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On November 5, 2025, AIU hosted an interuniversity scientific-methodological seminar titled “Modern Approaches to Developing Critical Thinking Skills of Future Computer Science Teachers.” The event was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person participation with an online ZOOM session. Representatives of pedagogical universities from across Kazakhstan, as well as international partners including Columbia University (USA), took part in the seminar.

The purpose of the seminar was to share experience, teaching methods, and best practices aimed at developing critical thinking among future computer science teachers, and to discuss opportunities for using artificial intelligence technologies and educational simulators in teacher training.

The plenary session was moderated by Zamira Dzhuraevna Baubekova, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor of the Pedagogical Institute of AIU.

Speakers included:
• Irina Lyublinskaya, Professor of Mathematics and Education, PhD (Columbia University, USA)  “Critical Thinking in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.”
• Zamira Dzhuraevna Baubekova, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, AIU  “Critical Thinking as a 21st Century Competence: Challenges and Formation Practices.”
• Saule Kairollovna Damekova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, AIU  “Integration of an AI-Based Critical Thinking Simulator into Teacher Training.”
• Nursaule Karelhan, PhD, Acting Associate Professor of the Department of Informatics, L.N. Gumilyov ENU  “Effective Use of Supercomputers and Parallel Computing Clusters in Machine Learning.”
• Dmitry Vasilievich Mukharsky, Senior Lecturer, Sh. Ualikhanov University  “Architecture of an AI Simulator for Developing Critical Thinking Skills in Future Teachers.”
• Yerlan Bagentaevich Badilov, Master’s Student, AIU  “Using Agent-Based Technologies to Create an Interactive Educational Simulator.”
• Asel Tleuberlikyzy Azamatova, Lecturer at Turan-Astana University  “Designing Formative and Summative Assessment in an Intelligent Simulation Environment.”

Following the discussion, participants received certificates, and it was decided to publish an electronic collection of seminar materials along with a photo and video presentation.

AIU continues to strengthen academic collaboration and develop innovative educational technologies aimed at preparing competitive, critically thinking, and digitally literate teachers.

On October 25, 2025, within the framework of the “New Kazakhstan Patriotism” project dedicated to the Republic Day, a national competition titled “Best Student” was organized to promote youth policy and support creative ideas and new initiatives of talented young people.
Aigerim Bakytkyzy Akimova, a 2nd-year student majoring in Recreational Geography and Tourism at Astana International University, and her supervisor Adilkhan Armanovich Smailov were awarded as First Degree Winners.

“Analysis of the Problems of Higher Education in the Republic of Kazakhstan”

During the educational process at the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University, modern pedagogical approaches and innovative teaching technologies are actively implemented.

One of the examples of such effective practice was a binary lecture on
“Analysis of the Problems of Higher Education in the Republic of Kazakhstan”,
conducted by the institute’s lecturers  Zamira Dzhuraevna Baubekova and Nina Vasilievna Vlasova.

The lecturers integrated two academic subjects  “Education: Global Vision” and “Emotional Intelligence”, setting clear goals, objectives, and key concepts to be mastered by students, as well as outlining the expected learning outcomes.

The session employed modern pedagogical technologies such as communicative, student-centered, and interactive methods, which enhanced student engagement and made the learning process more dynamic and productive.

The lecture was attended by Associate Professor of the Pedagogical Institute, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences Assan Tuksanbayev, who noted the high professional level of the lecturers, the relevance of the topic, and the effective use of interactive teaching methods.

The binary lecture format allowed students to explore the challenges of modern higher education from multiple perspectives and demonstrated the practical value of integrating disciplines in the training of future educators.

On October 31, 2025, the Department of Natural Sciences of the Pedagogical Institute at Astana International University held a solemn induction ceremony for first-year students of the “Geography” program.

The main goal of the event was to support students’ adaptation to university life, foster a spirit of patriotism and enthusiasm for knowledge, and promote interaction and friendship between junior and senior students.

During the ceremony, the Head of the Department and faculty members delivered congratulatory speeches and wished students success in their studies.
Senior students showcased their creativity through musical and artistic performances.

Freshmen took the traditional oath, after which a second-year student presented them with the symbolic “Golden Globe.” From that moment, they officially became full members of the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University.

This memorable day marked the beginning of a new journey toward professional growth and scientific discovery for the young geographers.

Astana International University has strengthened its position in the international educational landscape, ranking 73rd among 455 Central Asian universities in the QS Asia Rankings 2026.

This is a significant achievement for a young university, which in just seven years has become one of the region's recognized leaders and entered the top 1500 universities in the world for the first time according to the QS Asia Rankings 2026.

By ranking 73rd in QS Central Asia, Astana International University has confirmed its ambition to become a leading university in Kazakhstan and the region, focused on quality, innovation, and international cooperation. This is the result of consistent strategic development, the professionalism of its team, and the trust of its students who choose a modern, world-class education.

AIU's primary mission and development strategy are to improve the quality of education, develop scientific research, and expand international integration.

 For reference: QS Rankings (Quacquarelli Symonds) is one of the most authoritative global university rankings. Its indicators serve as a benchmark for students, faculty, and international partners, reflecting the level of academic and research performance of universities.

At the beginning of the conversation, the President highlighted that the opening of the university's branch in Astana was another visible embodiment of the highly fruitful Kazakh-Chinese cooperation, contributing to the strengthening of humanitarian ties and the formation of intellectual bridges between the countries.

During the meeting, issues related to the development of artificial intelligence technologies, cooperation in the scientific and educational field, and the training of qualified linguists and sinologists were discussed.

In turn, Duan Peng spoke about the prospects of implementing joint projects in the field of applied linguistics and digital learning.

For reference:

The BLCU (Beijing Language and Culture University) brand campus was officially opened on July 3, 2024 with the participation of the heads of state of Kazakhstan and China on the basis of Astana International University. During the year of operation, the Brand Campus has already successfully graduated 85 graduates of the Foundation language course. Currently, it has 240 students who are future teachers and translators of the Chinese language.

The main objectives and goals of BLCU Kazakhstan are to teach Chinese according to international standards in Kazakhstan, develop bilateral cultural exchange, and train highly qualified specialists in the field of language education, translation, and intercultural communication.

Using BLCU's unique methodology, it is planned that after completing one year of study, students will be able to take the HSK specialized Chinese language exam and enroll in the 3+1 double-degree bachelor's degree program.

In the future, it is planned to launch master's degree programs, which will expand academic opportunities and train highly qualified specialists.

On November 3, 2025, Astana International University hosted a meeting with the Ambassador of the European Union to Kazakhstan, the Deputy Ambassador of the EU, and the First Counselor of the Embassy of France in Kazakhstan. Following the meeting, a special documentary was screened for university students as part of the 2025 European Film Festival.

The event was organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan jointly with the Embassy of the French Republic. AIU students, faculty, and management also participated.

Audience members were treated to a documentary by French directors Cedric Grasse and Christophe Reyla, "Aral Sea. Syr Darya: From Steppes to Meadows," which reflects the environmental situation and cultural heritage of the Aral region. The film emphasizes the need for careful management of natural resources and maintaining harmony between people and the environment. Following the screening, an open discussion took place, during which participants exchanged views on the region's environmental challenges, the rational use of water resources, and the preservation of traditional economic culture.

The event, held at the AIU, became a significant part of the 2025 European Film Festival and aims to raise environmental awareness among young people and strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties between the European Union and Kazakhstan.

On October 30-31, 2025, a meeting of the Scientific Council at the Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the right to award academic degrees was held in Tashkent. Anar Bazarovna Myrzagalieva, doctor of biological sciences, professor, first vice-president of the International University of Astana, took part in the session of the Academic Council.

During the session, the doctoral dissertation of Abdurayimov Ozodbek Sultankulovich entitled “Wild Relatives of Cultivated Plants in the Flora of Uzbekistan: Distribution, Population Status, and Natural Resources” was considered for the degree of Doctor of Biological Sciences in the specialty 03.00.05 – Botany.

Anar Bazarovna Myrzagaliyeva was approved as an official opponent for this dissertation and presented a comprehensive official review, providing a thorough assessment of the relevance of the topic, the degree of scientific novelty, and the theoretical and practical significance of the obtained results.

The participation of A.B. Myrzagaliyeva in the meeting of the Scientific Council contributed to further strengthening of scientific ties and development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as to the exchange of experience in the study and conservation of plant diversity in Central Asia.

On October 30, 2025, in accordance with the development plan of the educational program “Biology” of the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University, a master class titled “Assessment of Learning. Assessment for Learning” was held. The event aimed to develop the professional competencies of senior students preparing for their teaching practice.

          The master teacher of School-Gymnasium No. 70 in Astana, Serikkaysha Kabylgazynovna Sagatbekova, shared her knowledge and practical experience in designing short-term lesson plans using tools of formative and summative assessment. She is the recipient of the “Best Teacher – 2016” title and the Y. Altynsarin Medal.

          Future teachers learned about the specifics of the 10-point formative assessment scale, completed various tasks, and, through tools of self- and peer-assessment based on criteria and descriptors, provided feedback to each other—sharpening their skills in assessing students’ achievements and developing short-term lesson plans. Participants also demonstrated strong reflective analysis of their own assessment practices.

          The event contributed to enhancing the pedagogical mastery of our students, as evidenced by the collaborative environment skillfully created by the master teacher and the excellent feedback from all participants.

          We express our sincere gratitude to Serikkaysha Kabylgazynovna and look forward to further fruitful cooperation!

On November 1, 2025, Duan Peng, President of Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), visited the university branch opened at Astana International University (AIU).

The event was attended by AIU leadership, BLCU representatives in Kazakhstan, faculty, and students.

Astana International University President Serik Irsaliev introduced the guest to the classrooms, discussed the university's activities, and outlined plans for further infrastructure development and comfortable conditions for students.

During the visit, President Duan Peng met with the faculty and students of the BLCU branch. The parties discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation between the universities in education and training Chinese language specialists. The partnership between AIU and BLCU opens new opportunities for students to receive a high-quality education and improve their language skills. The successful implementation of joint educational programs is expected to be an important step in strengthening cultural and educational ties, and will also contribute to the expansion of cooperation between Kazakhstan and China in the academic, political, and economic spheres.