Introduction to the Practicum in Preschool Psychology. The Goals, Objectives of the Course and Its Place in the System of Teacher Training

   In January 2026, within the framework of pedagogical practice at the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, a 2nd-year doctoral student of the educational program 8D01201 – “Preschool Education and Upbringing”, Kymbat Temirkhanova (scientific supervisor – PhD, Acting Associate Professor A.I. Bulshekbaeva), delivered a lecture session.The lecture was held for first-year students of the educational program 6B01204 – “Preschool Education” (IP) on the topic: “Introduction to the Practicum in Preschool Psychology. The Goals and Objectives of the Course and Its Place in the System of Teacher Training.”

During the lecture, students were provided with structured theoretical knowledge about child psychology as a scientific field, its object and subject of study, key directions, patterns of children’s mental development, and age-related developmental stages.The lecture content covered the history of the development of child psychology, the scientific views of scholars such as W. Preyer, L.S. Vygotsky, J. Piaget, I.P. Pavlov, as well as the works of national researchers. In addition, the factors influencing a child’s mental development, the formation of mental processes (sensation, perception, memory, thinking, speech, attention, imagination, emotions), and the developmental characteristics of infancy and preschool age were comprehensively explained.Interactive teaching methods were actively used during the lecture, including question-and-answer sessions, discussions, and analytical elements, which contributed to increasing students’ cognitive engagement. The students understood the importance of working with children while taking their age-related characteristics into account. At the end of the session, the “3–2–1” feedback method was applied, enabling students to consciously summarize what they had learned, express their opinions freely, and provide feedback to the doctoral student.The lecture provided a valuable opportunity for the doctoral student to enhance her pedagogical skills, enrich her teaching experience, and prepare for her future professional career.