at enhancing university-level teaching practices in human rights education. The two-day event provided a valuable platform for educators to explore innovative teaching strategies that make human rights education more engaging, inclusive, and relevant to today’s challenges.

Led by Alejandro Fuentes, Senior Researcher at RWI, and Anna Margaryan, Professor of Criminal Law at YSU, the workshop brought together educators to share ideas and tools for transforming the classroom experience. The primary focus was on practical methods that would better engage students and ensure human rights issues are taught with depth and impact.

Innovative Teaching Techniques to Boost Engagement

One of the central themes of the workshop was improving classroom engagement through innovative teaching techniques. In an age where technology transforms education, participants explored how digital tools can be integrated into human rights education to create more interactive and immersive learning experiences.

By adopting these approaches, educators can move beyond traditional teaching formats, ensuring students are better prepared to engage with real-world human rights challenges.

Fostering Inclusion in Human Rights Education

Another critical area of focus was promoting inclusion within the classroom. The workshop emphasized the importance of making human rights education accessible to a diverse range of students. Discussions centered on how educators can create a more inclusive environment, ensuring all students feel empowered to contribute and share their perspectives.

This emphasis on inclusivity is crucial in human rights education, as it encourages the exchange of diverse viewpoints and helps students understand the importance of equality and justice in all aspects of life.

Interactive Learning 

In addition to theoretical discussions, the workshop featured a series of interactive seminars, roundtable discussions, and group activities designed to foster collaboration among educators. These sessions allowed participants to share best practices, discuss common challenges, and refine their teaching approaches.

By focusing on collaboration and the exchange of ideas, the workshop empowered educators to create more dynamic and engaging learning environments in their universities. The event underscored the importance of continuous improvement in teaching methods and the role that educators play in shaping future human rights defenders.

A Global Commitment to Human Rights Education

This workshop is part of RWI’s broader mission to strengthen human rights education globally. By equipping educators with modern tools and inclusive strategies, RWI and YSU aim to inspire future generations of students to engage deeply with human rights issues and to become advocates for justice and equality.

Read more about RWI’s work in Armenia here.

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