History

The history of the educational programme “Pedagogy and Psychology” is closely linked to the establishment and development of teacher education in the Pavlodar region. For decades, the programme has preserved established academic and pedagogical traditions while contributing to the training of qualified educational psychologists.

The origins of psychological and pedagogical education in the region date back to the establishment of Pavlodar Pedagogical Institute, which opened on 1 December 1962. In 1964, the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology was established under the leadership of V.P. Kharitonov. In addition to training specialists, the department promoted pedagogical knowledge among the wider public. It operated a pedagogical knowledge university and a cultural institute for teachers and parents, while current issues in teaching and upbringing were regularly covered in the institute newspaper Pedagog. The department was headed by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences B.F. Kolesnikov until 1975.

An important milestone in the development of psychological education was the establishment of an independent Department of General Psychology. In accordance with Institute Order No. 1-8/26 dated 6 July 1978, signed by Rector T.K. Shaikhmetov, the department was established under the leadership of Candidate of Biological Sciences and Associate Professor Y.A. Golovin. In 1981, Candidate of Biological Sciences and Associate Professor R.N. Demidenko became head of the department. In 1989, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and Associate Professor N.K. Tverdokhlebov was elected to the position through a competitive selection process.

 

The department's academic staff taught general psychology, developmental psychology and educational psychology across the institute's faculties, providing future specialists with a strong foundation in psychological and pedagogical theory. Over the years, the department was headed by D.Zh. Sakenov, S.E. Bulekbaeva, B.G. Sarsenbaeva, B.D. Kairbekova, A.Zh. Aplashova and G.M. Tulekova. Their work contributed to the development of psychological education and the strengthening of academic and pedagogical traditions in the region.

A particularly significant period in the programme's recent history was the leadership of A.Zh. Aplashova, who headed the Department of Psychology and subsequently the educational programme “Pedagogy and Psychology” from 2010 to 2023. In 2023, PhD holder G.S. Ayapbergenova assumed the duties of programme leader and currently heads the programme.

Today, the programme is delivered by a highly qualified academic staff with substantial research, methodological and professional expertise. The team includes Doctor of Psychological Sciences and Professor N.S. Shadrin; Candidate of Psychological Sciences O.A. Kolyukh; Candidates of Pedagogical Sciences B.G. Sarsenbaeva, Z.K. Kulsharipova and A.K. Satynskaya; PhD holders G.S. Ayapbergenova, B.A. Mataev and M.S. Utegenova; and master's degree holders in pedagogy and psychology N.K. Makhmetova, N.A. Bisembaeva, Zh.T. Kenzhebayeva, Zh.D. A.E. Mandaieva, Kapasheva and N.K. Kazhekenova.

A key area of the academic staff's work is research into current issues in pedagogy, psychology and education. Particular emphasis is placed on developing students' research competencies, analytical thinking, academic literacy and scientific communication skills.

The programme includes a student research group called Metaphor, led by Z.K. Kulsharipova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and Associate Professor. Members discuss current issues in psychology, develop academic writing skills, prepare research publications and participate in academic conferences. The research capacity of the Higher School of Pedagogy also provides methodological support for the research activities of master's and doctoral students.

The development of international academic cooperation is another priority of the programme. Partnerships with universities in Russia, Bulgaria and Türkiye, the involvement of international professors in teaching, and participation in academic mobility programmes promote the exchange of research and teaching expertise and support the introduction of contemporary educational approaches.

Students' practical training is supported through cooperation with educational institutions and social service organisations across the Pavlodar region. The programme's partners include city, district and regional education departments; schools throughout the region; the Regional Centre for Supporting Children in Difficult Life Situations; the Centre for Analysis and Development of Interfaith Relations; the SAMAL Rehabilitation Centre; a branch of the Republican Scientific and Practical Centre for Mental Health, operating as a state enterprise with the right of economic management; and other specialised organisations.

These partnerships help students connect theoretical knowledge with professional practice. They provide opportunities to develop practical skills in psychological and pedagogical support, gain insight into the professional responsibilities of educational psychologists, and become familiar with the requirements of employers. This cooperation also helps ensure that the programme remains responsive to labour market needs and prepares graduates for professional practice.

The quality of specialist training is further evidenced by external evaluation. The “Pedagogy and Psychology” educational programmes at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels have been accredited by the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Quality Examination in Education (ARQA) for the period from 30 May 2024 to 29 May 2029.

Another important indicator of the programme's development is its performance in the national ranking conducted by the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. The programme ranked third in 2023 and 2024 and sixth in 2025. These results demonstrate the programme's standing within Kazakhstan's higher education landscape and provide a benchmark for further improving the quality of specialist training.

The current stage of the programme's development is characterised by the renewal of educational content, the enhancement of practical training, the development of students' research and digital competencies, the expansion of international cooperation, and the integration of contemporary psychological and pedagogical technologies.

Graduates are prepared to pursue professional careers in general and supplementary education institutions, higher education institutions, psychological and social services, and research organisations, in accordance with their level of education and the qualifications awarded.

In conclusion, the history of the educational programme “Pedagogy and Psychology” reflects the steady development of pedagogical and psychological education in the Pavlodar region. Its established academic traditions, the professional expertise of its academic staff, active research, international connections and practical partnerships provide a solid foundation for the programme's continued development and the preparation of highly qualified specialists whose skills are in demand in the labour market.