Facilitation Session "Preschool Education: At the Intersection of Theory and Practice"

On May 5, 2025, a facilitation session titled "Preschool Education: At the Intersection of Theory and Practice" was held at Nursery School No. 153 in the Alatau district of Almaty. The event was organized by the Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy of the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. The session was conducted as part of the course "Practicum in Preschool Psychology" and was aimed at providing students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a real professional environment.

The goal of the event was to familiarize students with the actual pedagogical processes of a preschool organization and to develop their professional reflection and practical skills. Participants included undergraduate students, master`s students, and doctoral candidates enrolled in the educational program "6B0204 - Preschool Education (IP)". Over the course of one day, they actively observed the daily routine of the kindergarten: its schedule, educational activities, games, walks, and the methods and formats used by teachers. This allowed the participants to gain direct practical experience.

A distinctive feature of the event was the involvement of parents, who were invited to observe and participate in their children`s creative and play activities. Such interaction between students and parents promoted an understanding of the continuity in the education system and helped strengthen partnerships between families and the preschool institution.

As part of the session, psychologist Nazym Seitkhan from Nursery School No. 153 conducted a professional training session for students, highlighting key aspects of psychological work with preschool-aged children.

The session also featured engaging master classes conducted by educators, including:

Galya Zharasovna Zhumabaeva, who in her workshop "Fruits of Patchwork Imagination" demonstrated methods for developing children`s creative thinking through applied arts;

Gulzhan Korganovna Zharylkasynova, who in "Techniques for Making Asyks" presented approaches for developing children`s cognitive and motor skills through elements of national games;

Nazerkе Sovetbekovna Imangaziyeva, who in her session "Games with Magical Caps" shared creative methods aimed at fostering children`s imagination;

Aigerim Seisenbekovna Seisenbekova, who in "Weaving a Whip, Sculpting a Dombra" demonstrated the integration of traditional crafts into the educational process.

High-quality organization of the event was supported by Manshuk Sapinovna Zeyitova, chief specialist of the Alatau District Department of Education, and Alina Kurmanbekovna Nurmakhanbetova, head of the State Municipal Public Enterprise "Nursery School No. 153." Methodologist Marziya Ilyasovna Alzhekeyeva coordinated the session at a high organizational level, ensuring coherence across all areas of activity.

Scientific and methodological support for the facilitation session was provided by the Head of the Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Ulbossyn Kyyakbayeva, as well as Doctors of Philosophy (PhD), Associate Professors Anar Alimbekova and Assem Bulshekbayeva. Guided by the principle of integrating theory and practice, they developed a meaningful program focused on building the professional competencies of students.

The session, held at the intersection of theory and practice, marked an important step in the professional development of future educators. It broadened their pedagogical thinking and contributed to the formation of their individual professional worldview.