Discovering New Horizons: A Visit to Kazakhstan for Research and Teaching

As I stepped outside my apartment building in Jyväskylä, Finland, the ground was covered in thick snow. The sound of my footsteps on the snow-covered pavement echoes through the quiet surroundings, breaking the stillness of the morning. I slowly approached my favourite coffee house, ordered my favourite coffee, and continued walking towards my office. I took a sip of hot coffee, which warmed my insides. The aroma of the coffee mixed with the fresh, cold air creates a delightful sensation that invigorates my senses. Despite the cold, I felt content and happy, relishing the peacefulness of the morning and the simple pleasure of my coffee. I arrived at my office feeling refreshed and energized, ready to take on the day with a positive attitude.

 I usually start my day by checking emails. I have noticed that quite a few emails are hard to ignore. They seem to stand out, demanding my attention and compelling me to respond. One such email came from Ms. Ardak Turginbayeva, the head of the management department at the Higher School of Economics and Business, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), Almaty, Kazakhstan. The email contained an invitation to visit the KazNU for teaching and research.

 After exchanging a few emails, I finally agreed to accept the invitation and visit the KazNU in Almaty. While adopting a comprehensive approach to education and learning, the management department planned my four-week visit, which included teaching assignments, workshops, seminars, advice to doctoral students, and career counselling sessions for the students. Although I know the weather challenges I usually face in Finland, Almaty was not an exception or a surprise. I was fully prepared for my journey, which started on 20 November 2022.

 Almaty is a bustling city that blends modernity and tradition. Its tall skyscrapers sit alongside ancient mosques and palaces, while the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop. the lush greenery of its parks and gardens provides respite from the hectic pace of urban life.

 KazNU is located in Almaty and is widely regarded as one of the best universities in Kazakhstan. KazNU was established in 1934 and named after the renowned philosopher Al-Farabi, who was born in Kazakhstan. KazNUis famous for providing quality education to its students. Under the leadership of Professor/rector Tuimebayev Zhanseit Kanseituly, KazNU receives the distinction of being among the 150 top-notch universities in the world, according to the latest QS World Ranking. Similarly, KazNU maintains close ties with international academic institutions and research centers, which helps to ensure that its programs are up-to-date and relevant to the needs of today's global economy.

 My teaching included some lectures on digital technologies and scientific research. A few sessions were also arranged for the faculty and staff members. In my deliveries, I shared the best practices in teaching, pedagogy, and research that we usually adopt and use in European Universities. On the advice of the Dean-Higher School of Economics and Business, Bimendiyeva Leyla Abdrashovna, an exclusive session on the Finnish education system, considered the best in the world, was arranged for the faculty and staff members. This session received an overwhelming response from the Higher School of Economics and Business faculty and staff members. I explained the Finnish education system's origin, growth and current status. I offered useful suggestions and insights on how this system can be replicated at KazNU or Kazakhstan, believing that the Finnish education system is highly regarded for its focus on equity, teacher training, creativity, and critical thinking.

 How technology and digitalization have transformed the teaching and pedagogy approaches, and what should be done to increase the University student's learning, engagement with the course content, interest in their study, and how to prepare young graduates for the innovative and highly demanding job market in the digital era? Those were some of the burning questions that needed to be answered. During my stay at KazNU, I arranged a special session on 'Teaching and Pedagogy in the Digital Era'. During this session, which was, among others, also attended by the vice-deans and head of the departments at the Higher School of Economics and Business, I explained and demonstrated various pedagogical approaches which we are using in everyday teaching in Finland. Among these new pedagogical approaches include synchronous (Real-time/face-to-face/online and off-line) and asynchronous (At their own convenience/pre-recorded videos/YouTube) approaches such as case-method teaching, visio-case method teaching, dialogue teaching, blended learning, game-based learning, flipped or inverted classroom learning, simulations, podcasts, and prime-time learning.

 Finally, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the hospitality that I received during my research and teaching visit to KazNU. I had the pleasure of meeting many talented students and faculty members, and I was impressed by the level of expertise and dedication that I encountered. I also had the opportunity to collect data and conduct research in my field, which was facilitated by the resources and support available at Higher School of Economics and Business, KazNU.

 Thank you KazNU!

 Dr. AIJAZ A. SHAIKH,

D.Sc. University of Jyväskylä,

Finland