The history of education in Kazakhstan

Education is an essential part of any society, and Kazakhstan is no exception. Throughout history, Kazakhstani education has undergone significant changes, adapting to the evolving needs of society. This article aims to explore the history of pedagogy and education in Kazakhstan, from ancient times to the modern era.

Ancient Times In ancient times, education in Kazakhstan was primarily based on oral tradition. Children were taught through storytelling, which allowed them to learn about their history, culture, and traditions. Parents and elders played a crucial role in passing down knowledge and skills to the younger generations.

The nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people also had a significant influence on their education. The ability to survive and thrive in the harsh, arid landscape required specific skills and knowledge. Children were taught how to hunt, fish, herd livestock, and navigate the land. The education system was designed to prepare children for adult life, where they would have to rely on their skills and knowledge to survive [1].

During the Mongol Empire, which ruled over Kazakhstan from the 13th to 15th century, education became more formalized. Mongolian script was introduced, and Buddhist monasteries were established, which provided education to monks and laypeople. The Mongols also brought the idea of the yurt school, where children would gather in a yurt to learn basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Colonial Era In the 18th century, Kazakhstan became part of the Russian Empire. The Russian government imposed its education system on Kazakhstan, which was designed to promote the Russian language and culture. Russian was made the language of instruction, and Kazakh language and culture were suppressed. The Russian government established schools, but access was limited to the urban elite.

During the Soviet Era In 1917, Kazakhstan became part of the Soviet Union, and the Soviet approach to education was implemented. The Soviet government invested heavily in education, with the goal of creating a literate and skilled workforce. The system was based on the principles of Marxism-Leninism, and education was seen as a tool for social and political change [2].

During the Soviet era, Kazakhstani education underwent significant changes. Schools were standardized, and the curriculum was designed to promote the ideology of communism. Russian became the language of instruction, and Kazakh language and culture were suppressed. The government established universities, technical schools, and teacher training colleges, which provided education to the masses.

Independent Kazakhstan After gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan underwent significant political, social, and economic changes. Education was no exception, and the government implemented policies to modernize the education system.

One of the most significant changes was the introduction of the Kazakh language as the language of instruction in schools. The government also implemented policies to promote Kazakh culture and traditions in education. The education system was decentralized, and local authorities were given more control over schools.

In recent years, the Kazakhstani government has invested heavily in education. The government has implemented policies to improve the quality of education, such as increasing the salaries of teachers, providing funding for schools, and introducing new teaching methods. The government has also focused on increasing access to education, particularly in rural areas.

Primary Education Primary education is compulsory for all children in Kazakhstan and lasts for five years, starting from the age of six. The main goal of primary education is to develop basic literacy and numeracy skills, as well as to provide a foundation for further learning.

Secondary Education Secondary education in Kazakhstan is divided into two cycles: lower secondary and upper secondary. Lower secondary education lasts for four years (grades 6–9), while upper secondary education lasts for two years (grades 10–11).

Lower secondary education builds on the foundation established in primary education and provides students with a broad-based education in a range of subjects. The curriculum includes subjects such as mathematics, science, history, social studies, languages, and physical education.

Upper secondary education is more specialized and prepares students for higher education or vocational training. Students have the option to choose from academic or vocational tracks, depending on their interests and career goals. Students in the academic track study subjects such as mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, and languages. Students in the vocational track study subjects such as mechanics, agriculture, construction, and tourism.

Tertiary Education Tertiary education in Kazakhstan is provided by universities and colleges. Students can pursue a wide range of degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Tertiary education is highly valued in Kazakhstan, and the government has made significant investments in this area in recent years.

The higher education system in Kazakhstan is divided into three levels: basic higher education, postgraduate education, and doctoral studies. Basic higher education programs last for four years and lead to a bachelor's degree. Postgraduate education programs last for two years and lead to a master's degree. Doctoral studies last for three years and lead to a doctoral degree.

In recent years, the Kazakhstani government has implemented policies to modernize the education system and improve the quality of education at all levels. These policies include increased investment in education, teacher training programs, and reforms to increase the relevance of education to the needs of society.

The government has implemented several policies to improve the quality of education in Kazakhstan. The government has introduced new teaching methods, such as problem -solving and critical thinking, and has invested in teacher training programs. The government has also implemented reforms to increase the relevance of education to the needs of society, with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

In conclusion, the history of pedagogy and education in Kazakhstan has undergone significant changes throughout the centuries. From the ancient times of oral tradition to the modern era of high-tech education, the Kazakhstani education system has evolved to meet the changing needs of society. Despite the challenges faced in the past, the Kazakhstani government has made significant strides in recent years to improve the quality and accessibility of education in the country. The future of education in Kazakhstan looks promising, with continued investment in education and a commitment to providing a relevant and high-quality education to all students.

References:

1. Kazakh. — Текст: электронный // Britannica: [сайт]. — URL: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kazakh (дата обращения: 20.04.2023).
2. Fierman, William. “Language and Education in Post-Soviet Kazakhstan: Kazakh-Medium Instruction in Urban Schools.” The Russian Review, vol. 65, no. 1, 2006, pp. 98–116. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3664037. (дата обращения: 20.04.2023)..
3. Education in Kazakhstan. — Текст: электронный // Studycountry: [сайт]. — URL: https://www.studycountry.com/guide/KZ-education.htm#:~:text=The %20education %20system %20in %20Kazakhstan %20is %20overseen %20by %20the %20Ministry,of %2016 %2D18 %20as %20well (дата обращения: 20.04.2023)..