Practical Seminar: "International Experience and Its Influence on Domestic Preschool Education Practice"

On March 31, 2025, the Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy of the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University hosted a meaningful and practice-oriented seminar as part of the course "Preschool Psychology Practicum." The event was dedicated to the topic: "International Experience and Its Influence on Domestic Preschool Education Practice."

The seminar featured a special guest and speaker, Alina Nurmakhanbetova, an experienced practitioner and head of GKKP Nursery-Kindergarten No. 153 in Almaty. She delivered an in-depth presentation on "Preschool Education in Japan: History, Current State, and New Programs." In her speech, the speaker provided a comprehensive overview of the historical and cultural features of Japan`s preschool education system, its core educational values, and contemporary programmatic directions, drawing from both scientific sources and her own professional experience.

The primary goal of the seminar was to analyze the trends in the development of preschool education in Japan, study its innovative methods and programs, and explore ways to compare and adapt them to the practices of domestic preschool institutions. Alina Nurmakhanbetova particularly emphasized that the Japanese model of early childhood education focuses on fostering children`s independence, social responsibility, and emotional intelligence. The presentation also addressed important aspects such as the role of the educator, the culture of collaboration with parents, and distinctive features of organizing the learning environment.

As part of the seminar, Nazym Seitkhan, a psychologist from GKKP Nursery-Kindergarten No. 153, conducted a psychological training session for students, which included exercises aimed at developing creativity and self-awareness. This component helped bridge theory with practice and contributed to enhancing students` professional reflection skills.

First-year students of the 6B01204 - Preschool Education (IP) educational program actively participated in the event, showing great interest in the seminar`s topic. During the discussion, they asked questions, expressed their opinions, and suggested ideas for adapting Japanese experience to the context of domestic preschool education, thereby expanding their professional perspective.

This academic-practical seminar was organized as part of the implementation of the department`s educational-methodological plan, aimed at strengthening the practice-oriented training of future specialists. The event was coordinated by Professor Ulbosyn Kiyakbayeva, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and Head of the Department; Dr. Ainar Alimbekova, PhD, Associate Professor; and Dr. Asem Bulshkebayeva, PhD. In their remarks, the organizers highlighted the importance of such meetings in shaping the professional competencies of future preschool educators.

At the end of the seminar, a professional exchange of views took place, and specific proposals were made for the effective integration of Japanese experience into the national preschool education system.

Participants highly appreciated the seminar`s content richness and practical focus and expressed their support for organizing similar events on a regular basis in the future.