200 Years of Inspiration: Ushinsky and Modern Education

On March 6, 2024, Professor S.B. Begaliyeva   delivered the  lecture for master’s and PhD students at the Center for Russian Language and Culture of the Philology Faculty at al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The lecture was devoted to  the 200th anniversary of the birth of the educator and write, K.D. Ushinsky.

K.D. Ushinsky’s most significant contribution lies in his outstanding impact on education and pedagogy. He formulated ideas for organizing the educational process based on the development of individual learning characteristics, emphasizing practical learning and upbringing. Ushinsky aspired to create a harmonious education system that fostered the development of an individual's unique abilities.

K.D. Ushinsky, a Russian educator, writer, and pioneer of scientific pedagogy in Russia, authored an effective pedagogical system, numerous scientific works, and children’s literature such as “Rodnoe Slovo” (Native Word), “Detskiy Mir” (Children's World - an anthology), “Veter i Solntse” (Wind and Sun - a famous Greek tale translated by Ushinsky), and others.

Ushinsky’s literary work is a remarkable manifestation of the multifaceted nature of his talent. His works, including “Detskiy Mir,” “Rodnoe Slovo,” and “Veter i Solntse,” aim to introduce children to the basics of sciences, establishing a connection between science and life. The goal of his books is to provide younger students with a comprehensive understanding of the world, aiding in the development of their cognitive abilities.

In his writings, Ushinsky pays significant attention to folklore, discussing moral values and beliefs. His books for children's reading are unprecedented in both Russian and foreign literature, showcasing Ushinsky as an innovator in this field.

K.D. Ushinsky’s literary  works on children stand out for their subtle psychological insight, delivering life lessons within the framework of life itself. His children's literature serves as a vast encyclopedia of knowledge, high morality, and folk wisdom.

As part of their academic task, the master’s students were given a task  to conduct research and analyze the pedagogical ideas of K.D. Ushinsky and present it in the form of a presentation.

The the Center's Director, S.B. Begaliyeva, and second-year PhD student A.S. Zhunisbayeva .