KAZNU HOSTS INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRACTICE RESEARCH IN SOCIAL WORK

On 23 October 2026, Al Farabi Kazakh National University hosted an international workshop entitled “Practice Research and Building Reflective Practitioner-Researchers.” The workshop brought together professors, faculty members, researchers, doctoral and master's students, and social sector professionals, creating a platform for scholarly dialogue, the exchange of research experience, and the discussion of contemporary approaches to advancing social work.

The workshop was jointly organised by the Department of Sociology and Social Work of the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University-Al Farabi Kazakh National University Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University was represented by Professor Eric Wing Hong CHUI, Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology; Professor Hok Bun KU, Director of The Hong Kong PolyU-Al Farabi Kazakh National University Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia; Dr YIP Sui Kan, Assistant Director for Partnership and Development of the China and Global Development Network; and Dr Alpha LAM, Lecturer in the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Assistant Programme Leader of the bachelor’s programme in Social Work.

The workshop examined how the professional experience of social workers can become a foundation for research and how the knowledge generated through practice can improve the quality of social services. This question is particularly relevant to social work, where practitioners make decisions in complex situations involving personal safety, family interests, organisational requirements and professional responsibility.

Professor Hok Bun KU presented the methodological foundations of practice research. He explained that research questions can emerge directly from professional activity and that the experience accumulated by practitioners can become a source of systematic knowledge.

Researchers, social workers, organisations, local communities and service users can all participate in developing this knowledge. Their collaboration helps define social problems more accurately, evaluate the outcomes of programmes and develop responses that reflect people’s actual needs.

Dr Alpha LAM continued the discussion by addressing professional reflection. His presentation focused on the ability of practitioners to examine their actions, test their initial assumptions and revise decisions when new circumstances emerge. Participants considered reflection during professional action as well as the review of completed work.

The practical session centred on a situation involving a father and child seeking emergency shelter. Participants discussed how to protect the child, respect the family’s wish to remain together, follow the organisation’s rules and fulfil the professional responsibilities of a social worker. The discussion demonstrated that professional practice does not always offer a ready-made solution. Effective support requires knowledge of professional standards, attention to the person’s perspective, an understanding of the social context and the ability to explain the reasoning behind a decision. The workshop also examined sources that can be used in practice research. These included case records, needs assessments, meeting minutes, incident reports, professional supervision materials, reflective journals and feedback forms.

Systematic analysis of these materials makes it possible to assess social work outcomes, understand how professional decisions are made and identify the approaches that best respond to the needs of individuals, families and communities.

The workshop continued the cooperation between KazNU and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Established in 2024, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University-Al Farabi Kazakh National University Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia brings together the research and educational capacity of both universities to examine issues relevant to the region, support early-career researchers and introduce evidence-informed approaches into professional practice.

These discussions directly reflected the mission of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University-Al Farabi Kazakh National University Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia. Strengthening a research culture in social work contributes to better professional education, more responsive support for individuals and families in vulnerable circumstances, and greater accountability within social institutions. In this way, the workshop advanced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education, reduced inequalities, strong institutions and international partnerships through concrete academic and professional cooperation.

The international workshop connected academic knowledge with the realities of professional social work. It enabled participants to consider professional experience as a valid source of research and to discuss how research findings can be used to improve support for individuals, families and local communities.