Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, contemporary Georgian schools have faced numerous challenges and systemic problems. Over the past three decades, the government has implemented various reforms in the education sector; however, a comprehensive model grounded in democratic principles and aligned with Georgian cultural traditions has yet to be established.
This study presents a comparative analysis of Soviet-era and contemporary schools, focusing on four public schools (both urban and rural) in one Georgian region. It examines how informal education is integrated into the institutional culture of general education institutions, how European school practices have been assimilated, and the outcomes of this process.
The study concludes that while informal education was institutionally more robust in Soviet secondary schools, it was constrained by authoritarian and ideological frameworks that limited pluralism and freedom of choice. Utilizing qualitative research methods—including content analysis, in-depth interviews with field experts, and case studies—the study highlights the significance of informal education as an integral component of the school system. Furthermore, it identifies the strengths of recent historical practices and critically reassesses them. Based on a comparative analysis of past experiences and contemporary realities, the study provides recommendations for developing an analytical model for contemporary public schools that fosters collaboration between formal and informal education.

Authors:
Maia Bregadze, Caucasus International University, Georgia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Maia Bregadze, is currently an English teacher at LEPL Tkibuli municipality village Akhalsofeli public school, Georgia

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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