TAM Report / Kyrgyzstan - Hybrid learning

GENERAL INFORMATION

TAM title: Enhancing Higher Education in Kyrgyzstan: Implementing Hybrid Learning Models for Inclusive and Future-Ready Education

Type of Event: Seminar

Modality: Hybrid

Location: ADAM University, Bishkek

Country: Kyrgyzstan

Dates: 22 September 2025

Participants: A total of 113 participants took part in the seminar (22 in person and 91 online), representing university leadership, academic staff, ministry officials, accreditation bodies, and the HERE and NEO teams. Participation included a strong gender balance, with a majority of women among both on-site and online participants.

THEMES COVERED

• Hybrid and blended learning models in higher education
• Inclusive hybrid education and access for rural and disadvantaged students
• Pedagogical design, student-centred learning, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• Digitalisation strategies and institutional readiness
• Quality assurance and accreditation of hybrid learning
• European policy frameworks and EHEA standards

KEY OUTCOMES

During the workshop, participants:

• Examined European policy frameworks and quality assurance approaches relevant to hybrid and blended education.
• Reflected on pedagogical models, including UDL and student-centred learning, applicable to hybrid teaching.
• Contributed to the initial development of a national roadmap for hybrid education in Kyrgyzstan.

OVERVIEW

The one-day hybrid seminar focused on supporting Kyrgyz higher education institutions in developing inclusive and high-quality hybrid learning models. The programme combined expert-led plenary sessions, national case studies, and interactive discussions. Key topics included definitions and models of hybrid learning, European and international trends, pedagogical approaches ensuring inclusivity, and policy frameworks supporting digital and hybrid education.

The seminar placed strong emphasis on quality assurance and institutional strategy. Participants examined the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the EHEA, discussed accreditation requirements for hybrid programmes, and explored practical tools such as self-assessment frameworks. Group discussions and workshops enabled participants to reflect on challenges related to digital infrastructure, faculty readiness, and student engagement, contributing to the initial outlining of a national roadmap for hybrid education in Kyrgyzstan.

THE FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY

Title of the activity: Roadmap on Hybrid Education in Kyrgyzstan

Dates: October 2025

Audience: A working group of 10 experts from 6 higher education institutions, formed during the TAM, including representatives of universities, policy bodies, and the National Erasmus+ Office.

Description: The follow-up activity focused on the development of a national Roadmap for Inclusive Hybrid Higher Education in Kyrgyzstan (2025–2030). Building directly on the TAM discussions, the working group translated seminar outcomes into a structured strategic document outlining phases, priorities, and measurable targets for hybrid education. The roadmap aims to align institutional initiatives with national policy objectives and European standards and is intended for submission to the Ministry of Education and Science following wider stakeholder consultation.

ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS

• Develop and adopt a national policy framework and roadmap for hybrid education aligned with EHEA standards.
• Update accreditation and quality assurance mechanisms to formally recognise hybrid and blended programmes.
• Invest in digital infrastructure and connectivity, particularly for regional and rural higher education institutions.
• Strengthen faculty capacity-building in digital pedagogy, inclusive course design, and assessment.
• Promote inclusive access policies to support students from rural, low-income, and disadvantaged backgrounds.

RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL

• National Erasmus+ Office in Kyrgyzstan (2025). Roadmap for Inclusive Hybrid Higher Education in Kyrgyzstan (2025–2030). Available at: https://erasmusplus.kg/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Roadmap-for-Inclusive-Hybrid-Higher-Education-in-Kyrgyzstan-1.pdf
• World Bank (2024). World Bank to help the Kyrgyz Republic boost the quality and relevance of higher education: Press release, 31 January 2024. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/01/31/kyrgyz-republic-higher-education-quality-and-innovation-project#:~:text=,introducing%20a%20student%20tracking%20system
• National Education Association (2021). Overview: Hybrid Learning Models. Available at: https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/overview-hybrid-learning-models#:~:text=What%20is%20blended%20learning%3F
• Advance HE (n.d.). Aligning teaching for constructing learning. Available at: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/aligning-teaching-constructing-learning#:~:text=%27Constructive%20alignment%27%20starts%20with%20the,to%20escape%20without%20learning%20appropriately