At Abai University, the traditional Winter School on the theme “Winter School – 2026: Renewing Pedagogical Education and Developing Research Skills” continued its work. The event brought together vice‑rectors, deans of faculties, department heads, and academic staff.

Today, humanity is stepping into a new technological era — the era of artificial intelligence. The declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence” by President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev is a significant decision made in line with the demands of the time and global trends. This initiative is not accidental, as artificial intelligence, alongside the economy, medicine, and industry, is fundamentally transforming the content and format of the education system. In the field of pedagogy in particular, the role of AI is growing, bringing to the forefront the modernization of teaching methodologies, enhancement of professional competencies of educators, and development of a research culture. To prepare for these pressing challenges, the traditional Winter School at Abai University has been organized, featuring ongoing seminar‑trainings.

The main topic of the project focused on trends and challenges in the development of higher education in the age of artificial intelligence. The event was opened by the Vice‑Rector for Academic Affairs, Banu Narbekova, who outlined strategic directions for the future of pedagogical education. She spoke about global trends in higher education in the context of digitalization and artificial intelligence, and the impact of AI on the labor market and teacher preparation systems. She also discussed new models of teacher training, digital‑era professional competencies for educators, and ethical issues surrounding the use of AI in the educational process. Legislative changes in the country’s higher education sector and examples of international practices aimed at developing pedagogical education were also analyzed.

Within the Winter School, a psychological training session entitled “Building Professional Communication and Mutual Support through Creative Thinking” was held. The training was conducted by the Vice‑Rector for Social Development Makstat Zhakauov along with psychologists Saida Kosbay and Asel Jusipekova. Participants discussed psychological support for students and proposed ways to improve the quality of such services.

It should be noted that “Winter School – 2026” will continue in the coming days as a platform for professional discussions and experience exchange. It will broadly address new trends in pedagogy and current issues in education in the age of artificial intelligence, with various seminar‑training sessions on innovative topics scheduled.

Abai University Media Center