On 19 October 2026, Amber Ward, PhD, Professor at Florida State University, USA, arrived at the Faculty of Arts of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University for a teaching and research visit. Scheduled to continue until 19 November, the visit aims to strengthen international academic cooperation, facilitate the exchange of expertise in art education, and enhance students’ research and creative skills.

As part of the visit, Dr Ward delivered a guest lecture for students entitled “The Origins of Folk Schools and the ‘Living Word’: A History of Danish and American Folk Schools Founded on Democratic Principles and Non-Competitive Learning.” The lecture explored the emergence and development of folk schools, democratic values in education, individual freedom and development, and the creation of learning environments grounded in mutual support. Through the concept of the “living word,” particular attention was given to the educational importance of open dialogue between teachers and students, spoken exchanges of ideas, and the sharing of life experiences.

The visit programme includes lectures and practical sessions on art education and qualitative research methods. These activities focus on examining art teaching practices, investigating creative processes, and understanding students’ individual experiences and perspectives. The sessions will help strengthen the connection between teaching practice and research.

The creative component of the programme includes “Woven Journeys,” a workshop dedicated to textile practices. The workshop is intended to introduce participants to the artistic possibilities of textile materials, encourage creative thinking through hands-on engagement with materials, and explore ways of expressing personal experiences through art.

In addition, Dr Ward will provide research consultations for master’s and doctoral students and conduct seminars for faculty members. These meetings will focus on refining research topics, discussing methodological approaches, and strengthening scholarly work in art education. The programme also includes work towards joint research articles on art pedagogy.

The scholar is among the international academics invited from leading universities outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University as part of the implementation of Order No. 242 of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dated May 21, 2026.

Amber Ward’s teaching and research visit to the Faculty of Arts offers students and faculty opportunities to engage with international practices and expand their academic and creative connections. The planned activities will contribute to the enhancement of art education and the development of long-term academic partnerships.