Today at Abai University, 4th-year students of the “Preschool Education and Upbringing” educational program defended their thesis projects for the first time in the Action Research and Lesson Study formats, moving away from the traditional model. The new modern innovative format was introduced in September 2025, and this year graduating students presented their research from a practical perspective.

Action Research is a type of informal research conducted by practitioner educators and aimed at solving specific pedagogical issues through cycles of planned actions, while Lesson Study is a research process focused on improving lessons through stages of collaborative planning, implementation, observation, and discussion. These approaches enabled students to demonstrate not only their theoretical knowledge, but also their practical inquiry, creativity, and professional competencies.

According to the Head of the Center for Pedagogical Innovations, UNESCO Chair holder, Professor Aiman Berikkhanova, the main distinction of the new format from the traditional thesis defense lies in its practice-oriented nature.

– Through the Action Research format, students master the intricacies of conducting pedagogical research. The uniqueness of this format is that learners are not limited to theoretical material alone; instead, they identify issues within a real educational environment and explore effective ways to solve them through practice. While traditional academic research often carries out practical analysis in a single direction, this format introduces a three-cycle research system in which results are analyzed and improved at every stage. This format not only develops students’ research culture, but also enhances their critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and reflective skills, – the professor noted.

As part of the thesis defense process in the new format, three mentor-researchers from each faculty of the university participated, providing students with methodological support and guidance throughout their research work. Today, 10 students presented the outcomes of their studies conducted in the new format.

During the defense, students demonstrated the results of practical research carried out in preschool organizations, addressing current issues such as children’s language development, creativity, cognitive activity, play-based learning, parent engagement, and inclusive education. In the interactive defense session, students presented presentations, video materials, and practical projects. Each study analyzed an identified issue and proposed effective solutions supported by concrete data. Members of the commission paid particular attention to the practical significance and methodological innovation of the projects.

“Abai University” Media Center