A panel discussion was held on the topic: “Knowledge, perception and competence in the English language among the academic staff at public universities in Kosovo”
Today at the Prizren University “Ukshin Hoti”, a round table of experts met to discuss the reforms on higher education, with a focus on the topic “Knowledge, perception and competence in the English language among the academic staff at public universities in Kosovo”.
The meeting was opened by the Prof. Assoc. Dr. Mentor Alishani, Rector of the Prizren University “Ukshin Hoti”, who expressed his appreciation to all attendees and emphasized the importance of English Language knowledge among the university’s academic staff. This knowledge will help to improve the key international aspects in the field of education, science and culture. For an effective and successful internationalization in education and sicence, it is important for the acedemic staff to have a firm understanding of the English language, maintain a positive perception towarwds it, and show high competence in its usage. This factors will create open environments for the exchange of ideas and advance knowledge on an international level.
Ms. Mimika Dobroshi, coordinator of the Erasmus+ Office, highlighted that the knowledge, perception, and competence of the English language among academic staff are of major importance in internationalizing universities. English language skills enable academic personnel to participate in various collaborative projects, publish scientific research in international journals, and benefit from exchanging ideas and knowledge on a global level. A positive perception of the English language among academic staff encourages active language usage and creates an environment where English is used effortlessly. To enhance the knowledge, perception, and competence of English language among university academic staff, various strategies and policies can be implemented. This can be achieved through continuous English language training, specialized courses on academic communication in English, support for publishing scientific works in English, and the use of information technology to promote English language usage.
Prof. Assoc. Dr. Sejdi Sejdiu, expert on Higher Education Reforms and a professor of English language and literature at the Univeristy “Ukshin Hoti”, together with student Afertdita Ninaj, presented their research on the topic “Knowledge, perception and competence in the English language among the academic staff at public universities in Kosovo”. According to their research, over 70% of the academic staff at public universities in Kosovo have self-evaluated their Engglish language skills as average or above average. Additionally, they are aware of the importance of the English language skills for internationalization, mobility, academic exchanges, teaching quality, and publication of their scientific works. The researchers proposed that the English language knowledge to be a key criterion for academic staff, encouraging high edcuation institutions to offer study programs in English, developing joint programs with local, regional and European institutions, develop programs with european standards and benefit from programs such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Heras+.