International Research Collaboration with the University of Cambridge: Innovative Insights

During the period from June 14 to June 21, 2023 within the framework of the fundamental project AP 14872311 "Theory and technology for the development of research activity of university teachers on the basis of integration into the practice of informal forms of research as Action Research" the research team represented by the Project Manager A.E. Berikkhanova, executors - B.O. Sapargaliyeva, Zh. K. Ibraimova, F.B. Assilbayeva, D.K. Baidildinova are attending courses at the University of Cambridge (UK).

The seminars are held at Homerton College by Dr. Elaine Wilson. The aim of the workshop is to increase qualifications in research activity of university teachers on the basis of systematic integration of informal forms of research organisation into HEI practice as Action Research.

On June 15, 2023 the Director of the College, Dr. Simon Woolley took part in the seminar and shared his valuable insights on the development potential of the professional development system for HEIs teachers and outlined priorities for future collaboration. The workshop plan was developed by Dr. Elaine Wilson in response to requests from the project research team.

The main insights from the first days of the workshops were related to the ideas of organising effective educational changes, key roles of teachers in the implementation of reforms, increasing teachers` responsibility in learning their own practice, exploring problems of diagnosing real pedagogical problems and finding solutions to them through Action Research and Lesson study, developing classifications for main forms of research.

On June 16, 2023 the workshop was attended by Charlie Pettit, Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge, who shared his professional experience in the use of Systemic Analysis of Educational Practice. Charlie Pettit focused on the importance of Action Research as a research methodology that is a driving mechanism for the ongoing and continuous development of educators as practitioners. Prospects for further cooperation were discussed.

The participants of the project shared the theoretical and practical results of fundamental research, talked about the structure and content of the Concept for enhancing the research activity of teaching staff through Action Research, about the status of the Action Research laboratory, about the methodological seminars, trainings which were systematically carried out during the year.