LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN of the Faculty of Education of Comenius University Bratislava for 2021 – 2027

As part of the general objectives, it is important for the faculty to:

• Create appropriate conditions for quality education of future graduates, with an emphasis on the development of the student's personality and support for acquiring the necessary competencies in "learning for better learning";

• Create suitable conditions and contribute to the competitiveness of not only the faculty itself but, more importantly, its graduates in a competitive employment environment;

• Utilize available resources to support motivation and the implementation of both basic and applied research, as well as artistic activities, and intensify the transfer of scientific knowledge into the educational process at the faculty;

• Support the education of future teachers and other professionals in the field of education and training, strengthening the identity of the faculty as an institution primarily focused on the preparation of educators;

• Continuously ensure appropriate conditions for the professional growth of teaching and research staff and create an inspiring environment for the intellectual potential of the faculty and the efficiency of the work of all faculty staff;

• Prevent plagiarism and eliminate other negative phenomena affecting scientific integrity.

The strategic goals of the Faculty of Education, Comenius University in Bratislava, in a narrower sense, are differentiated based on the area of their implementation into:

• The area of education;

• The area of science, research, and artistic activities;

• The area of management and personnel provision;

• The area of internationalization and international relations;

• The area of infrastructure and digitalization;

• The area of communication and public relations;

• The area of support for students with specific needs.

The strategic aim of the development of the Faculty of Education at Comenius University in Bratislava as a highly scientific, research, educational, and professional workplace is to continue developing creative potential and achieve set goals, building on the results achieved in previous periods both in education and in the field of creative activities at the international level.

The faculty's development intentions, its mission, vision, and strategic goals are primarily based on the applicable legislation of the Slovak Republic, the Accreditation Standards of the Slovak Accreditation Agency for Higher Education (SAAVŠ), the National Qualifications Framework of the Slovak Republic, and also on the Long-Term Intent of Comenius University in Bratislava.

The strategic goals and development intentions of the faculty are derived from the structure of the faculty’s individual departments and the representation of experts in various fields of knowledge. They are in line with the quality criteria in the areas of pedagogy, scientific research, artistic activities, and also in the areas of management and faculty governance.

The primary purpose of the faculty is the development of knowledge (including scientific knowledge) and its transfer to the younger generation, motivating and supporting their desire for knowledge while respecting the demands of societal practice and the trends in societal development.

In the preparation of future educational and professional workers, the faculty’s intention is the gradual development of a "culture of education" and its transfer into the future professional practice of graduates, with a focus on increasing ethical qualities and applying moral values in societal practice.

In line with European and Slovak trends, the faculty aims to increase the quality of education, strengthen science and research, and implement the results of empirical activities into the educational activities of individual teachers and their transfer into quality creative activities. The role of the Faculty of Education is to prepare a new generation of qualified, flexible, progressive, innovative, and practically applicable pedagogical and professional workers in accordance with the demands of a modern knowledge-based society.

The effort of all faculty employees is to develop and improve existing study programs, science, and research in the field of social and human sciences, while also responding flexibly to the needs of practice and offering study programs and professionals who will use their pedagogical, professional, and personal potential for the benefit of education, training, and comprehensive care for not only intact individuals but also individuals with health disabilities and those from various marginalized groups of society.

Therefore, the intention is to prepare graduates in line with the demands of modern society and in such a way that they can successfully apply themselves in practice, not only nationally but also internationally.

With special attention, the faculty also approaches lifelong learning for teachers, their professional development in accordance with the latest scientific findings, changing societal needs, educational conditions, and with an emphasis on the recognized ethical and moral values of society.

Among the priority tasks of the faculty arising from its mission is collaboration with domestic and foreign higher education and research institutions, government bodies, and other legal and physical persons, as well as expanding, improving, and mutually strengthening this collaboration, including creating opportunities for the active participation of members of the academic community in solving the set tasks.

In accordance with labor market requirements, the faculty will continue to intensively respond to the needs of societal practice, creating and adapting study programs that align with new trends in education and newly emerging professions, taking into account the National Qualifications Framework of the Slovak Republic.

The faculty pays attention to the connection between theoretical preparation and practical competencies, and therefore, for a long time, it has focused on improving pedagogical and professional practices and internships. It actively participates in the creation of requirements for the external environment and the development of a concept for the education of trainee teachers.

The faculty’s intention is to support the academic mobility of students, teachers, and supporting administrative staff.

The long-term strategic aim of the faculty is to be recognized as a dynamically developing faculty with a high level of professional, educational, and creative activities that reflect social responsibility and human values.