Guide to Private & State Education 2019

GUIDE TO

PRIVATE & STATE EDUCATION 2019

TIBOR NAVRACSICS, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport ● MLADEN ŠARČEVIĆ, Serbian Minister of Education, Science & Technological Development ● IVANKA POPOVIĆ PH.D., Rector of the University of Belgrade ● SANDRA DAKULOVIĆ, HR Manager at Messer Tehnogas AD ● RADIVOJE MITROVIĆ PH.D., Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Belgrade ● DRAGAN ALEKSENDRIĆ PH.D., D.Engr, University of Belgrade Faculty of Mechanical Engineering ● MILOVAN STANIŠIĆ PH.D., President of Singidunum University ● PROF MIODRAG JEVTIĆ, DSc(Med), Rector of Megatrend University ● DR VESELIN VUKOTIĆ PH.D., Rector of the University of Donja Gorica ● CHRISTOS ALEXOPOULOS PH.D., Director of the College of Applied Health Sciences, Ćuprija ● BRATISLAV FILIPOVIĆ, Founder of Academy Filipović ● KRISTINE GREENLAW, Upper School Principal of the International School of Belgrade ● STEFAN WIEDENHOFER, Director of the German School Belgrade ● CHRISTOPH CZETTL, Chairman of the Board of the German School Belgrade ● GORDANA KNEŽEVIĆ ORLIĆ, Managing Director of Klett Publishing House Ltd. ● JELENA JAKOVLJEVIĆ, Managing Director of Ernst Klett Präsenzlernen Osteuropa Gmbh – Belgrade Branch ● TATJANA RACKOV SINADINOVIĆ, Manager and Owner of Happy Kids Preschool ● MARIJA ŽIVKOVIĆ, Editor of Bigz Školstvo

INTERVIEW TIBOR NAVRACSICS EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION, CULTURE, YOUTH AND SPORT

We Support Serbian Reforms

I If Serbia wants to secure its transition to a knowledge-based economy and catch up with Europe, improving the productivity and well-being of its citizens, the country must invest, among other things, in education. Ensuring a systematic approach to teachers' education, as well as developing and maintaining the current positive trend of enrolment in early childhood education and care, represent steps in that direction

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f Serbia sometimes doubts interest in the accession process of the countries of the Western Balkans within the European Union, Serbia needs to turn to the number of benefits it gets from the EU's education programmes, in which it participates. Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, expects that – following the adoption of the EU-Western Balkans Strategy and the Sofia Summit of 2018 – learning and mobility opportunities for Serbia and the rest of the region within the Erasmus+ programme will rise exponentially in the coming years.

It was in this optimistic tone that we commenced this interview with Mr Navracsics, with yet another good news item.

signed on 5th February, will create more room for direct contacts between people, helping to build mutual understanding between Serbia and the EU. It also means that Serbian organisations can now reach out to partners beyond Europe in ways that were not previously possible.

In our increasingly knowledge-based economies, education seems to be one of the key pillars of growth, enhanced productivity and the wellbeing of citizens. In which areas of education should Serbia invest the most?

- Three aspects of reform seem to be particularly important for Serbia: ensuring a systematic approach to teacher education and development, maintaining the current positive trend of enrolThe EU will support Serbia has just become ment in early childhood Serbia with an a full member of the education and care, and additional 28 million Erasmus+ programme. consolidating the wide euros to be used for How we should take adrange of existing quality assurance mechanisms. vantage of this? the improvement of Serbia adopted a - This is indeed wonderful teacher education, forward-looking educanews – and a step-change the development in the way people and ortion strategy in 2015 that of a modernised will run until 2020.

The EU ganisations from Serbia qualifications system decided last year to supcan benefit from the and the education of opportunities offered port these reforms: this minorities

by Erasmus+. Now that means an additional 28 Serbia is a Programme million euros will be availCountry, its young people, academic personnel able to be invested in Serbia's education system, and educational institutions can get involved in in order to improve teacher education, develop a a much wider range of activities. Besides higher modernised qualifications system and support education and activities related to non-formal the education of minorities, including Roma. and informal education, such as volunteering and capacity building for youth organisations, the To what extent has Serbia already been taking other parts of Erasmus+ are now also fully open advantage of the opportunities offered by the to participants from Serbia: sport, vocational Erasmus+ programme? education and training, as well as school and adult - Serbia has been participating in Erasmus+ since education projects. This is how the agreement, 2014, as what we call a Partner Country. This has

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SUPPORT

Following the adoption of the EU-Western Balkans Strategy and the Sofia Summit of 2018, learning and mobility opportunities for Serbia are expected to rise exponentially

enabled Serbian organisations to gain broad experience in participating in the programme, together with their partners in the Western Balkans. To date, almost 7,000 Serbian students and academic personnel have studied and worked abroad, while around 4,300 Europeans have come to Serbia.

Following the adoption of the EU-Western Balkans Strategy and the Sofia Summit of 2018, learning and mobility opportunities for Serbia and the rest of the region within the programme are expected to rise exponentially in the coming years.

Do the financial means that a country has available and its investment in education have an impact on how successfully it can participate in Erasmus+?

- The vast majority of Erasmus+ funds are distributed through national agencies in Programme Countries. This ensures that countries have access to funding regardless of their overall financial means or the national priority given to education.

Furthermore, Erasmus+ can benefit all participating countries and individuals, regardless of the level of sophistication of their education systems. Indeed, participation in learning exchanges abroad, in strategic cooperation projects, and in policy cooperation, can help education institutions and authorities to learn from their peers and build their own capacities.

What kind of knowledge and skills do we need if we want to face the economic challenges that come with successful digitalisation?

- Digital transformation has an impact not only on labour markets and society, but also on education itself. All students, regardless of their age, need to be equipped with the right skills to use digital technologies in creative, critical and responsible ways. In the future, 90 per cent of jobs will require digital skills, from basic to advanced, and these skills will need to be updated continuously.

GOAL

We want to make the future Erasmus programme (20212027) even bigger, better and more inclusive

EXCHANGE

Within Erasmus+, almost 7,000 Serbian students and academic personnel have studied and worked abroad since 2014, while around 4,300 Europeans have come to Serbia

Schools and higher education institutions have a crucial role to play. However – given the pace and nature of digital change – I also see this as being about lifelong learning. Last year I presented an action plan on digital education to support EU countries in boosting digital skills and helping schools and universities make the most of new technologies in teaching and learning. We are supporting this with, for instance, SELFIE. This is

from one another. We work together very closely and I'm proud of what we've achieved over the past few years – particularly in terms of laying the foundations of the European Education Area that we want to build by 2025. This involves the mutual recognition of degrees, as well as budding initiatives such as European Universities. A lot of cooperation at the EU level is guided by our Strategic Cooperation Framework in Education

a free online tool that we've developed to support schools in making good use of technology and working on how they teach digital skills. Serbia was one of the 14 pilot countries that tested SELFIE, and I am pleased to see that there is continued interest in using this tool in Serbia.

and Training (ET2020), which provides room for member states to share their experiences and work jointly towards agreed objectives. We are currently looking into how to continue this cooperation in the future.

Given that each EU country is responsible for its own education system, how complex is it for the EU to create policies that will enable Europe to continue competing with the world's most advanced regions?

- The role of the European Union is to support reforms in member states. We contribute to the development of high-quality education by encouraging member states to work together and learn

Having said that, the results of the PISA test for EU countries are lagging behind somewhat.

Which policies are available to achieve the target of less than 15% low-achievers by 2020? Do member states care as much as they should?

- This is indeed a serious issue – basic skills are the foundation of all other learning and are critical for people not only securing work, but in them becoming engaged, confident citizens. EU member states have committed to improve on EDUCATION

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Taking part in Erasmus+ gives people of all ages a chance to experience what being European actually feels like, to make new friends from different countries and cultures, and to discover that there is more that unites us than divides us. The programme and its predecessors have so far allowed millions of – mainly young – people to have their first independent experiences abroad; to learn about other peoples and cultures; to boost their language skills; and to see for themselves that peers in other countries share many of the same hopes and aspirations.

This is why we want to make the future Erasmus programme (2021-2027) even bigger, better and more inclusive.

the worrying results. Last May they adopted a Council Recommendation on Key Competences for Lifelong Learning, aimed in particular at improving basic skills. Member states want to reach the target and are exerting great efforts to reach this goal. Our flagship publication on education, the Education and Training Monitor, reports on their progress every year. And there are many different ways in which they are tackling the issue: including creating the conditions for the early detection of underachievement, raising the quality of teaching and integrating the teaching of basic skills into other subjects.

Teachers seem to be the most important factor for the success of pupils. However, we have seen a strong erosion of funds allocated to education, which has led to a declining number of teachers and reductions in their earnings. Ten years after the financial crisis of 2008, how much damage have these cuts done to the sector?

- Education expenditure in Europe is recovering, following several years of budget cuts. Most EU member states recently increased their basic salaries for teachers. However, serious challenges – such as teacher shortages and a decline in the profession’s prestige – persist.Too often, teaching loses out to other professions in the competition for the best candidates, as teachers often earn significantly less than the average tertiary-educated workers. And too many teachers abandon the profession after only a few years, as they find 4

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Let's not forget that sport is an equally important part of the Erasmus+ programme.

How can we live healthier lives and who has to take responsibility for bringing sport closer to the school environment every child? too challenging.

- Research shows that beSerbia was one of Our education sysing active makes children the 14 pilot countries healthier and helps them tems must react urgently that tested SELFIE, achieve better results in in order to reverse these a free online tool the classroom. Team trends, and to make bewe've developed to sports also enable them coming a teacher and support schools in to learn important skills remaining in that career making good use and understand values attractive. At the Eurolike team spirit. Access pean level, we have been of technology, and to sporting facilities and working together with I'm pleased to see information about healthy member states to identify that there is ongoing lifestyles is often lacking, and share good practise interest in using this so schools are a great enon issues pertaining to tool in Serbia the training and support vironment to encourage of our future teachers, children to take up physiincluding selection and recruitment, competence cal activities and learn about healthy living. But development, practical school experience and many other players also have an important role teacher educators. to play, from sports clubs and coaches, to youth organisations and governments.

Erasmus+ is not just one of the most successWe support EU member states and civil society in reaching out to children in different ful EU projects in terms of promoting learning, ways. For instance, the European School Sport but is also credited as a programme which, by Day takes place during the annual European Week helping young people forge friendships with of Sport. Last year saw almost 2.5 million children others coming from different countries, builds around Europe take part. Moreover, since 2014, a real European identity. How important is this the Erasmus+ programme has supported fifteen at a time when the the Union is facing major projects targeting schools and helping them, challenges? for instance, to develop innovative curricula for - Indeed, the Union and its member states face a physical education. I can only encourage everyone variety of challenges that pose a serious threat, to take on the challenge and work together to including xenophobia, divisive nationalism and bring sport into the life of every child. the spreading of disinformation.

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BUSINESS MLADEN ŠARČEVIĆ SERBIAN MINISTER OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

We Are Aiming High

Our aim is to advance with the reform cycles we're conducting to raise the level of Serbian students and education to the level of high ranking countries.

With that we are sending a signal that Serbia is a good place for investment, because it has good human capital and educational potential

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erbia ranks 27th of 157 countries when it comes to the Human Capital Index, wich has been developed by the World Bank.

Human capital – the knowledge, skills and health that people accumulate throughout their lives – is a key factor in stimulating sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

From the ministry's perspective, how do you interpret this index and the key place for intervention within your department?

- The index looks at human capital in its early stage, or its prospects. The fact that we're ranked 27th in the world is the result of TIMSS testing (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study –

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Higher Education is also being finalised, in which TIMSS), which covers children up to the age of 11. we are striving to regulate the economy's interest That index is a good indicator and shows that in the most highly-sought professional profiles we start education reform from the earliest age, not through the direct education of candidates for just from the first stage of primary school, rather such positions. we're start from the previous stage. Specifically, When it comes to the digital transformation new preschool plans and curricula encompass a process, Serbia is a leader in broader scales, child from the age of three. We have created a because 18 months ago it introduced compulsory unique curriculum that enables children to express computer programming for children from the age their creativity, knowledge, interests and abilities of 11 and a programme for those gifted in IT and during their time in nursery school. It has been computer studies in high schools. This is a very declared the best such programme in Europe difficult and demanding programme that 1,300 and has a symbolic name: “Years of Ascending”. students already managed to enrol in during the The reform cycles that we're conducting course of the last school year throughout Serbia. encompass all ages of primary and secondary We constantly increase the quotas of those schools, while we pay particular attention to the colleges that provide an education in IT, while quality of teaching. Our goal is to have an outcome exports of software and the number of companies model, i.e. one that prepares children to apply the formed in this area increase by more than 20 per knowledge they've acquired. cent each year. Serbia is a serious leader when it This will raise Serbian school pupils and comes to this process. education to the level of highly ranked countries.

It is also a fact that the whole of education is With this we send a signal that Serbia is a good being digitalised through place to invest, because the introduction of digiit has good human capital Full membership in the and educational potential. tal classrooms (2,000 Erasmus+ programme classrooms have been When it come to the eduequipped, with additional has opened the 8,000 planned), through cation sector, how does doors of the EU's constant training for all Serbia respond to the largest educational levels of digital literacy, desired transition of the programme and a fund both for children and adult Serbian economy from a of 14.7 billion euros to workers, and through the work-intensive to a knowltransferring of the comedge-based economy and Serbia digital transformation? plete school administra- The Ministry of Education to digital form. The plan is for all school populations to be covered by tion, Science and Technological Development is an electronic diary in the next two years. focused on constantly improving the education system, while the transition of the economy is In this context Serbia, what should be introduced conducted in several ways. One of them is by to Serbia by the current reform of vocational introducing dual models and profiles to the system schools and high schools? of secondary school education.

- The reform of vocational schools, or studies, Some 32 profiles have so far been introduced. should bring a more rational network and a higher We cooperate with more than 600 companies and quality form of management, better control of more than 4,500 pupils have been included in this money and higher quality teachers, a more equiprocess in the first year.

We also include professional profiles that tably balanced distribution of the school network, are in short supply. The Law on Dual Education in better connectivity with the economy and external

BUSINESS SANDRA DAKULOVIĆ HR MANAGER AT MESSER TEHNOGAS AD evaluations of the results of work through cooperation with the university.

The reform of gymnasium high schools should increase the number of students who will advance from high school profiles to higher education studies, which will end with the leaving exams process. Reform will also, apart from IT directions, bring many optional programmes.

We Believe In Excellence

What kinds of changes are being introduced to the curriculum and funding method of the Academy of Vocational Studies?

- Important changes are brought in terms of leadership, as we now have emerging the roles of manager and academy president. In this way, the director of a vocational school is no longer the last link in the decisionmaking chain. With this, we are preventing that which has to date created many major problems, or rather we're preventing the mindless spending of state money and unjustified rises in student tuition fees.

Academies will concern themselves more with the needs of the market, because they will have to function in accordance with the new Law on the Financing of Higher Education.

We are pleased to be part of this project and support students in becoming confident and successful professionals and gaining the applicable knowledge from the experts of Messer Tehnogas

We've been struggling for a long time with an disorganised market of qualifications. When do you think we will be able to see the first results of the Qualifications Agency?

- The Qualifications Agency was formed within the legal deadline, with selection carried out for its body, director, management, supervisory board and council. Initial funds have been budgeted and the sectoral council is currently being formed. Space has also been allocated for the work of the Agency and it will start functioning within the next few months.

We often say that we need much more entrepreneurial education at all levels of schooling. In your opinion, does that also need to become a separate subject, like computer programming, or to be part of existing contents?

- Entrepreneurial education was introduced to the reformed fifth grade curriculum through the new subject “Techniques and Technology (with Entrepreneurship)”, with which we changed the existing programme of technical and informatics education. Through this subject, children learn – amongst other things – about management and entrepreneurship through project tasks. They learn how to progress from an idea to the placement of a product on the market.

This has done because the curriculum for any form of education was already overbooked. This subject will also be introduced to the sixth grade as of next year.

Serbia has become a full member of the Erasmus+ programme.

- Full membership in the Erasmus+ programme has opened the doors of the EU's largest educational programme and a fund of 14.7 billion euros to Serbia. We were previously partners, but now we have much greater opportunities, because we can be a full partner in projects in which we were previously unable to participate, our institutions can submit a project application and be project initiators and leaders...

Membership has also increased the possibilities for our people to be trained professionally abroad.

Moreover, now anyone who is in some way engaged in education and work with young people can compete for funding, regardless of whether they are an individual, an educational institution, a non-governmental organisation or an enterprise.

By gaining the status of a full member of the Erasmus+ programme we've also taken one of the envisaged steps towards EU membership, within the scope of Negotiation Chapter 26 (Education and Culture).

"I

n order to improve the education of future engineers, new learning programmes based on the real need of industry will be created" - says Sandra Dakulović.

Could you tell us something about the project “Work Integrated Learning in University Education”?

- Messer Tehnogas is recognised as a reliable partner in the project “Work Integrated Learning in University Education”. In this joint project, which is supported by German development agency “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit” (GIZ), Messer Tehnogas and GIZ will be partners with the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy.

The basic approach is to narrow the gap between the academic curriculum and practical work and knowhow.

Where will the programme be conducted?

- The programme will be conducted at Messer's plants in Belgrade, Smederevo and Kraljevo, where students will work at the company.

Students from the aforementioned faculties will complete their Master's thesis at Messer's plants, depending on their subjects, and will have a chance to learn from the company's experts and gain applicable practical knowledge in areas connected with the industry.

As a company, we invest in the training and development of our employees and were pleased to join this valuable project, because we believe that people are the most important resource.

This is also our chance to support young students in Serbia in becoming confident and successful professionals, and increasing their chances of finding adequate jobs and remaining in Serbia.

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INTERVIEW IVANKA POPOVIĆ PH.D. RECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE

New Reform Awaits Us

T Despite the modest conditions under which it operates, the University of Belgrade's inclusion on the list of the world's top 500 universities is an incredible success. Now that Serbia has become a programme country within the Erasmus programme, new opportunities to improve the quality of higher education are arising

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he universal acceptance of our diplomas and successful careers of our graduates worldwide prove that our educational programmes are good. With a little flexibility, i.e. Adaptation to the needs of the labour market, they could be even better.

more flexible, or more adapted to the needs of the labour market.

Greater transparency in the work of the University of Belgrade, a review of the Bologna Process and increasing numbers of foreign students are among your plans. Have you The higher education system is changing already launched their implementation? rapidly around the world? Are we succeeding - Yes. Greater transparency in the work of in keeping pace with that change? What kind the University ensures better visibility of the of educational programmes do we need? activities conducted at the University, with - Higher education is indeed changing rapwhich trust is established in the University as an institution of naidly and adapting to the needs of contemporary tional importance. UniThe introduction of society and today's laversities in Serbia are advisory councils entering a new cycle of bour market. At a time of employers at accreditation, so analywhen clear boundaries universities and between disciplines are sis of the results to date disappearing, great efof study programmes colleges can improve harmonised with the forts are being exerted communication and Bologna principles is into develop multidisciplicooperation between nary, trans-disciplinary valuable. Evaluating and higher education and interdisciplinary reviewing those results institutions and study programmes. will highlight possible employers They are being estabimprovements that can be implemented in the lished more slowly in our upcoming accreditation cycle. In cooperation country, because our traditionally established with the Ministry of Education, Science and working environment doesn't recognise such Technological Development, we are working vocations, especially in codified work posito improve conditions for the arrival and resitions, which creates serious problems when it comes to workers with such qualifications dence of foreign students in Serbia. We need securing employment. to exert significant efforts in order to open Our educational programmes are othup our education system to foreign citizens. erwise good, as proven by the universal acIs it possible to reach agreement among the ceptance of our diplomas and the successful members of the University of Belgrade recareers of our graduates worldwide. They would be even better if they were slightly garding the long-term development strategy?

INTERVIEW

- It is certainly possible. And this is especially so in relation to strategies for nurturing high-quality personnel and securing adequate infrastructure in terms of space and equipment.

You've stated that it will not be possible to implement the new reform of the University without serious financial support. Do you expect it to be forthcoming?

- The University community in Serbia implemented the Bologna principles without finanUniversities in Serbia cial support, which had are entering a new a significant impact on cycle of accreditation. the modest effects of Analysis of the reforms. The level of national budget fundresults to date of ing allocated for educastudy programmes tion in the period ahead harmonised with the will show the extent to Bologna principles which we, as a country, will indicate possible really intend to realise improvements improvements.

The University of Belgrade has fallen below a ranking of 300th on the Shanghai list. Is that a cause of concern?

- Considering the modest conditions under which the University of Belgrade operates, the very presence of the University on the list of the world's top 500 universities is an incredible success. I think this fact is insufficiently understood and appreciated.

A position on the top half of that list depends primarily on the presence of top scientists in the institution, such as Nobel Laureates or highly-cited scientists. We don't have enough

such personnel and can expect to drop further on that list in the coming period.

Will the state develop a plan for staffing needs, to ensure that we don't educate young people for surplus occupations or experts for the developed and rich countries of Europe and the world?

- The government has, in recent years, increased the number of budgeted places for professions that are in demand or in short supply, which indicates that it is monitoring the trends of human resources.

A total of 14.7 billion euros has been earmarked for the Erasmus programme for the period from 2014 to 2020. How much has this programme contributed to increasing the quality of higher education in Serbia?

- The Erasmus programme has provided significant support to higher education in Serbia, and has done so in several ways.

Through various Erasmus programmes, structural changes have been implemented related to the improvement of higher education activities, numerous new study programmes have been introduced and a significant number of mobility factors have been provided for students, lecturers and non-teaching staff at higher education institutions. Now that Serbia has become a programme country within the Erasmus programme, I expect new opportunities to improve the quality of higher education in our country to be created.

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BUSINESS RADIVOJE MITROVIĆ PH.D. DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING IN BELGRADE

Industry 4.0

We wouldn't be mistaken in the slightest if we said that we were much earlier in getting to grips with and introducing to teaching and research remote controls, intelligent systems, robotics, automation, and a host of other disciplines, even nano-engineering

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t was five years ago that the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Mechanical Engineering officially organised the first international consulting of this kind in the country and stepped into the world of industry 4.0. Today it's called the new technological revolution, the fourth of its kind, which changes from the root the devising and creating of new products and services, thanks in multiple ways to digitisation and automation based on artificial intelligence (see the article Creators of Futures).

In the decades ahead, information-communication technologies will move into all known machines and plants, and change the industrial scene completely, and with it 10

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having to solve every practical problem, shouthe living landscape of modern man. At the very heart of this major breakthrough, anuld also be creative, innovative, enterprising and have a mind open to acquire new knowlnounced in Germany in 2011 and accepted in the world's most developed countries, is the edge. As a consequence, we've modernised engineer, primarily the mechanical engineer, the content of the curriculum, visualised who designs and constructs all machines theoretical teaching, modernised and enriched and all plants. This is precisely the reason laboratory exercises, improved and expanded for the increasing interest in mechanical professional practises, improved textbooks engineering studies both in our country and and introduced modern studies (I will mention around the world. only the first computer classroom connected For a higher school graduate with a Bachwith the whole world).

The diploma of the Belgrade Faculty of elor's degree from the Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineering has been recognised ing Faculty in Belgrade – the leading higher and accepted worldwide, while the quality of education institution for technical professions studies has been confirmed by international in Southeast Europe – the doors are open to accreditations of the the leading world and German National Agendomestic companies, We've always been institutes and colleges. cy for the Accreditation dedicated to the We note with pride that and Quality Control of educating of top there isn't a single one Mechanical Engineermechanical engineers, who hasn't gained eming Colleges, as well as and in recent years new re-accreditation ployment, which is unfrom the British Royal doubtedly the dream of that has had a special Society of Shipbuilding all final year high school emphasis on four key Engineers. A novelty is pupils, and also their tasks: high-quality the addition that sees parents, regardless of teaching, scientific future shipbuilding enwhich studied they've research, international opted for. Thus, a gradugineers, besides intercooperation and ate mechanical engineer nationally recognised cooperation with the is today considered evediplomas, also receive economy an internationally recrywhere as having the most desirable vocation ognised license for in the first half of the 21st century. design. Many of our former students are successful and respected researchers at We at the Faculty of Mechanical Engileading world universities, or directors and neering have adapted massively to rapid managers in companies across Serbia, Europe technological changes, primarily the emerging and the world. industry 4.0. We've always been dedicated to With such experts, Serbia can and must the educating of top mechanical engineers, launch its new process of industrialisation, in and in recent years that has had a special emindustry 4.0, upon which it is based. Without phasis on four key tasks: high-quality teaching, that, the country has no future. After all, as scientific research, international cooperation our motto insists: Excellence now and in and cooperation with the economy. everything!

A future mechanical engineer, apart from

BUSINESS DRAGAN ALEKSENDRIĆ PH.D., D.ENGR UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Creators Of Futures A

as a whole. It is predicted that, in the next 10 t the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in to 20 years, there will be no economic sector Belgrade students learn how to improve in which artificial intelligence doesn't play a the functional characteristics of some significant role. The market of products and system over a longer period of time; how to platforms based on artificial intelligence will be incorporate mechanisms to learn, conclude and worth in excess of 70 billion dollars by 2020, and adapt to new working conditions. Artificial intelartificial intelligence will change the structures ligence techniques ensure the most important and profiles of many jobs in the economy. features of future intelligent systems: learning, Artificial intelligence changes the world “creativity”, “thinking”, reasoning, understanding, as we've known it until now. We are entering an autonomous behaviour, adaptability, the ability era of a new type of intelligence, an intelligence to self organise etc. that can be created. Mechanical engineers have Artificial Intelligence techniques certainly already started doing that, are we all aware of represent the basis for the development of this? Intelligent systems are becoming a “tool” future innovative services and products. There's of engineering for creating the future. Does this no doubt that artificial intelligence is bringing mean that we will replace the “actual” reality a revolution in the world, a revolution like the with a new “virtual” reality, or artificial reality? one created by the discovery of electricity, in The answer is no! We must be aware of the all areas of society. fact that the human brain, and therefore every The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in human being, has its own “reality”, or „sense of Belgrade has long since recognised that innovareality”, that differs from others. This is because tive approaches, based on artificial intelligence techniques, have applications in all aspects of business, and in society as a whole. Companies that massively utilise new solutions based on artificial intelligence have higher revenues, completely new business processes, improved operational quality and customer satisfaction, realising their goals our brain creates (simufaster and with reduced Artificial intelligence risk (intelligent business). lates) its own “reality” in According to some which we believe, because doesn't essentially projections, robotics, we're not aware of any differ from that which machine learning and different “reality”. Yes, is known to us as the control of producthe human brain, whether human intelligence we like it or not, also deals tion processes will en– it's just that we with simulation, and does able the incomparably process data using so by simulating our own faster advancement of different tools “reality” and the future! countries and the world

Who does it already? The University of Belgrade's Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is organised to train future engineers who will be able to respond to the new challenges of Serbia's development

This actually means that we don't know what reality is and how much that reality differs from our “reality”. Our brains are both student and teacher, judge and lawyer, prosecutor and jury, and of course the engineer everything! If that's all so, can we transfer the creation of reality and the future into a new environment – the environment of artificial intelligence? Yes, we can. Artificial intelligence doesn't essentially differ from that which is known to us as human intelligence – it's just that we process data using different tools. Generally speaking, it is considered that intelligence implies an ability to collect, store and search data, and the possibility of processing data with the aim of making decisions in new or unknown circumstances.

So, the output of intelligence, human and/or artificial, is knowledge!

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BUSINESS MILOVAN STANIŠIĆ PH.D. PRESIDENT OF SINGIDUNUM UNIVERSITY

Foreigners Also Choose Singidunum Youngsters With Our Diplomas Stay In Serbia Singidunum University, which commemorates two decades of existence this year, is the first higher education institution in this part of the world to have a significant cooperation agreement with the prestigious Franklin University of Ohio

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ur students have an opportunity, while studying in their own country, to acquire an American diploma and simultaneously a diploma of Singidunum University, both of which are recognised worldwide. Teaching of undergraduate academic studies lasts four years, while MBA studies take about a year and a half.

The motto of your university is “Knowledge 12

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is valuable, join the best”. Are young peoing number of young people who choose Singidunum University, recognising all the ple really cognisant of the importance of opportunities brought by studying with us. knowledge?

The beauty of our calling as professors is - The world now finds itself in the fourth that we can motivate young people to work industrial revolution, and the economies of on improving their knowledge and skills while the most developed countries of the world are simultaneously watching them mature and based precisely on knowledge and innovations. grow into academic citizens and successful We at Singidunum University recognised the businesspeople. This is probably the most importance of acquiring practical knowledge important part of our work, and the greatest that students should learn to apply during responsibility that we have when it comes to the course of the studies. The generations the future of new generations. of young people today emerging in Serbia have many ideas about how to launch their own What can you tell us Professional work businesses and entreabout American studies experience practise in of Franklin University preneurial projects, and a company operating at Singidunum? How it is our obligation to in a domain applicable are lectures organised, help them in that. We how long does the prothereby enable generato the student's tions of young people to gramme last etc.? education represents stay in Serbia and conInternationalisation an obligatory part of is the strategic orientribute to the country's studies accelerated economic tation of Singidunum development. That's University, where more why all professors of Singidunum University than five hundred foreign students from all are very committed to lecture halls being over the world currently study, in accredited places where students will not only acquire study programmes in Serbian and English, at theoretical knowledge, but also practical, all levels of study. Our students will have an personal and business skills, because that's opportunity, while studying undergraduate or precisely what makes them more competitive MBA courses in their own country, under the on the job market. programme of a prestigious American univerWe are very proud of the ever increassity, to simultaneously acquire an American

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diploma and a diploma of Singidunum University, both of which are recognised worldwide.

Franklin University was founded in 1902 and has a tradition dating back nearly 120 years. It today has its own campuses around the world and is accredited by the prominent International Accreditation Council for Business Education and the Higher Learning Commission of the USA. Teaching of undergraduate academic studies lasts four years, while MBA studies take about a year and a half and are harmonised with the best standards worldwide.

Who can enrol in Franklin University and under which conditions?

- Enrolment requirements are identical to those of any other study programme. Students can include anyone who's completed the previous level of education, in Serbia or anywhere else in the world. That's why I'm glad that, from the very beginning, there has been a significant number of future students enquiring on a daily basis about the possibilities of studying at Singidunum University within the scope of the Franklin University programme, which is called the Franklin Pathway.

and professional development, and a more successful position when it comes to securing employment.

After completing the programme, students receive a diploma from Franklin University.

Does it have the same gravitas as one issued Who are the lecturers? in the United States? How highly valued is - The lecturers are eminent professors that, both in our country and abroad? from Franklin University and Singidunum - You are right: students receive a Franklin UniUniversity who have versity degree, which is significant academic verified by the relevant Singidunum has a and scientific referinstitutions in the U.S. long tradition of and recognised worldences in relevant fields. cooperating with some These are professors wide. One of the main of the world's most who have plenty of exindicators used today around the world when it perience working with successful universities, comes to the quality of students and whose apand the partnership higher education is the proach corresponds to with Ohio's Franklin labour market mobility the conditions of conUniversity represents of graduates and their temporary education. an important step in employability. It is interStudents are able, via that direction interactive teaching esting that as many as with renowned profes80 per cent of students who completed the MBA programme secured sors, to solve specific practical problems and employment within a year of graduating, and thereby develop their creativity, skills and managed to find job with an average annual abilities. One significant opportunity is for salary of $81,000 to $127,000. This is among students to spend their final year of study at the reasons why there's already significant Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, which interest in these study programmes among will contribute markedly to their vocational

future students around the world, and Singidunum University is the first higher education institution in this part of the world to have a significant cooperation agreement with Franklin University.

To what extent are your study programmes adapted to the needs of the business environment?

- Singidunum University, which this year commemorates its 20th anniversary, cooperates successfully with more than 700 business enterprises, state institutions and organisations where our undergraduate and master's studies students carry out professional work experience practise. This means that, upon graduating, every student can already boast of having gained their first practical work experience during the course of their studies. A large number of our students gain employment already during their studies, which makes us particularly proud, while some of our former students now occupy key managerial positions in large domestic and foreign companies, as well as in state institutions and international organisations. With the active learning of two world languages, and the acquiring of competences in the IT field and business skills, they cope much more easily and successfully in dynamic business conditions.

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BUSINESS PROF MIODRAG JEVTIĆ, DSC(MED) RECTOR OF MEGATREND UNIVERSITY

Three Decades At The Very Top

Megatrend University has been the leading private university in Central and south-eastern Europe for three decades, offering students the best learning facilities and infrastructure and 21st century expertise

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he University follows the trend of accrediting the latest study programmes and cooperating with universities worldwide through various programmes and projects. This is our answer to the challenges of globalisation, says the new Rector of Megatrend University.

Congratulations on your appointment. What can you announce as the new Rector of Megatrend University?

- Hard work and extraordinary achievements in strengthening higher education have been the 14

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Is it true that young people today prefer key characteristics of Megatrend University having lucrative jobs to doing what they for decades. Neither subjective nor objective truly love? With this in mind, which of your factors have undermined our mission. Thou12 faculties is the most attractive? sands of students who have completed any - We have resolved firmly to build a society of the three levels of academic studies at our based on knowledge and digitalisation, as university and taken on responsible jobs in our global imperatives, which clearly demoncountry and across the globe know the truth.

I believe that we should respect achievestrates our wish to make expertise and applied knowledge widespread and accesments, events and people, learn from them and move on, rather than constantly start sible. We use a multidisciplinary approach, anew whatever the cost. I believe that success including the Megatrend Forum, to try and requires continuity and constant improvement understand our international position, secuand this is why I have rity, economic and social accepted the challengdevelopment, educaMegatrend University ing office of Rector of tion, the preservation uses all its potential, Megatrend University. of culture, language and national identity experience and because all this conThis year, Megatrend widespread University is celebratcerns our future. I think international that all our 12 faculties ing 30 years since its cooperation to are attractive enough. establishment. How recognise our We understand young much has it contributed country’s greatest generations and their to change in the Serbian challenges orientation towards education system? the rational needs and - Thirty years is not a requirements of modern society. If young short time for a human being, let alone for a people continue to leave the country and big system with significant social responsibilseek fortune abroad, we will see it as our ity. I do not want to glorify our many awards own failure. and accolades but they do motivate us and confirm that we are on the right track, folDoes the labour market recognise the value lowing global trends and giving our maximum of the professionals educated at Megatrend contribution to the academic community. Let University? our achievements, our work in education and - The fact that many of our students find jobs the attention and understanding we get from as early as the 3rd or 4th year of their bachelor our friends and our students’ parents speak for themselves. studies, and that our Alumni Club is comprised In addition, we are an equal participant in of a great number of successful people from the Serbian University Conference, where we all segments of life, speaks of the quality are recognised as an institution that is ready we provide. We are grateful to them for not to incorporate all of its resources in the higher forgetting where the foundations of their education system of our country. careers have been laid.

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BUSINESS DR VESELIN VUKOTIĆ PH.D. RECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DONJA GORICA

Our Students Are Prepared For Life

Montenegro's University of Donja Gorica (UDG) has around 3,000 students and 350 professors and teaching assistants from all continents, a modern-designed building with facilities for all-day use, consisting of five amphitheatre lecture halls, a library, 800 computers, a creative centre, gallery, gym etc

U

DG develops innovative study model that represent an original idea of this university, inspired by American principles. The university is orientated towards the student and their capabilities, aimed at developing students into responsible global citizens.

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The UDG mission is to create study condiand laboratories for food safety, a creative tions that adhere to the highest European centre, gallery, gym and much more... UDG has principles. What does that mean? around 3,000 students and 350 professors and - The UDG mission is reflected in the motto teaching assistants from all continents. Our “The history of the future”, meaning that we platform is one of openness and cooperation are producing the seeds of the future as the with the local and global environments... We have strictest professor students will ever face is rich international cooperation and the majority their Life. So, we don't teach about life (facts), of UDG students are given an opportunity to but rather we make students learn from life. work and study abroad, through exchanges, The classical university model is: capabilities internship programmes, or for seasonal work. = knowledge. However, according to our model Our current focus is on cooperation with China S=Z•i², in which “i” stands for the intensity of and we will soon introduce Chinese studies... the life (experiences) of students during their studies… One only knows things that have been You are known for multidisciplinary studies. experienced and sensed... So, our students How important are they for students? are prepared to react to the fast changes and - The era of deeper specialisation developed uncertainty that are being brought by high techa need for interdisciplinary knowledge. This nology and this almost spiritless world... In orapproach will enable students to transfer der for them to be ready from one occupation to for whatever comes! another, as they are exUDG studies start pected in today’s world (Njegoš) We invest a lot every year on 4th to change occupations in promoting students’ July with the Lovćen five to six times during self-confidence and their Marathon and my their careers. Our vision passion for studying. All is to develop a model principles are presented lecture at top of this within which first two in the UDG Almanac of Mountain, in front of years of the study prostudies.

Njegoš... Students gramme will be the same, must become after which students will What about conditions accustomed to make their “study choice”, and support for the enthinking that it is not vironment? metaphorically, like exeasy to reach the top iting a roundabout in a - We improve conditions vehicle. We have lots of for development continuously, having started from an empty field. Our joint courses and projects at the university level, campus is today dominated by the moderninvolving all students. The greatest advantage designed UDG building (covering a surface to that is the fact that all UDG faculties operate area of 17,000m²) with facilities for all-day use, within a single building. consisting of five amphitheatre lecture halls UDG studies are not “mass studies”. What are (each with a capacity of 300 places), a library the advantages of this approach? (c.350 places), around 800 computers used - We develop an individual dedication to students every day for teaching purposes, 3D printers

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within the scope of mentor work in small groups.

This kind of approach can encourage students to find their natural hidden talents, which is not the case with mass studies. The task of professors should be to “awaken students’ passion for studies”. Today’s young generations develop in a world of big data & modern technologies, which impacts on the structure of their brains. Study programmes must be based on their openness.

UDG charges tuition fees, which is not the case with the state university, where studies are free.

Still, the best youngsters choose to come to study at UDG, which ensures our responsibility is even greater...

You have 17 undergraduate study programmes, more than 20 postgraduate options and three Ph.D. programmes. Which are the most popular? development of students, with fun, sport, art - UDG has a large number of study programmes and travel. Does that increase the quality of that suit, or will suit, the needs of the market. a UDG degree?

UDG faculties are separate entities, though - All of that is part of the “i” in the model S=Z•i². we are still developing the UDG brand and The habit of reading books has been lost. working on an integrated university platform.

Now people read and write short messages Students primarily decide to enrol in UDG, only instead. The quality of studies should be dethen choosing the specific faculty. We are a rare fined more by a student’s system of values, private university in that we offer study programmes for technical sciences (polytechnics, character, and humanity; his “being” rather than electro, geodetics) and programmes in maths, his “knowing”. Art, poetry and literature are fundamental for developing food safety and graphic an understanding of the design, international Around 50 UDG world which we live in. We French franchise Vatel students have had try to fix the failures of (double-degree in tourinternships at Chinese ism), aside from classical earlier phases of educacompanies, while tion in different ways. I social and humanities around the same am running a course in studies. We also invest which I tasked students a lot in IT studies. The number of Chinese with writing an essay on UDG psychology studies students have spent the topic “Macroeconomprogramme is among the time studying at ics in Ivo Andrić’s books”. best in the region, as is its the UDG If you recognise the oriart studies programme. gins of the facts that you We will soon gain accreditation for two more programmes: Virtual know in real life, you can say that you understand communications and Virtual engineering. The them. To know and to understand are not one official language of the UDG is English, while and the same. students are obliged to have knowledge of two What is the level of employability of your foreign languages in order to gain a degree. students, both at home and abroad?

Your university is among the few that are - We aim to ensure that UDG students don't investing in the broader education and cultural need to look for a job after graduation, by

improving conditions for them to “find” work earlier, through employment in foreign or local companies who seek out our students, or by encouraging them to open and run their own firms or family businesses. Demand for UDG students is on the rise. The entrepreneurial spirit is developed within the course Entrepreneurship and innovation, which is part of every UDG faculty’s curriculum, but also through the international IDEALAND competition, which has been organised for a decade at the UDG, along with the School of Entrepreneurship and Talent Camp, intended for primary and secondary school pupils.

Universities should create the market! As such, we've built "Entrepreneurial nest" for the development of start-ups, and cooperation with Tel Aviv University and the “Israeli desert” tech-kibbutz. We are focused on strengthening cooperation with Chinese companies and will soon do the same with institutions from Thailand and Singapore. The UDG has numerous national and European projects; we are part of several Horizon 2020 consortia, with research results presented to students and employees on the annual Day of Research, held every 4 th April. Let me point out the symbolic meaning of the Day of the UDG, which is commemorated each year on 11.11. at 11am, to reflect our mantra that it is most important to be the first, and then the best.

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BUSINESS CHRISTOS ALEXOPOULOS PH.D. DIRECTOR OF THE COLLEGE OF APPLIED HEALTH SCIENCES, ĆUPRIJA

Our Diplomas Are Valued Around The World The College of Applied Health Sciences in Ćuprija is a state accredited institution that has been conducting studies in the most sought-after medical profiles for the past 20 years. With the aim of integrating as much as possible into European flows, it has launched the process of implementing European directives

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e are working continuously on the advancement of expert and research work, while investing in equipment was among our priorities in the previous period, and our plan now includes the process of building capacities and constructing new infrastructure, including a student dormitory, canteen and student clinic,” notes Dr Alexopoulos, director of Ćuprija's College of Applied Health Sciences.

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Interest in enrolling in your college is increasinternational cooperation, which is reflected in exchanges of students and professors, the ing year on year. How would you explain this? education of our students in higher education - The College of Applied Health Sciences Ćuprija institutions in Norway, and projects that have is located in a modern building covering 6,400m2 their results applied in the accreditation of and has an excellent geographical position, undergraduate, specialist and master's studmaking it accessible and popular among young people from all over the country. Our school ies programmes. We also develop scientificexerts great efforts to enable as many young professional, educational and research activities people as possible to study. With the signing as a member of the network of Higher Schools of a contract with the Ministry of Defence, of Europe, ENM. we've secured incenInvestments in equipment were among tives for the children of We've opened a the priorities of our colfallen soldiers and empharmaceutical block ployees in the Army of lege in the previous pewith a pharmaceutical, Serbia in terms of the riod. We can boast newlygalenical and chemical level of tuition fees, while equipped cabinets and laboratory, and I students from families multimedia classrooms, must also mention with four or more chila newly-formed server the construction of a room, and the providing dren are entitled to study of an optical link that enaat our college for free. simulation centre, the Likewise, students with bles students to master first and only one of special needs have the the IZIS programme. its kind in the region, right to free education We've opened a pharwith the latest teaching at our college and have maceutical block with a facilities and equipment been provided with spepharmaceutical, galenical which will be and chemical laboratory, cial parking spaces and ceremoniously opened and I must also mention school access, while we

by Serbian President the construction of a also plan to install a lift.

Aleksandar Vučić simulation centre, the first and only one of its How much do you invest kind in the region, with the latest teaching faciliin the educating of teaching staff and investments in equipment? ties and equipment which will be ceremoniously - The College of Applied Health Sciences Ćuprija opened by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. works continuously on the advancement of The plan for the period ahead includes expert and research work, encouraging and procapacity building and the construction of new infrastructure. A project has been created for viding conditions, while the results of research a student dormitory with a canteen, a student are implemented in the teaching process. We are clinic, a multifunctional hall and a research cenrecognisable for our extremely well developed

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tre. In the scope of the dormitory there will also be sports fields and a summer amphitheatre.

To what extent are the programmes of your college harmonised with EU standards?

- With the aim of integrating as much as possible into European flows, the College of Applied Health Sciences Ćuprija has launched the process of implementing European directives. With this in mind, a cooperation agreement was signed recently with the Faculty of Health Studies of the University of Rijeka [Croatia], which has study programmes that are harmonised with EU Directive 55/13. In order for us to implement the necessary preparations, we've established communication with an institution that has more experience than ours, and from which we can learn how and in which ways to implement directives in the shortest possible period. We will soon start been accredited, amongst which are Profesteaching new curricula by accreditation and we sional nurse, Professional physiotherapist, want that to be based on these directives.

Professional medical radiologist, Professional Moreover, within the scope of ensuring midwife and Professional pharmacist. Under continuous improvements in the quality of the process of being accredited are two-year work, we are in the process of implementing vocational master's studies that are evaluated quality management system ISO 9001: 2015, with 120 ESPB points, which will be awarded as and I would also add that steps have been a professional master nurse-organiser in the taken to enable the school to obtain an energy health care system, as well as a series of short passport in accordance study programmes lastwith European standing two semesters in the Our students have field of anaesthesia and ards. We consider that available the dummies reanimation, patronage, the “green school” is the “Juno” and “Kloe”, rehabilitation, dermatofuture, while the aim of which are designed to the project is to reduce logical cosmetology and acquaint our students the use of resources reinterventional radiology. with real life situations quired for heating, to replace lighting with more Tell us more about the through a range efficient LED panels and publishing activities of of scenarios in the to improve building inthe College of Applied healthcare sector Health Sciences Ćuprija. sulation.

- On the basis of the Rulebook on textbooks and publishing activities, at You received at the end of last year a certificate the College of Applied Health Sciences Ćuprija of accreditation from the National Body for students are provided with the necessary number the Accreditation and Assurance of Quality in of copies of textbooks necessary to master the Higher Education. How important is this news? material included in each subject. The publishing - Accreditation from the state institution activity of our school, apart from textbooks, also that is the leader of education in the field of includes two professional journals. “Zdravstveni healthcare and nursing is of great importance, radnik” [Health Worker], which was founded and as it educates personnel for very promising is published by the College of Applied Health occupations in the health domain. AccreditaSciences Ćuprija, and which is an professionaltion means quality and confirms that we're on informative journal that aims to contribute the right track. Five study programmes have

to the quality of work in all of our college's study groups, as well as informing students and professors about novelties in professional and scientific achievements within the scope of medical professions.

Since 2018, the school has also been a copublisher of professional medical journal PONS, in cooperation with the Pomoravlje Public Health Institute from Ćuprija. The new organisation of PONS is evaluated as a modern editorial and managerial approach.

Do your students learn foreign languages in conjunction with preparing for their exams?

Do they plan to stay in Serbia or move abroad, and what kind of employment opportunities does a diploma from your college provide in Serbia and abroad?

- In addition to regular teaching of the English language, the college also organises free courses in German, with the aim of enabling the obtaining of TELC certificates. Our school's diplomas are recognised worldwide, as evidenced by the numerous members of our alumni who have secured work in countries like Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Dubai. Our college's alumni Club is a voluntary association that all students who have completed basic and/or specialist studies at the College of Applied Health Sciences Ćuprija can join, free of charge, with the aim of connecting all generations of students in order to exchange knowhow and experience, and establishing mutual cooperation in the country and abroad.

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BUSINESS BRATISLAV FILIPOVIĆ FOUNDER OF ACADEMY FILIPOVIĆ

Knowledge Is More Important Than Diplomas

P Academy Filipović has advanced a long way from being a computer school to occupying the leading position in the field of nonformal education. Over the last 15 years, its courses have been traversed by over 30,000 teachers, while the Academy has prepared 13 new seminars for this academic year

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converted into ordinary entrance tickets for otential employers around the world securing some job. no longer ask for your average grades We at Academy 'Filipović' realised many during your schooling, but rather what years ago that learning is a process that must you know and how well you're able to do the never stop, which is why we today participate job that your degree prepared you for. All of actively in the educating of professionals this imposes a need for non-formal education, employed in education in all scientific fields. so-called life-long learning.

The large number of associates of various When we launched our mission with the education profiles that we have from various organising of English language courses and IT cities in Serbia ensures that our Academy is training, we didn't even dream that we would, a serious institution that's leading the way in in just 15 years, become a leader in non-formal non-formal education. education. At that time, in 2003, when the In cooperation with professional as'Filipović' Education Agency was founded, non-formal education sociation Open Educawas almost a taboo tion Initiative (OPI), and Learning is a process topic. We knew that together with members that must never stop, education is among the of associations that which is why we today most important pillars have accredited their on which every society seminars via other inparticipate actively relies, viewed globally stitutions or associain the educating and based on the whole tions, Academy Filipović of professionals world, and that without gained accreditation employed in education it there can be no social for 13 seminars for the in all scientific fields progress. However, back 2018/19, 2019/20 and then we had no clue how 2020/21 academic years, much our team and our institution would conwhich confirms our leadership position in non-formal education. tribute to improving the literacy of education In previous years, our seminars in various employees, in pre-school institutions, primary fields – such as informatics, inclusion, creaand secondary schools, and colleges in Serbia.

Unlike the developed world, where the tive teaching, work with children, support for importance of non-formal education is unfamily education – have been implemented in several hundred schools throughout Serbia, derstood, many in Serbia still underrate it, with many thousands of education workers not realising that it is, in part, more important having passed through them. We have, in this than formal education. The modern age has way, provided support to schools in long-term imposed on us a need for life-long learning, plans for their professional work and develsuch that university degrees have today been

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opment, all with the goal of shaping modern education as the only measure of success.

In accordance with the latest technical possibilities, and considering the needs of schools, Academy Filipović's highly specialised team created a project through which all schools in the Republic of Serbia are integrated into the website www.nasaskola.rs. The Our School Information System represents a complete solution that encompasses all activities, reports and data required for the proper management of schools, administration and the Ministry. It comprises the following: 1. E-library - a programme that was supported by the Association of School Librarians as the best and most applicable programme for running school libraries. It is used in 95 schools and also received the 2013 Discobolus international award.

• Approximately 80,000 entries (notes 2. Platform for creating school websites on various activities and forms of profes– used by 179 schools.

3. Electronic portfolio for teachers and tusional training) have been recorded through applications. tors – used by 7,938 teachers from 805 schools.

Academy Filipović received the 2015 4. Electronic portfolio for directors of Discobolos award in educational institutions the category of educa– used by 468 directors.

Academy Filipović 5. Electronic pedation for its E-portfolio deals, among of teachers. Transgogical notebook. other things, in the 6. Electronic journal lated into multiple production and for primary, secondary, languages, it is also distribution of portable music, ballet and special used by teachers from interactive boards/ schools – under developcountries around the rement since 2008. gion, while negotiations tablets. The offer's 7. Programme for PP are underway with the stand out models (pedagogy and psycholMinistry of Education are FBIWB2700 and of Montenegro regardogy) services FBIWB4700, which are In the education ing the implementation used in many schools system of Serbian, our of the E-Portfolio in its throughout Serbia and E-portfolio web applicaeducation system. the region Academy Filipović tion has been recognised organised seven profesas a major facilitator and a useful tool in working operations, which is sional conferences, because we intensively confirmed by statistical data: and continuously raise our own IT awareness • It is used in 805 primary, secondary, via regular participation in domestic and intermusic and art schools, and around a dozen national fairs and conferences. We endeavour preschool institutions, where input is tailored to exchange knowledge and experience, to to the needs of educators. nurture good interpersonal relations, to re• A total of 7,938 teachers currently have spect all attendees/participants in seminars their own user accounts and actively use the and events, to support and promote the use of application. interactive teaching resources, in particular

interactive tablets and interactive software.

In accordance with the goal of being recognisable throughout the entire region, we realise exceptional cooperation with educational institutions in Bosnia's Republika Srpska, Macedonia and Montenegro.

Academy Filipović recently also received a certificate of prudential excellence, with a prudential rating of AA+, thereby confirming to its business partners that it has two important business characteristics – reliability and credibility. This good prudential rating further strengthens the academy's reputation in domestic and foreign business circles, but also says a lot about the man who runs the firm, as well as his staff.

Improving the quality of education and the raising of children in Serbia today is one of the main priorities of the state and contemporary society, and is simultaneously the mission of Academy 'Filipović'. This strategy implies a future for Serbia based on the knowledge economy, faster social and economic integration, development based on new technologies and competitiveness, and improved opportunities for all. Sustainable development and improved living standards are unimaginable without additional, non-formal education and a society that constantly learns, to which we will contribute even more in the coming years.

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BUSINESS KRISTINE GREENLAW UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BELGRADE

Why Outdoor Education Matters At ISB

The International School of Belgrade this year commemorates 70 years of providing high-quality international education.

Thousands of children, representing diverse cultural and national backgrounds, and sharing a commitment to, and passion for, learning, have passed through the portals of knowledge at ISB

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y facing up successfully to the challenges posed by outdoor activities, youngsters gain the possibility to take major strides in all aspects of their own development, building confidence, overcoming fears and apprehensions etc.

The International School of Belgrade (ISB) currently offers ‘experiential’ or ‘active’ learning opportunities at the Upper School. What is this type of learning and how does it bring added value to your curriculum?

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- Active learning, by definition, requires that students share in the experience of learning.

Outdoor education refines this focus to include authentic learning outside of school, where the environment itself is also part of the inquiry. ISB’s Trip Week excursions take place in a variety of environments: both local and international, rural and urban, familiar and even remote locations.

During all trips, students and adults share in a wide range of learning experiences.These include skills-focused activities, problem solving tasks, team building and self-reliant learning, with the ‘residential’ or overnight experience being of special value to young students.

The Expedition Trips (grades 6-10) purposefully align with the concept of outdoor education, whereby participants follow an itinerary that includes adventurous activities on land and water, and some with an environmental focus.

How does outdoor education support holistic student growth?

- Most parents would automatically recognise that outdoor education provides a major contribution to both physical and environmental education, and can also enhance many other curriculum areas. However, many might not be aware of the fact that it also contributes to personal growth and social awareness, which ultimately helps young people develop the skills needed for life and the world of work. Outdoor education does this by providing valuable alternatives and, most impor-

tantly, non-competitive activities for achieving social-emotional development in the formative years, in which all students can participate.

What are some skills and learning dispositions that outdoor education nurtures in youngsters, in order to prepare them for their later studies and the world of work?

- As a single, value-added package of learning opportunities, experiential learning is unrivalled. To quote the English Outdoor Council, “Challenging outdoor experiences promote the development of communication, problem solving and decision making skills, which have currency across a range of occupations. They encourage a positive “opting in” and “can do” attitude. Young people’s horizons are broadened, new challenges come to be relished rather than shunned, and

Each grade has a scaffold-structured level of challenge, with the knowledge that such challenging outdoor experiences can impact powerfully on a young person’s intellectual, physical, social and moral development

perseverance and determination are reinforced.

Values and attitudes developed in a context of shared endeavour help to form a sound basis for responsible citizenship”.

It is my hope to see Outdoor Education grow at ISB, given that environmental education benefits students, schools and the wider world.

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BUSINESS STEFAN WIEDENHOFER AND CHRISTOPH CZETTL DIRECTOR OF THE GERMAN SCHOOL BELGRADE (SW) , CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE GERMAN SCHOOL BELGRADE (CC)

Our Diploma Opens The Doors Of All European Universities STEFAN WIEDENHOFER(LEFT) AND CHRISTOPH CZETTL

The German school was established in Belgrade in 1854 and the very first German-language kindergarten in the Balkans came into being in 1856!

The school has produced architects, engineers and even university professors

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he concept underlying the education system in the German school is applicationspecific and action-oriented. It is based upon the accrual of knowledge and promotes the development of individual capabilities, which are important in our world.

Why not educate our children in Germany?

What is the use of a German school in Belgrade?

- (SW) The concise answer in the form of a counterquestion und paraphrasing Goethe: Why seek far afield when good things could not be any closer by? You do not have to go to Germany to reap the benefits of German schooling and acquire recognised German qualifications, which facilitate third level studies both in Germany and worldwide.

(CC) Parents and children notice the great advantages inherent in the education provided by our school when, having spent time with us, they move on to a school in another country and are in a position to compare. In fact, the mother of one of our former pupils recently told us: “One often 24

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feels that many things can be improved upon but, believe me, you have many reasons to be proud”.

Our teaching is certified and regularly inspected by the German authorities. We follow the demanding school standards of the German Gymnasium. At the same time, we are of course also a Serbian school, as we are officially licensed by the Serbian Ministry of Education and Science.

But the German School Leaving Diploma, the Abitur, qualifies all students to attend universities in all European Union countries.

And what can you be proud of?

- (SW) Primarily there is both the long tradition and the valuable history of the German school in Serbia, in spite of its having repeatedly experienced politically troubled times.

(CC) We are greatly encouraged in our efforts by the many reports of success received from our graduates, who are now studying in Where do your pupils come from?

Berlin, Munich, Vienna or - (SW) It is not only Gerthe USA. As a result of man-speaking families Because of long years of experience from Germany, Austria governmental we are able to say that or Switzerland who have support, school fees the scholastic journey of relocated to Belgrade who each and every child is are interested in sending are 50% lower than individual and the result their children to a Germanthose of comparable of various processes. The speaking school. About international schools German school system is 70% of the students are in Belgrade. This demanding. The School from Serbian families, facility is described on Board generously invests an important part of the our home page in and promotes individual backbone of the school. teacher-to-pupil instrucHow is the school financed? tion, alongside structural investments and efforts - (CC) The German government supports us very to provide optimal technical equipment. generously. But it is of course expensive to run a (SW) And we teachers work daily to convey school that offers international education and so knowledge, which the children learn to apply on a certain part of the cost needs to be financed many levels, but also use to find themselves. by the school itself, meaning by the families, by school fees.

Can you briefly describe the range of your (SW) We have a scholarship system in place educational system? from the fifth class onwards for those families - (SW) The German School of Belgrade offers whose children are amongst the highest performeducation at all levels, from kindergarten to school leavers’ diplomas, with all subjects taught ers but who, due to their income, are unable to in German and all exams subject to German afford the school. So, once again, why seek farther standards.– As I have just explained, it is as if afield? Germany is found, in the form of the the students were attending school in Germany.

German school, right in the middle of Belgrade!

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BUSINESS GORDANA KNEŽEVIĆ ORLIĆ MANAGING DIRECTOR, KLETT PUBLISHING HOUSE LTD.

A Good Textbook Is Innovative

Klett is a leader among publishers of textbooks, both in our country and across the region, because it listens carefully to the needs of users, both school pupils and teachers, with a desire to provide them with ever better support in teaching every school year

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igital textbooks will play an increasingly important role in education, because they extend beyond the frameworks of time and space that limit print editions, so they can be used on computers, tablets or phones, anywhere and at any time.

You represent part of one of the world's biggest publishing groups, and this year you are commemorating 15 years of operartions 26

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in Serbia. In your opinion, what makes a good The digital textbooks also extends betextbook? yond frameworks of time and space that - A good textbook is, first and foremost, one limit print editions. Pupils can use them on that constantly strives towards innovation and a computer, tablet, or telephone, anywhere improvement, monitors new trends and preand at any time. Such availability is very important today, given that time is today's pares today's pupils for the future. At Publishing most important resource.

Company Klett we listen carefully to the needs When it comes to teachers and lecturers, of the users of our textbooks, both pupils and they consider that digital content enriches teachers, with a desire to provide them with every lesson. With their help, pupils better ever better support in teaching every school master new concepts, because they are preyear. We are all aware of the changes taking place in the classroom, which include a shift in sented in a way that is familiar to children. It is the focus of work from an also helpful to teachers “attitude to teaching” to that they can monitor Publishing Company pupils' activities and the the achievements of Klett in Serbia has learning process among their pupils or have an more than 1,000 learners. Our textbooks insight into how sucoutstanding authors and additional matericessfully they've masals have just such a contered the material, how in its team, including quickly the student recept, and the emphasis practitioners from is on the well-formulated solves tasks, what they primary and secondary activation of students found more difficult to schools, as well as through quality assignmaster etc. university professors ments, questions and additional information.

Are children who use digital textbooks more motivated? Do they have better attention spans? Do they What are the advantages of digital textbooks? achieve better results?

Do teachers and lecturers recognise their - Digital textbooks have perhaps brought significance? the most in the area of better motivating - Digital textbooks have numerous advantages. pupils. Children are incomparably more It is firstly important that they are completely motivated than with print editions, they find aligned with the needs of the new generations the contents of textbooks more interestwho are growing up in an era of constant technological advancement.These textbooks are full ing, so while acquiring new knowledge they of multimedia and interactive contents, and they are also entertained in some way. Teachers cover the needs of contemporary generations relate to us how lessons given with the use from the earliest stage of childhood. Apart from of digital textbooks are significantly more that, this kind of textbook enables an individual dynamic and creative, and how the children approach of each pupil – they master the matehave increased levels of concentration. It is thus inevitable that pupils achieve better rial at their own pace and according to their own test results. possibilities and interests.

BUSINESS JELENA JAKOVLJEVIĆ MANAGING DIRECTOR ERNST KLETT PRÄSENZLERNEN OSTEUROPA GMBH – BELGRADE BRANCH

Professional Improvement Is Our Niche

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What drives dual education, apart from the proper combination of theoretical and practical work?

- Our approach is based on active learning and problem solving. The programme is broken down into learning situations in which students construct their own knowledge by drawing What does teaching look like at the Klett conclusions from tangible working activities DUAL School? about what they are doing, thereby personally - Klett DUAL School is a school of vocational abstracting the reality. education for adults. Our target group is aged The approach consists of a work order that over 18 and has completed secondary school. the teacher submits to the student and six steps They can be unemployed, but can also be emthat te student takes themselves in order to ployees who need profesproperly complete the sional training. task. The student first If we want to ensure At our school, two collects information that someone is days are spent at a school about the work order, equipped to work, i.e. where knowledge is aci.e. the problem they've to perform a certain quired through theoretibeen given to resolve, cal lectures, but skills are job, this is the right and sets the goal, then acquired to a greater plans the activities they way, as proven through extent through practiwill implement and evaluGerman tradition, to cal exercises in didactic ates possible alternative acquire professional equipment. The remainsolutions to the problem. competencies ing three days of the After that, with the guid(knowledge, skills and ance of the teacher, they week are for conducting attitudes) decide which activities to practical work in partner carry out. In the fourth companies. Teaching programmes at two locations are harmonised durstep, the student independently undertakes ing the contracting of programme attendance. the work assignment using didactic equipment Agreements are reached with both students or, in short, by working! At the end, the student and companies. conducts controls of the task performed and Our teachers, or lecturers, are experts in then, together with the teacher, evaluates work their fields. However, given that quality is our processes and results. business model, teachers first undergo numerous training courses in the implementation of To what extent are curricula adapted to our dual vocational education programmes. They market and the needs of employers in Serbia? have also acquired professional competencies - Klett DUAL School, prior to approaching the for working in adult education, which is specific development of a programme, determines in many ways compared to work with those the needs of employers. The knowledge and aged under 18. skills lacking among employees in companies rior to approaching the development of a programme, Klett DUAL School first determines the needs of employers.

Lecturers are experts in their fields, with numerous training courses for the implementation of dual vocational education programmes.

Germany's dual education system is considered the best in the world, and in Serbia it is implemented by Ernst Klett Präsenzlernen Osteuropa GmbH, with the support of German partners and the German Ministry of Education and Science

are very precisely determined, as well as the qualifications that are essential for the Serbian economy.

The curriculum is adapted to the market and specific employers, because the content of practical work can't be defined without input information from companies. The company where practical work will be carried out is the only able to say which devices and machines are available, which reflects directly reflected on the outcomes of learning.

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BUSINESS TATJANA RACKOV SINADINOVIĆ MANAGER AND OWNER OF HAPPY KIDS PRESCHOOL

Our Children Grow Up Happy HAPPY KIDS is the largest private preschool in Serbia.

Some 1,000 children attend its ten kindergartens in Belgrade. Because of parents’ great interest, it plans to open facilities throughout Serbia, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia...

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o the families of our little ones, we offer all services necessary for healthy and regular growth. Children discover the secrets of the world with us, they acquire good life habits, learn true values and make the most of their individual potential, reveals Tatjana Rackov Sinadinović.

affordable prices. Now we are number one in the preschooling market by the quality of our work, but also the number of facilities and children enrolled. We are a role model to many others and we are extremely proud of that!

Today's parents can’t be with their children as much as they would like, due to When HAPPY KIDS was founded 13 years their busy schedule. What do they find ago, did you imagine that it would become most important when choosing a prethe largest private preschool in Serbia? school? How important is cooperation - I've never thought with the family? about this job as big - Most parents The parents of our business for profit. don't have many delittle ones and we, Even today, when mands when choosthe staff of HAPPY HAPPY KIDS has ing a nursery. It is KIDS, have the same about 130 staff and important for them 1,000 kids, this job is that their child is interest, my great love, persafe, happy and and that is the sonal satisfaction well-nourished. At welfare of the child! and a place where my HAPPY KIDS, chilThe well-being, children are growing dren discover many happiness and up. HAPPY KIDS is my secrets of the world satisfaction of each second home, a reflecthat surrounds them, child is our interest tion of my personality they acquire good and a nursery school life habits, learn true for a modern family. values and make the most of their individual potential. Good cooperation You have raised the bar when it comes between the preschool and the child’s to private preschool education and up- family is crucial for the proper growth bringing. Are others trying to follow you? and development of every child.

- Thanks to the high working standards, over time HAPPY KIDS has become The HAPPY KIDS network has ten presynonymous with excellent quality and school nurseries in Belgrade, attended

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by around 1,000 children. Do you plan to open new facilities?

- In the near future we plan to expand our operations beyond Belgrade, in smaller towns in Serbia and in countries of the former Yugoslav (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia ...)

Most preschool nurseries provide similar services, but your way of working and quality stand out. What is your goal?

- HAPPY KIDS is a full service for the families of their little ones. We offer our clients all the services necessary for a healthy and proper upbringing. Our goal is for the child to have the right living habits, work ethics and a good educational basis before attending school. The parents Now we are number of children enrolled one in the preschool in the HAPPY KIDS market in terms preschool institution of quality of work, have a privilege in raisbut also number of ing their child to enjoy facilities and enrolled plenty of joy, love and patience, instead of children. We are a role spending time with the model to many others child learning colours, and are extremely shapes, letters, numproud of that! bers etc.

Special attention is given to children with special needs, as well as to gifted children.

Is their progress in both cases obvious and measurable?

- Every child can be a genius in relation to their own potential.

Our task is to find in each child a hidden

talent or development aspect that can be maximally enhanced and brought out by additional work. The way the children participate in everyday activities is constantly monitored and recorded, and we thus make their progress obvious and measurable.

Since the first day, HAPPY KIDS has been covered by internet video surveillance, which allows parents to monitor their child through a camera while at preschool. Is this how you build trust with your clients?

- Of course, the HAPPY KIDS work model is fully transparent. The parents of our little ones and we staff at HAPPY KIDS have the same interest, and that is the welfare of the child! The well-being, happiness and satisfaction of each child is our interest just as it is that of the child and the parents.

Every parent who watches his child through video surveillance and has the need to send a comment, remark or compliment on the work of the preschool institution HAPPY KIDS participates equally in creating this work just as I do. Together with the families of our little ones, we are a big happy family in which mutual trust is implied, but in which that trust needs to be constantly earned and justified! Our families trust us with their greatest treasure and we are aware of that!

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BUSINESS MARIJA ŽIVKOVIĆ EDITOR OF BIGZ ŠKOLSTVO

We Successfully Create Educational Content printed textbooks? What are their advantages?

- Digitalisation has become part of everyday life, and that includes education. It is vital to use the opportunities it provides in teaching processes. A few years ago, our company was among the first to digitalise all primary school How much can a good textbook stimulate textbooks, even before the Law on Textbooks and motivate children, but also teachers and made that obligatory for publishers. It has lecturers? been shown in practise that the e-textbook - The synergy of good textbooks and quality represents great support to the teacher in teaching staff achieve the best results. It is conducting classes, and gives pupils the opportunity to learn and check their knowledge in therefore important for textbooks to help a fun and interesting way, using ICT. In order to encourage and motivate students to more easily further improve e-textbooks and provide maxilearn material. We achieve this with a specially mum support to pupils designed methodicaland teachers, as of this didactic apparatus, which Richly illustrated, with school year we decided is created individually numerous graphical to work, in cooperation for each textbook. We solutions and icons, with the MozaBook thereby encourage creaour textbooks enable tive activities and mental platform, to create all students to easily processes among pupils. textbooks made accordidentify connections ing to new curricula on Richly illustrated, with a between concepts this platform. This is curhost of graphical soluand practise their tions and icons, our textrently the latest solution functional literacy books allow students to on the market, offering easily see connections numerous animations, between concepts and to practise their func3D models, virtual tours, quizzes and tests, tional literacy. all the while monitoring and evaluating the On the other hand, a good textbook also work of individual pupils and the entire class. represents important support to teachers in Moreover, as has become traditional, we are preparing and implementing classes. It provides again this year organising the contest “Digital the teacher with a logical structure upon which treasure trove of knowledge”, with which we they can further build upon procedures they will reward the most innovative solutions for the use in teaching. Our textbooks are recognised preparation of digital teaching. We are grateful by teachers as being of the highest quality, as that this contest has been recognised and supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and evidence by their presence on the market – Technological Development and the Ministry of particularly prominent here are textbooks for Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications. Digital biology, “the world around us”, informatics and textbooks are certainly excellent additional computer science, history, fine arts etc. content, but numerous studies around the world show that classical textbooks remain a basic Digitalisation is increasingly applied in education. Can e-textbooks completely replace and irreplaceable teaching tool. tal abilities and needs. We improve the quality of textbooks and other teaching materials constantly, monitoring and applying trends in digitisation, striving to raise Serbia's education system to a higher level.

Publisher BIGZ školstvo has spent more than a decade dealing with the publishing of textbooks tailored to suit students, but also teachers, and in this process it monitors all innovations in the education sector both locally and around the world

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eachers recognise BIGZ's textbooks – particularly those covering biology, “the world around us”, informatics and computer science, history and fine arts – as being of the highest quality, which is supported by their market presence.

The education system is constantly advancing. In your opinion, which are the trends to be followed?

- Our goal is to produce textbooks with structural components that support active and meaningful learning, and which respect pupils' developmen30

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