LESSONS OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: THE SIGNIFICANCE IN THE RENEWAL OF SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS
One of the key priorities of the modern education system is the creation of an inclusive environment that enables each learner to fully realize their individual potential. In this regard, the faculty members of the Department of Turkic Studies and History of Eastern Countries at the Faculty of Oriental Studies of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University completed an 80-hour professional development course titled “Inclusive Education”, organized by the Institute for Advanced Training and Continuing Education from September 22 to October 4, 2025.
The course covered modern models and principles of inclusive education. Participants explored comparative aspects of inclusive education systems in Europe and Kazakhstan, methodological approaches to assessing the academic progress of students with special educational needs, and the practical application of the “Mixed Letters” method in inclusive learning environments.
Special attention was devoted to creating a psychologically safe and supportive atmosphere in inclusive classrooms, defining the main tasks and functions of pedagogical supervision. The main focus areas included:
- Developing a culture of communication and empathy within inclusive settings;
- Enhancing interpersonal interaction and mutual understanding;
- Understanding the principle: “Every person is a unique individual. Listen and try to understand them – this is the first step toward inclusion.”
Inclusive education is not merely about accommodating students with special needs; it represents a broader societal movement toward humanistic values, mutual respect, and the recognition of each individual’s uniqueness. In this sense, the course made a valuable contribution to the professional and personal growth of university educators, encouraging the renewal of pedagogical perspectives and the integration of inclusive values into teaching practice.
A deep understanding of inclusion principles and their consistent implementation in education mark an essential step toward the holistic development of individuals and the moral advancement of society.
A.T.Kyrkymbekova, A.Halel