Abai University Initiative: Student Conference – in the school`s expertise

The Institute of Education of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University in Astana held its First Student Scientific-Practical Conference titled "Young Researchers in the Education System: Critical Thinking, Project-Based Solutions" on April 12, 2025, in celebration of Science Day.

The conference aimed to develop the academic literacy of first-year students, encourage engagement with scientific work, cultivate academic writing and discussion skills, build professional speaking abilities in Kazakh, Russian, and English, and foster critical thinking toward real issues in the education system while offering research-based solutions.

The initiative was supported by M. Tynybayeva, President of the Y. Altynsarin National Academy of Education, who facilitated collaboration with schools. The conference built upon the results of the Academy`s scientific-technical program «Scientific Foundations for the Modernization of the Education and Science System,» implemented from 2021-2023. It emphasized the importance of strong university-school collaboration in preparing quality educators. In this context, School-Lyceum No. 72 in Astana joined as an organizing partner and hosted the event.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Bakhyt Tokmurzayev (PhD), Associate Professor at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, noted that this is the first time the conference is being held, and expressed hope that it will become a regular tradition in the coming years. He noted the participation of over 270 students and more than 50 educators from various universities and schools, commending the students` enthusiasm for research. He highlighted the importance of such events in fostering professional competence and expressed gratitude to School-Lyceum No. 72 and the attending educational experts.

A congratulatory speech was delivered to the participants by Dr. Anar Tangirbergenova, Vice-President for Research at the Y. Altynsarin National Academy of Education. Other speakers included Dr. Sayat Omarov, Associate Professor and Head of the Humanities and Natural Sciences Department at the Institute of Education, and Ayman Dyussenova, Director of School-Lyceum No. 72.

The plenary session was chaired by Dr. Kulyash Bulatbayeva, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor at Abai University, and Chief Scientific Researcher at the Y. Altynsarin National Academy of Education. Eight student presentations were delivered during this session.

Five sections were conducted during the conference:

1.Digitalization in Education and Innovative Tools Moderators: Dr. B.S. Tokmurzaev, Associate Professor, and G.B. Balghozina, Senior Lecturer, MA.
2.Psychological Aspects of Organizing the Educational Process Moderator: Dr. S.K. Omarov, Associate Professor.
3.Current Issues in Subject Teaching Methodology Moderator: Dr. O.B. Mazbayev, Chief Scientific Researcher at the Academy, Professor of Geography.
4.Social Issues in School Education: Socialization of the Individual Moderators: Dr. A.T. Kuzembayeva, Senior Lecturer, and Dr. E.A. Akzhigitov, Associate Professor.
5.EduText: Discussing Pedagogical Issues in English Moderators: G.A. Shaidikerimova, Senior Lecturer, and D. Erkin, Lecturer.
The plenary session began with a presentation by student Aidan Aituganova from the «Kazakh Language and Literature» program, titled «Abai`s Aphorisms - A Source of Spiritual Heritage».

During the section work, nearly 80 presentations were delivered by 123 students and discussed in detail. The students demonstrated their academic literacy, professional speaking skills, and critical thinking on contemporary educational issues.

The presenters combined their perspectives as former school students and future teachers to critically evaluate educational challenges, share original ideas, and support them with evidence.

Their topics included subject content, modern teaching methods, inclusive education, assessment systems, interdisciplinary connections, international practices, university-school integration, and increasing student motivation.

School teachers participated as expert evaluators.

Evaluation was conducted by experts including Akbota Yesematova, Head of the Methodological Support Department of the Astana City Methodological Center, and teachers from schools No. 72, 60, 82, 3, «K.Zh. Sadvakasov Capital School», «Alpamys School» and Binom School named after Alikhan Bokeikhan, as well as researchers, doctoral students, and master`s students.

At the conclusion of the conference:

- 38 top presenters were awarded I, II, and III-degree diplomas.
- Certificates were given to active participants.
- Director Ayman Dyussenova highly praised the creativity of the first-year students and expressed readiness to accept them for future teaching internships.

The final resolution of the conference included.