«Aleksei Fomkin — Reformer of the Choreographic Education System of the Russian Federation in Accordance with the Objectives of Joining the Bologna Process (2003-2013)»
Aleksei Fomkin played a defining role in reforming the choreographic education system of the Russian Federation from 2003 to 2013, during the period when the country was striving to join the Bologna Process. The Bologna Process aims to create a unified European Higher Education Area, which required the adaptation of national education systems to European standards, including in the field of choreography.
The main directions of the reforms in which Aleksei Fomkin actively participated include:
1. **Modernization of Curricula in Choreographic Art**: Updating and harmonizing curricula with European standards to ensure the comparability and recognition of Russian diplomas in Europe. The choreographic education system introduced tiered bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. This allowed universities to significantly expand their freedom in shaping their own educational programs, greatly enhancing the competitiveness of educational institutions. Additionally, universities introduced programs related to contemporary dance, which had long been banned in Russia.
2. **Development of the Second and Third Generation of Federal State Educational Standards**: The new higher education standards in the field of choreographic art, developed by Aleksei Fomkin, provided for greater freedom for educational institutions in forming the content of their educational programs. In the system of secondary vocational choreographic education, the once unified specialty «Choreographic Art» was divided into two specialties: «Ballet Art» and «Dance Art» (by types of dance). This ensured the consideration of the specifics of training ballet artists and introduced new training profiles within the specialty of Dance Art, particularly the profile of training contemporary dance artists.
3. **Introduction of a Modular System**: Transitioning to a modular system of education, which allows students to flexibly shape their educational trajectories and accumulate credits, facilitating academic mobility. Aleksei Fomkin developed model educational programs for all profiles in the field of choreography.
4. **Assessment System and ECTS Credits**: Introducing the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) to ensure transparency and comparability of students’ academic achievements.
5. **Enhancement of Teacher Qualifications**: Training teachers in new methodologies and approaches, as well as upgrading their qualifications in accordance with European standards.
6. **Internationalization of Education**: Expanding international cooperation, participating in exchange programs, and engaging in joint scientific and educational projects.
7. **Accreditation and Quality Control**: Developing new standards for the accreditation of educational programs and institutions, as well as creating systems for internal and external quality control of education.
As a result of the reforms initiated by Aleksei Fomkin, Russian choreographic education became more competitive and open to international cooperation. Students gained more opportunities to participate in international projects and exchange programs, and Russian diplomas became more widely recognized abroad.
Aleksei Fomkin’s long-standing work as the Executive Secretary of the Coordinating Council for Education in the Field of Culture and Arts, as well as his membership in the Working Group for the Implementation of Bologna Principles in Russia, underscores his significant contribution to the adaptation and modernization of educational standards in accordance with European norms. The gratitude expressed by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation attests to the recognition of his work and influence on the development of the country’s education system.