Liudmila Zaichenko: I hope that my dissertation can bridge the gap between the knowledge about the Estonian-medium and the Russian-medium schools
On January 29, 2024, Liudmila Zaichenko defended her doctoral thesis, "Teachers Agency Through the Morphogenetic Lens: The Case of Russian-medium Schools in Estonia," where she explored the agency of teachers in Russian-medium schools in Estonia through their concerns and self-reflections. Liudmila's doctoral thesis was supervised by Tallinn University's Distinguished Professor of Vocational Education Krista Loogma and Associate Professor of Educational Research Meril Ümarik. We asked Liudmila what motivated her to pursue a PhD at Tallinn University.
What was the tipping point in choosing to pursue a PhD?
I have been dreaming of getting a PhD for quite a long time since I applied to Tallinn University (TLU). Different reasons were distracting me from it. I have changed several business fields before coming to academia, and even when I finally decided to apply to a PhD program in Tallinn, it was more like 'giving myself a chance,' giving it a whirl, never really believing that it would come true. I tried to apply to TLU two times, wasn't accepted the first time, and somehow intuitively, I was thinking, 'If it is mine, it will not pass me by,' so there wasn't any 'tipping point' really; I was just 'pushing my luck.'
Why was it important to further study the topics you focused on in your thesis?
I studied Russian-medium schools in Estonia, and I was offered this topic by the Committee when I was applying to the School of Educational Sciences. There is no need to say it has been a significant topic for the education system of Estonia for a pretty long time, especially recently when the transition to the 'seamless Estonian school' has become a prevalent task for the Ministry of Education and Research. I hope that my dissertation can bridge the gap between the knowledge about the Estonian-medium and the Russian-medium schools. Understanding this community of teachers better and looking at the transition process through their concerns, pains, and needs, as well as the risks they envision concerning their futures, is the primary task for those who design the reforms.
What strategies did you use to work on your doctoral thesis and successfully and consistently reach completion?
I didn't use any particular strategy. I was intensely interested in my research topic; it thrilled me. I was envious of myself, and I was doing it. I also came to Tallinn from St.Petersburg and was completely in love with Tallinn; researching its atmosphere was a big gift and a real inspiration every researcher can only dream of!
Can you share a memorable or funny instance that occurred while writing your thesis?
I had a huge amount of very funny, memorable moments during my interviews with the teachers of the Russian-medium schools. They have a cracking sense of humor, and I sometimes repeat their jokes daily. I have been writing all my texts in different cafes and restaurants in Tallinn; some are the most memorable. I may safely say that almost all my doctoral thesis had been written in Fotografiska in Telliskivi, it will remain the most memorable and inspiring place to me for life!
Based on your research, what does an intelligent lifestyle mean for you?
During my PhD, I used to read a lot. This process taught me to question and look at things from as many perspectives as possible. I am a qualitative methodology person who insists that the world is highly complex and multi-layered. For me, always remembering these things is an expression of intelligence. I am grateful to my alma mater, Tallinn University, for opening up this new avenue.
What is something you appreciate about your dissertation supervisors?
My supervisors are the main and most important part of my successful PhD journey. They are very different, but both played remarkable roles in my Estonian life. Krista brought me from St.Petersburg to Tallinn in 2019. It was she who gave me the chance to do this research. I may truly say she is a very significant person in my life. I can not imagine my life without these four years in Tallinn; they happened due to her, and I am deeply grateful. Meril was my Reviewer 2 through the whole publishing process, with her great sense of humour and critical mind she taught me how to write in short genre and this experience was invaluable. I am very lucky to have had this team behind me; with them, my PhD was completed.