History of the Chair
The Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, and Age Development was established in 2025 as a result of the merger of two academic units: the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology and the Department of Social and Age Pedagogy. This merger became a strategic step aimed at integrating scientific, methodological, and human resource potential, as well as at developing modern approaches in the fields of education, psychology, and age pedagogy.
The origins of the department date back to 1962, when the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology began its activities as part of the Pedagogical Institute. In 1968, a psychology research laboratory was established at the department, which became one of the leading laboratories in Kazakhstan in terms of technical equipment and scientific activity. During this period, the department actively collaborated with leading universities of the country, participated in scientific conferences and congresses, and organized events with the participation of young scientists from Moscow, Kazan, Kyiv, and Almaty. The Department of Pedagogy and Psychology played an important role in the formation of the higher pedagogical education system in the region, providing the training of highly qualified specialists.
At the time of the merger in 2025, the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology employed one Doctor of Sciences, three Candidates of Sciences, six PhD holders, and three PhD candidates.
The Department of Social and Age Pedagogy was established in 2000 in response to the need to develop areas of preschool, primary, and inclusive education that were in high demand at the regional and national levels. The department conducted active teaching, methodological, and research work, including participation in international projects. It created an educational and methodological center for early childhood development, the “Balausa” Center for Preschool Education, and the Center for Inclusive Education, as well as introduced digital learning technologies.
At the time of the merger, the faculty of the Department of Social and Age Pedagogy included one Candidate of Sciences, three PhD holders, and two doctoral program graduates.
Faculty members of both departments made significant contributions to the development of professional pedagogical education. Many were awarded honorary titles and distinctions, including “Best University Teacher of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” “Best Pedagogue-Psychologist of Kazakhstan,” Certificates of Honor from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and medals for contributions to the development of science and education.
The department also includes leaders of scientific projects implemented within the framework of grant funding by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Today, the united Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, and Age Development continues the best traditions of its predecessors, implements undergraduate and graduate educational programs, actively participates in scientific and international projects, and develops innovative forms of teaching and research. The department is focused on training competent specialists capable of working effectively in the conditions of digitalization of education and social transformation.
