The inception phase assessment of DRM and hazard-mapping education has compiled an overview of the many relevant courses, teaching approaches, institutional environments, lecturer and administrative staff availability, competencies, and budgetary conditions at selected South Caucasus higher education institutions. While this information has helped to identify priority partners for the SCAC project, more in-depth information is needed to identify gaps.
This document serves as an assessment report of teaching and learning practices in DRM and hazard mapping courses, identifying and prioritizing gaps and opportunities to improve existing courses or to create new ones, and to short list courses to be included in the Regional DRM Master’s Programme.
Previous DRM education projects and studies mainly focused on primary and secondary education with a specific concentration on disaster preparedness in schools. This recent study synthesizes best practices in tertiary education with a focus on training DRM professionals and scientists.
By focusing on a comparative study of DRM-related Master’s programmes and on conclusions and recommendations for teaching practices in the South Caucasus, this document places special emphasis on structural characteristics (institutional anchoring, size, cost, etc.), pedagogical features (candidate eligibility, learning outcomes, inter- and transdisciplinary natures, of work, field work and practical training), and transfer and adaptation potential for the Caucasus. The analysis is also a stand-alone product available for use in other regions.