From intellectual games to quality education

On March 27, 2024 as part of teaching practice, 1st year doctoral students in the specialties “Chemistry”, “Petrochemistry”, “Chemical Engineering” of the Department of Physical Chemistry, Catalysis and Petrochemistry of the al-Farabi Kazakh National University together with the teaching staff of the department was organized the IV National Intellectual game "League of chemists". Students from various universities, representatives of seven teams took part in the game: Ideal (al-Farabi Kazakh National University), Osmium (KazNPU named after . Abay), H₂O (Kazakh National Medical University named after Asfendiyarov), The teachers (SDU), Dihydrogen Monoxide (Satbayev University), Quartet of Catalysts (al-Farabi KazNU), Crystal Minds (KBTU).

Thanks to the efforts of developers and doctoral students, the intellectual game was held at a high level. Necessary data, question bank, handouts, audience and necessary equipment for the event were prepared, and rest of the teams was provided during the break.

The game consisted of four rounds: introduction, blitz round, practical task, black box. Each tour had its own characteristics. Students showed interest and enthusiasm in learning chemistry and developing their scientific potential through active participation. During the event, students not only improved their knowledge of chemistry, but also demonstrated their intellectual abilities and competitiveness. The winners and participants of the game were awarded with cash prizes, letters of commendation and diplomas.

Thus, the necessary contribution was made to the education of students, their thinking was significantly expanded, which in general corresponds to the adopted sustainable development goals in the field of "SDG 4 - Quality education".

   The experience gained by doctoral students during the event will be a necessary basis for further continuation of games in this format and for the purpose of increasing the quality of education of students in future scientific and educational activities.