TAM Report / Kazakhstan - Innovative teaching and learning

GENERAL INFORMATION

TAM title: Innovative strategy of teaching and learning: methods, technologies and tools

Type of Event: Seminar

Modality: Presential

Location: Astana IT University, Astana

Country: Kazakhstan

Dates: 5 - 6 March 2024

Participants: The seminar brought together 50 participants representing 34 HEIs from 16 cities across Kazakhstan. Attendees included rectors, vice-rectors, department chairs, and instructors from both state and private universities, as well as representatives of the Higher Education Development National Centre and the HERE team. 

THEMES COVERED

• Adapting teaching and learning to a VUCA environment.
• Applying constructivist and innovative teaching methods.
• Advancing digital and online learning in higher education.
• Developing interdisciplinary and inclusive education practices.
• Strengthening leadership and collaboration among HEIs.
• Enhancing language proficiency and international engagement.

KEY OUTCOMES

During the workshop, participants:

• Gained first-hand information about modern approaches to the development of teaching and learning strategy in the view of pedagogical innovations.

• Discussed possibilities of translating the best practices to their specific HEIs/organizations and to the context of Kazakhstan, in general.

• Learned about new and innovative methods, technologies and tools of learning and teaching as well as their practical application.

• Shared their knowledge and best practices and discussed priority areas for further work.

OVERVIEW

The seminar addressed modern teaching and learning strategies in higher education, offering a platform for Kazakhstani HEIs to discuss current challenges and share experiences. The discussions highlighted that the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) nature of today’s world affects teaching and learning processes and that universities must adapt continuously. Participants noted that close collaboration between stakeholders is essential to respond effectively to these changes.

Presentations covered topics such as constructivist and innovative teaching methods, digital learning, interdisciplinary competencies, and leadership development in higher education. Practical group sessions encouraged participants to exchange ideas, examples, and approaches applied within their institutions. The seminar also pointed to the need for improving language proficiency among higher education leaders to support international communication and cooperation.

THE FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY

Title of the activity: Session on Innovative teaching and learning strategies

Dates: 18 October 2024

Audience: 94 participants including vice-rectors, faculty members, researchers, school teachers, students, and representatives from NGOs and the business sector. 

Description: The panel session “Preparing Teachers for the 21st Century: New Approaches and Tools for Education” focused on disseminating the results and outcomes of the TAM seminar on Innovative Teaching and Learning Strategy. The session aimed to reach a wider audience and highlight key aspects of innovative teaching, with particular attention to inclusive education and the digitalisation of higher education.

The main objectives of the session were to share best practices in the application of innovative teaching and learning strategies, to discuss opportunities and challenges in using these approaches and propose practical solutions, and to develop recommendations for policymakers and higher education institutions on creating more agile and adaptable teaching and learning strategies.

The session included presentations from HERE Kazakhstan members and participants of the initial TAM seminar, who addressed topics such as inclusive higher education, digitalisation, and capstone projects in teacher training as examples of innovative teaching approaches. The format encouraged active participation, providing space for panel discussions and reflections among attendees. The event created an open platform for exchanging experiences, discussing current challenges, and promoting collaboration to advance innovative teaching and learning in higher education across Kazakhstan.

ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS

• Review and update national legislation to include clear policies on the use of AI in education, particularly its impact on assessment systems.
• Promote AI as an opportunity for transformation, encouraging readiness and responsible use of AI tools in teaching and learning.
• Raise awareness and improve AI literacy by introducing mandatory AI courses for faculty, staff, and students in higher education.
• Ensure equal digital access for schools and HEIs, especially in remote and rural areas, to support inclusive and technology-enabled education.
• Facilitate exchange of best practices in innovative teaching and learning strategies among local and international educators.

RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL

• Genially (n.d.).
  Central mind map – Horizontal infographic diagrams. Available at: https://view.genially.com/65d59c1eda949d00140b649c/horizontal-infographic-diagrams-central-mind-map

• Mußmann, J. (2025).
  Praxis Sprache inklusiv – Online magazine for practical materials on language impairments. Linz: Pädagogische Hochschule Oberösterreich / FOSSI. Available at: https://www.praxis-sprache-inklusiv.eu/

• Jenkins, H., Purushotma, R., Weigel, M., Clinton, K. & Robinson, A. J. (2006).
  Confronting the challenges of participatory culture: Media education for the 21st century. An Occasional Paper on Digital Media and Learning. Chicago: The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.