Is it Possible to be Together, being Apart: Students and Teachers at the University

Abstract

The subject of the study was the phenomenon of distancing and dissociation of students and teachers in Russian universities. The prevalence of this phenomenon both abroad and in Russia is shown. The reasons for weakening of connections between educational communities in universities are discussed. They are associated with the changed nature of training, emergence of new technologies. E-learning, distance and online education have a serious impact on the dissociation of teachers and students. Many students are increasingly seeking self-reliance and independence. Social aspects of separation of two educational communities from each other are considered. However, according to the authors’ research, both educational communities are not ready for isolationist practices of higher education. They consider their own mutual «rejection» as a violation of Russian mentality traditions of collectivity and trust in each other. It is shown that the inconsistency of the real processes of distancing and subjective aspirations of the majority of students and teachers to overcome it gives rise to the need to find ways to «be together». A number of these paths are associated with the transition to a new model of higher education, based on non-linear strategies for the development of university educational communities. Attention is drawn to the possibility of strengthening communication between students and teachers in the educational process and scientific creativity. The article is written on the materials of the research conducted in 2017 by students and teachers of universities of the Ural Federal district, the subject of which were the links and interactions between these communities.