Russian education
The United Nations was developed after the second, tragic World War in order to avoid further conflict among the countries of the world. While the major purposes of the UN are to provide a space and voice for the world to communicate and promote global security, most recently there have been goals to promote prosperity and human rights. Education across the globe is being used as a tool to achieve these two modern goals. The UN priorities for education are to have every child in school, improve quality of learning, and to promote global citizenship (“Global Education First Initiative”).
Russia has been a key player to the UN since its birth. The USSR first signed as a member in 1945; with the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation continued on as a member in 1991, and became a permanent member of the Security Council. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation has been going undergoing an educational transformation (“Education and Schools in Russia”, 2013). Despite the transformative part of Russian history, the country still shows consistency and some progress in respect to the UN priorities for education.
The Russian education system is run by The Ministry of Education and Science, the only federal body that is allowed to implement states policies and legal regulations (National Information Centre on Academic Recognition and Mobility, 2013). Their education system for Russia begins the school year in September and ends in June. According to The World Bank, 90% of children were enrolled in a preprimary, or preschool, institution as of 2009. Preprimary education is not mandated by the Ministry, but it is apparent that most Russian families do send their little ones to a preschool of some sort.
Children enter primary school around 6 years old, and remain with the same teacher and classmates for the next four years (“Education in Russia”). Here the children learn basic general subjects, but there is emphasis on social interaction and focuses on the “spiritual culture and folklore of the people of Russia” (Standards for Primary Education, 2013). There is a 100% female to male ratio at the primary level (The World Bank, 2014). This addresses the first priority of education, as well as a Millennium Goal for the UN in general to promote gender equality and empower women.
From ages 10-15, Russian children go through a basic general school. Here they learn a well-rounded amount of material, ranging from the maths and sciences to literature and art. Patriotism for Russia is developed at this stage of education so that students can develop a “Russian civic identity” (Standards for General Education, 2013). Health and safety are promoted as well as the values of labor, science and creativity. Secondary schooling lasts from age 15-17. The basic general subjects are continued from years before as well as Russian patriotism. In addition, students study economics and basic civics (Secondary Education Standards, 2013).
While Russia certainly touches base with all three of priorities set by the UN, there is still areas that can be worked on. Alina Lobzina discusses problems that students encounter in the secondary level of schooling. She explains that there are discrepancies between Russian and students and their counter parts at this stage of their education. They cannot apply real-world context as well and are less able to reflect on the meaning of what they read. In addition, lack of funds to state (public) schools make for less materials and an efficient amount of educators.
As mentioned before, Russia is most definitely ahead of the game in their efforts to address the priorities of education set by the UN. State schools allow for every child to attend, and while there still needs to be slight adjustments made, students have the opportunity to a quality education. Finally, the children of Russia are learning to become proud citizens of their own country, but also proud participants in the global force of humanity.
Russia has been a key player to the UN since its birth. The USSR first signed as a member in 1945; with the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation continued on as a member in 1991, and became a permanent member of the Security Council. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation has been going undergoing an educational transformation (“Education and Schools in Russia”, 2013). Despite the transformative part of Russian history, the country still shows consistency and some progress in respect to the UN priorities for education.
The Russian education system is run by The Ministry of Education and Science, the only federal body that is allowed to implement states policies and legal regulations (National Information Centre on Academic Recognition and Mobility, 2013). Their education system for Russia begins the school year in September and ends in June. According to The World Bank, 90% of children were enrolled in a preprimary, or preschool, institution as of 2009. Preprimary education is not mandated by the Ministry, but it is apparent that most Russian families do send their little ones to a preschool of some sort.
Children enter primary school around 6 years old, and remain with the same teacher and classmates for the next four years (“Education in Russia”). Here the children learn basic general subjects, but there is emphasis on social interaction and focuses on the “spiritual culture and folklore of the people of Russia” (Standards for Primary Education, 2013). There is a 100% female to male ratio at the primary level (The World Bank, 2014). This addresses the first priority of education, as well as a Millennium Goal for the UN in general to promote gender equality and empower women.
From ages 10-15, Russian children go through a basic general school. Here they learn a well-rounded amount of material, ranging from the maths and sciences to literature and art. Patriotism for Russia is developed at this stage of education so that students can develop a “Russian civic identity” (Standards for General Education, 2013). Health and safety are promoted as well as the values of labor, science and creativity. Secondary schooling lasts from age 15-17. The basic general subjects are continued from years before as well as Russian patriotism. In addition, students study economics and basic civics (Secondary Education Standards, 2013).
While Russia certainly touches base with all three of priorities set by the UN, there is still areas that can be worked on. Alina Lobzina discusses problems that students encounter in the secondary level of schooling. She explains that there are discrepancies between Russian and students and their counter parts at this stage of their education. They cannot apply real-world context as well and are less able to reflect on the meaning of what they read. In addition, lack of funds to state (public) schools make for less materials and an efficient amount of educators.
As mentioned before, Russia is most definitely ahead of the game in their efforts to address the priorities of education set by the UN. State schools allow for every child to attend, and while there still needs to be slight adjustments made, students have the opportunity to a quality education. Finally, the children of Russia are learning to become proud citizens of their own country, but also proud participants in the global force of humanity.
Sources:
20 Facts about the Education System of Russia. (2013, October 1). Academic Exchange. Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://academicexchange.wordpress.com/2013/08/01/20-facts-about-the-education-system-of-russia/
Education. (n.d.). Data. Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://data.worldbank.org/topic/education
Education and Schools in Russia. (n.d.).Expat Arrivals. Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://www.expatarrivals.com/russia/education-and-schools-in-russia
Lobzina, A. (2013, September 18). Will New Standards Improve Russian Education?. Russia Beyond The Headlines. Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://rbth.co.uk/society/2013/09/18/will_new_stan
Priorities. (n.d.). UN Global Education First Initiative – United Nations Secretary General's Global Initiative on Education –. Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://www.globaleducationfirst.org/priorities.
20 Facts about the Education System of Russia. (2013, October 1). Academic Exchange. Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://academicexchange.wordpress.com/2013/08/01/20-facts-about-the-education-system-of-russia/
Education. (n.d.). Data. Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://data.worldbank.org/topic/education
Education and Schools in Russia. (n.d.).Expat Arrivals. Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://www.expatarrivals.com/russia/education-and-schools-in-russia
Lobzina, A. (2013, September 18). Will New Standards Improve Russian Education?. Russia Beyond The Headlines. Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://rbth.co.uk/society/2013/09/18/will_new_stan
Priorities. (n.d.). UN Global Education First Initiative – United Nations Secretary General's Global Initiative on Education –. Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://www.globaleducationfirst.org/priorities.
educational Maps and graphs
Russian Government
Source:"Explaining Russia's political system." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 16 Jan. 2001. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/rbth/politics/8926401/Russias-political-system.html>.
"Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation." Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://www.gov.ru/main/page7_en.html>.
"How the Duma Electoral System Works." Russia Votes. Centre for the Study of Public Policy- University of Strathclyde, 6 Mar. 2014. Web. 25 Mar. 2014. <http://www.russiavotes.org/duma/duma_e
"Russia Judicial branch." Government. CIA World Factbook, 6 Dec. 2013. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://www.indexmundi.com/russia/judicial
"Russian Federation." Russia. One World Nations Online, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/ru
"The Parliament." Russia - The Parliament. U.S. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://countrystudies.us/russia/70.htm>.
"Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation." Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://www.gov.ru/main/page7_en.html>.
"How the Duma Electoral System Works." Russia Votes. Centre for the Study of Public Policy- University of Strathclyde, 6 Mar. 2014. Web. 25 Mar. 2014. <http://www.russiavotes.org/duma/duma_e
"Russia Judicial branch." Government. CIA World Factbook, 6 Dec. 2013. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://www.indexmundi.com/russia/judicial
"Russian Federation." Russia. One World Nations Online, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/ru
"The Parliament." Russia - The Parliament. U.S. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://countrystudies.us/russia/70.htm>.
Oil production v Consumption
Oil Production: 10.44 million bbl/ day
Oil Consumption: 3,115 thousand barrels/ day
Russia is one of the top leaders of oil production in the world. While they are also higher in consumption, it is nowhere near how much they produce.Knowing Russia is still under reform from their previous socialist past, I can conclude that they use their oil industry as a means to play a role in the major world powers. It is hard to make conclusions about how oil affects the individual lives of people- the government is most likely prosperous because of it, and therefore they also have the ability to help their country as best they can. With so much oil production, it is safe to assume that Russia is abundant in other resources that are used on a global scale. With that in mind, I wonder i Russia would be able to sustain itself with its own oil production, and if so, how long? Also, does oil produce jobs for Russian citizens?
Oil Consumption: 3,115 thousand barrels/ day
Russia is one of the top leaders of oil production in the world. While they are also higher in consumption, it is nowhere near how much they produce.Knowing Russia is still under reform from their previous socialist past, I can conclude that they use their oil industry as a means to play a role in the major world powers. It is hard to make conclusions about how oil affects the individual lives of people- the government is most likely prosperous because of it, and therefore they also have the ability to help their country as best they can. With so much oil production, it is safe to assume that Russia is abundant in other resources that are used on a global scale. With that in mind, I wonder i Russia would be able to sustain itself with its own oil production, and if so, how long? Also, does oil produce jobs for Russian citizens?
Economic System
Towards the end of the Soviet era a new political action went underway as perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness) (Siegelbaum, 2014). This shift towards a market-based economy in the end contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union. With globalization, Russia has boomed as a key player in the world economy. The country's GDP per capita stands at $18,100 in 2013 (World Factbook). A major portion of the country's economy comes from its petroleum reserves scattered among the country. Russia provides 20% of the world's oil, and basically self-sufficient without the support of imported oil, as well as with most all major industrial raw materials (Natural Resources). Along with oil and many metals, timber also serves as a portion of the national economy. the Siberian part of Russia is heavily forrested. More than 70% of the timber harvested from there is exported, whereas only 7% of Russian produced timber is domestically processed (Pereltsvaig, 2012). Most of this export goes to China.
Most of Russia's labor force is put into the service sector (62.5%); next is industry (27.8%) and finally agriculture (9.7%) (World Factbook). The unemployment rate is 5.8% as of 2013. Russia's highest exports were mentioned earlier as petroleum, metals, and timber, in addition to chemicals and a variety of civilian and military manufactures. They import, "machinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceutical products, plastic, semi-finished metal products, meat, fruits and nuts, optical and medical machinery," (World Factbook). In comparison to Russia's two highest import partners, China dn Germany, Russia falls in the middle of the three. Germany has the highest GDP per capita, with $39,500, and China the lowest with $ $9,800. Russia is by no means a developing country, like China for example, whose labor force is mainly supported by services (35.7%) and agriculture (34.8%). Germany has exports of much more worth, such as motor vehicles, computer and electronic products, and pharmaceuticals. Germany has the lowest unemployment rate of the three countries, whereas China has the highest. This could reflect the standard of living in each country. While the rates are not off by more than a whole percentage, it still goes to show which countries are thriving more in this economically interwoven world.
Sources:
http://soviethistory.macalester.edu/index.php?page=subject&SubjectID=1985perestroika&Year=1985
Russia - Natural Resources. (n.d.). Russia - Natural Resources. Retrieved April 3, 2014, from http://countrystudies.us/russia/59.htm
Siegelbaum, L. (n.d.). Perestroika and Glasnost. Seventeen Moments in Soviet History. Retrieved April 2, 2014, from http://soviethistory.macalester.edu/index.php?page=subject&SubjectID=1985perestroika&
The World Factbook. (n.d.). Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved April 2, 2014, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rs.html
Most of Russia's labor force is put into the service sector (62.5%); next is industry (27.8%) and finally agriculture (9.7%) (World Factbook). The unemployment rate is 5.8% as of 2013. Russia's highest exports were mentioned earlier as petroleum, metals, and timber, in addition to chemicals and a variety of civilian and military manufactures. They import, "machinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceutical products, plastic, semi-finished metal products, meat, fruits and nuts, optical and medical machinery," (World Factbook). In comparison to Russia's two highest import partners, China dn Germany, Russia falls in the middle of the three. Germany has the highest GDP per capita, with $39,500, and China the lowest with $ $9,800. Russia is by no means a developing country, like China for example, whose labor force is mainly supported by services (35.7%) and agriculture (34.8%). Germany has exports of much more worth, such as motor vehicles, computer and electronic products, and pharmaceuticals. Germany has the lowest unemployment rate of the three countries, whereas China has the highest. This could reflect the standard of living in each country. While the rates are not off by more than a whole percentage, it still goes to show which countries are thriving more in this economically interwoven world.
Sources:
http://soviethistory.macalester.edu/index.php?page=subject&SubjectID=1985perestroika&Year=1985
Russia - Natural Resources. (n.d.). Russia - Natural Resources. Retrieved April 3, 2014, from http://countrystudies.us/russia/59.htm
Siegelbaum, L. (n.d.). Perestroika and Glasnost. Seventeen Moments in Soviet History. Retrieved April 2, 2014, from http://soviethistory.macalester.edu/index.php?page=subject&SubjectID=1985perestroika&
The World Factbook. (n.d.). Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved April 2, 2014, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rs.html