Higher school of psychology

7.3. Practical implementation of the study programe

The study process under the programme is organized as follows:

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  lectures – of theoretical nature with the elements of active teaching methods;
  
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  seminars – classes with discussions held on topical issues of psychology of professional activity (theory and research activity);
  
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  practicum;
  

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  discussions in master students groups (Case studies);
  
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  psychological games;
  
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  presentation and defense of the research work carried out independently;
  
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  participation in students conferences with presentation of theses of research work carried out independently;
  
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  practical work and seminars on supervision of practical work;
  
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  consultations with the teaching staff in the process of elaboration of master papers.
  

The teaching forms and methods are chosen in accordance with the goals and objectives of the study courses. All the study courses contain planned independent work of a student.

One of the forms to facilitate the professional growth is practical work with supervision. (Regulation on Practical work see in Appendix 3)

In the course of the first practical work (practice) the master students with the help of the supervisor design programs of seminars –trainings and hold them (such as “Staff selection”, “Team building”), including those for the Baltic Russian Institute 1^st and 2^nd year students studying in the programme “|Business management and administration ”. (Evaluation of the master students’ professional activities see in Appendix). The above practice is designed for practical application of the theory and practical skills acquired in the study course “Staff management (psychological aspects )” .

Practical work in organizations takes place outside the Higher School of Psychology. In the course of the practice the students take part in the realization of the program designed for the staff adaptation and professional development, develop the skills to collect data needed to elaborate a project and compile a program (in line with the requirements of the organization). The problems experienced by an organization could be rooted, for example, in the unfavorable working conditions, excessive risk factors involved in the work, excessive stress and tension and exceptionally high sense of responsibility of the “human operator” in the process of work. The practice is designed for practical application of the theory and skills acquired in the study courses “Psychology of professional activity” and “Psychology of professional development”.

Within the frameworks of the studies every master student conducts research work, the findings of which are presented in scientific research publications and in Master paper.

Master students took part in various conferences:

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  International student scientific and practical conference “Europe: \career , time, opportunities”, Daugavpils, October 21 – 22, 2004;
  
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  International scientific and practical conference “Entrepreneurship in Baltic States – first year in EU”, Rīga, May 25 – 26, 2005;
  
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  International scientific and practical conference “Policy of regional development in the Baltic States on joining the EU”, Daugavpils, November 3 – 4, 2005;
  

The master students take floor at the conferences with presentations, the theses of theose presentations and scientific articles are published in the conference proceedings (Most significant publications see in Appendix 6 ).

The master students participate in the projects. The first-year master students J.Vaļjanska and J.Nurmsone took part in the CiCe project “Children’s Identity & Citizenship in Europe”, which is carries out within the frameworks of ERASMUS since 01.2004 till present. (scientific adviser– asoc. prof. L. Kaļiņņikova). Master students S.Gaļicka and J.Vorobjova took part in the elaboration of the proposal for cooperation in the NATO programs “Security through science” in the project “Human and Social Dynamics”.

The master students take part in the research activity conducted at the HSP laboratory of psychology and psycho-physiology in line with the main areas of research carried out at the laboratory.

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  Under the guidance of asoc. professor D.Širjajevs master students V.Medvedjeva and I.Šeršņova conduct research on finding a means for correction of the functional structure of the activity under intensive intellectual and emotional load;
  
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  Second-year master students V.Rozanovs under the guidance of prof.I.Plotka and asoc. professor D.Širjajev conduct scientific research on the regularities between the programming function of the brain and the age-related dynamics of psycho-physiological functions..
  

Research into the social significance of the problem of “Burnout” in professional activity conducts I. Lavreņuk and N.Muračeva, scientific adviser asoc. prof V. Jansons.

Master students actively participate in seminars and psychological programs facilitating professional development and personal growth. In the seminar “Personal growth of a professional psychologist”, held by prof. S.Kuzņecova (Germany), in seminar “Psychology of elite”, held by prof. N.Prjažņikovs (Russia), training program of Latvian Association of Family Therapists ”Family psycho-therapy and inter-institutional cooperation”, “Use of meta-programs in staff selection and evaluation” (“Latvian Association of Staff Management”).

7.4. System of evaluation of the students’ achievements

Evaluation of the master students’ progress and achievements is carried out based on the following documents:

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  Regulations of the masters students matriculation;
  
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  Requirements to pass the tests and examinations (see study courses descriptions);
  
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  Requirements for writing reports and Master paper;
  
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  Requirements for the work carried out independently (see study courses descriptions);
  
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  Requirements for the practical work to be carried out, including the pre-diploma practice (see the guidelines for the pre-diploma practice);
  
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  Requirements for the professional master degree to be conferred.
  

The students’ progress and achievements are evaluated on ten-point system (LR MES instruction Nr.208; of April 14, 1998), the extent of the courses is determined both in the credit points as is appropriate in Latvia, and in ECTS accepted in the EU (European Credit Transfer System).

The master students knowledge, skills and abilities are evaluated with the following grades: 10 (“with distinction ”), 9 (“excellent”), 8 (“very good”), 7 (“good”), 6 (“almost good”), 5 (“satisfactory”), 4 (“almost satisfactory”), the grades from “3” to “1” are considered unsatisfactory.

Progress assessment: control works, home works, papers, presentations at seminars, case study analysis.

Semester assessment: graded tests and examinations during the period of exams.

Master students are admitted to pass a test or a exam based on completion of all works to be carried out independenty under the study course.

Final assessment: presentation of master paper.

The grade is decided based on the quality the master student’s demonstrates in mastering the material covered in the appropriate study course.

In accordance with the curriculum and the study programme the HSP studies department draws up examination forms for all the examinations and other forms of assessment, which are official documents and serve a confirmation of examination successfully passed.

Student’s record book is an internal document where completed student study work is recorded.

To the master students, who have completed the programme of the master studies in full, passed the final examination and successfully presented the master paper master degree is conferred. The master degree is conferred based on the decision of the evaluating commission whose decision is approved by the HSP Senate. Master students get a professional master degree diploma signed by the HSP Rector. (Principal)