Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology

History

The Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology is a major educational, scientific, and methodological division of I. Arabaev Kyrgyz State University.

The goals and objectives of the institute include ensuring the quality of education that meets the requirements and criteria of state educational standards, implementing professional educational programs, conducting educational, methodological, and research activities, organizing independent study work for students and graduate students, training and retraining personnel, and providing professional development.

Educational and Methodological Work

The institute is widely recognized in the history of I. Arabaev KSU at the national level. For over 80 years, it has been training primary school teachers and preschool educators, and for more than 25 years – specialists for special schools and institutions (speech therapists, surdo-pedagogues, oligophrenopedagogues).

Scientific Research

The institute pays great attention to the training of scientific personnel, supervising master's, postgraduate, and doctoral students.

Members of the teaching staff serve on dissertation councils under the specialty 13.00.02 (Theory and methodology of teaching and education). For instance, Cand. Ped. Sc., Acting Professor D.K. Omurbaeva serves as the academic secretary for dissertation councils in the areas of Kyrgyz language and literature, and psychology; while Cand. Ped. Sc., Acting Professor G.K. Kazieva holds the same role for mathematics and computer science.

In addition to the educational process, the institute focuses on in-depth study in the areas of preschool pedagogy, child psychology, primary education, and special psychology, and coordination of forms and methods of teaching clinical psychology. Faculty members actively participate in various international seminars and training programs, and possess certifications for conducting trainings on interactive teaching methods.

International Relations

The Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology maintains long-standing partnerships with higher education institutions abroad, including:

• Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
• South Kazakhstan State Pedagogical Institute
• M.H. Dulaty Taraz Pedagogical University
• Nishan Pedagogical University (Guang, People’s Republic of China)

As well as international organizations: the international “Step by Step” association, “Save the Children” Foundation (UK), Open Society Institute (Hungary), “Health Institute”, “Biological and Social Foundations of Inclusion” – Pavlov Institute of Physiology (St. Petersburg), and universities in Konju and Mokwon (South Korea).

Material and Technical Facilities

The Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology is located in Academic Building No. 3 and is fully equipped with modern material and technical facilities, connected to a high-speed internet provider for academic use. The facilities include 4 interactive whiteboards, 4 panels, 8 projectors, 58 computers, and 21 laptops.

The multimedia center with high-speed internet provides excellent conditions for advanced education. There is a library offering full methodological support for the pedagogy and psychology specialties, a reading room, modern methodical rooms, Joomart Usubakunovich Baisalov Methodological Room, centers for rehabilitation, pedagogy, inter-university inclusive education, clinical psychology, and scientific laboratories dedicated to the legacy of Professor Karatay Sartbaev.

Additional resources include the Montessori Resource Center, 29 classrooms, 26 computers, and 2 computer labs.

Faculty

The teaching staff of the institute consists of 97 members, including 7 Doctors of Science, 44 Candidates of Science, and 19 Masters.

Distinguished educators who have worked at the Institute include Honored Teacher of the Kyrgyz Republic K.S. Sartbaev; Honored Educators of the Kyrgyz Republic Zh.K. Asanova and A. Muratalieva; Honored Scientist of the Kyrgyz Republic J.U. Baisalov; and educational scholars A. Aiylchiev, Zhunushaliev, B. Umuraliev, and T.K. Kaltaev. Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor J.U. Baisalov led the institute for several years and made a great contribution to its comprehensive development.

Today, the institute’s academic and practical activities are carried out by a team of experienced faculty, methodologists, and scholars.

Current Academic Programs and Structure

At present, the Institute offers programs under the “Pedagogy” specialty in the following majors:

• 550700 Primary Education;
• 550700 Preschool Education;
• 550700 Preschool and Primary Education;
• 550700 Oligophrenopedagogy;
• 550700 Surdopedagogy;
• 550700 Speech Therapy;
• 550700 Speech Therapy and Preschool Education;
• 550700 Speech Therapy and Primary Education;
• 550700 “Psychology” – Primary Education with additional professional training (based on an experimental curriculum)
• 550700 Primary Education (in English) (based on an experimental curriculum)

Students and graduate students study in both full-time and distance learning formats.

The Master's program, a structural subdivision of the Institute, was established in 2003 under the leadership of Prof. J.U. Baisalov (Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences), with the purpose of training specialized personnel in the field of pedagogical education.

Under specialty 550700, training is conducted in the following formats:

• 2 years (full-time)
• 2.5 years (part-time)

Currently, the Institute trains Master's students in:

• 550700 Primary Education

Faculty members regularly undergo internships and professional development courses in countries such as the Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, continually working to improve their professional qualifications.

Departments of the Institute

The Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology consists of 5 departments and 1 psychology division:

1. Department of Preschool Education Technology
2. Department of Kyrgyz and Russian Language Teaching Methods in Primary School
3. Department of Natural and Mathematical Knowledge and its Teaching Methods in Primary School
4. Department of Special Pedagogy and Psychocorrection
5. Department of Pedagogy
6. Psychology Division

Student Life

The Student Government of the Institute is elected annually and operates according to a set plan. Students and master's students actively participate in a wide range of student activities: KVN (comedy competitions), festivals, research projects, sports competitions, internships abroad, and initiatives involving the implementation of innovative technologies from model institutions.

Talented students from all programs contribute to the vibrant student community. Each year, some students receive the President’s Scholarship of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Leadership

The Institute (formerly Faculty) has been led by:

• Cand. Ped. Sc., Assoc. Prof. K. Zhunushbaev
• Cand. Ped. Sc., Assoc. Prof. A. Aiylchiev
• Cand. Phil. Sc., Assoc. Prof. K. Kenenbaeva
• Doctor of Ped. Sc., Prof. Sh. Aliev
• Cand. Ped. Sc., Assoc. Prof. A. Kasymov
• Cand. Ped. Sc., Assoc. Prof. K. Tilekeev
• Doctor of Ped. Sc., Prof. J. Baisalov
• Cand. Ped. Sc., Assoc. Prof. M. Onolbaev

Under the leadership of Prof. J.U. Baisalov, the Faculty of Pedagogy was transformed into the Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology, with the launch of the master’s division. Extensive efforts were made to strengthen the Institute’s infrastructure and expand international relations.

Currently, the Institute is led by Cand. Ped. Sc., Assoc. Prof. G.K. Kazieva, who actively works to increase student enrollment, improve faculty qualifications, and build international cooperation. Examples of this include the growth in student numbers and the organization of seminars and conferences in collaboration with Russian and Kazakhstani universities.

Total enrollment:

• 1,660 undergraduate students
• 460 graduate students

Honored Graduates

The Institute proudly celebrates its honored graduates who have received prestigious national titles. Among them are Apysh Koichumanov, a Hero of Socialist Labor who worked as a primary school teacher at the Kyzyl-Dyykan Secondary School in the At-Bashy district, and Simila Abdyrahmanova, a People's Teacher of the Kyrgyz Republic who has worked at the Kegeti Secondary School in the Chuy region.

To study and preserve the valuable pedagogical experience of these distinguished individuals, master's theses were written under the supervision of B.S. Chokosheva on the topics: “Exploring the Pedagogical Legacy of Hero of Socialist Labor Apysh Koichumanov” and “The Contribution of People's Teacher Simila Abdyrahmanova to Primary Education.”

The Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology has a rich and unique history, shaped by dedicated teacher-scholars who made significant contributions to the education of younger generations, devoting their knowledge, experience, love, and many years of their lives to the future generations.

Department of Preschool Education Technology

The Department of Preschool Pedagogy and Psychology at I. Arabaev KSU was established in 1963 as part of the V.V. Mayakovsky Kyrgyz Women's Pedagogical Institute.

Distinguished educators such as Honored Educator of the Kyrgyz Republic Zh.K. Asanova, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor M.R. Rakhimova, Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Professor Zh.M. Jumalieva, Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor N.N. Palagina contributed significantly to the department's development.

For many years, the department was led by Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Acting Professor T.A. Orusbaeva, who carried out extensive work.

The department has been the initiator of many positive initiatives in the field of preschool education at the national level. Its members have trained caregivers for collective kindergartens throughout the country, which now operate alongside traditional preschools.

The department has collaborated with the Roza Otunbaeva Initiative Foundation, the Aga Khan Foundation, EISF, the Soros Foundation, and UNICEF. In 2008, it won a project titled "Early Childhood Development in Collective Kindergartens", funded by the Asian Development Bank. As part of the project, 250 caregivers and 25 trainers were trained in three regions on OECD issues.

In 2013, the department established the “Unikum” Children's Educational Center as a base for regular day-time and remote student teaching internship. A special laboratory for students specializing in preschool education was also created.

The “Mobile Kindergarten” project was developed by the department to support the Kyrgyz Republic’s Education Development Program (2021–2040).

Faculty members actively participated in the “Government Accelerators” program organized by the President's Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic. As part of the challenge "Reducing Barriers in Access to Preschool Education and Increasing Coverage", seminars were held for aspiring entrepreneurs, with the goal of opening over 700 kindergartens across the country.

Department members are trained in various international teaching methods, including Sanitary Pedagogy, Montessori Method, Global Education, Inclusive Education, Waldorf Pedagogy, Critical Thinking, Step by Step, and the Zaitseva Method.

The department played a key role in implementing the “Childhood” 240-hour program across Kyrgyz schools (since 2015) and the “Nariste” 480-hour school readiness program. (Lecturers Т.А. Orusbaeva, N.К. Tungatarova, D.К. Sadykbekova, Master’s students А. Kamalova, G. Rasulova)

Department members have developed textbooks such as “Music” for grades 5 and 6 and teaching manuals for primary school teachers (A. M. Muratova, K. Zh. Artykov), including the musical anthology “Sing, Little One” for preschoolers.

Faculty members include:

• Acting Professor T.A. Orusbaeva
• Cand. Ped. Sc., Associate Professors: E.K. Omuralieva, N.K. Tungatarova, T.A. Ashimbaeva, A.M. Muratova
• Senior Lecturers: M. Kalasalieva, S.B. Zhumagulova
• Master of Pedagogy: E.B. Tentieva

All are Excellence in Education awardees, recipients of Honored Educator medals (as per I. Arabaev KSU Academic Council), letters of commendation, and diplomas for scientific and pedagogical contributions.

Department of Pedagogy

The Department of Pedagogical and Psychological Disciplines began operation in 1952 alongside the establishment of I. Arabaev Kyrgyz State Pedagogical University.

Over its 70+ year history, it has been led by prominent figures such as G.F. Saifullin, B.A. Akmoldoev, T.V. Tashevskaya, Sh.Zh. Januzakov, Kh.A. Kalimov, M.R. Rakhimova, and T.V. Pankova.

Sh.Zh. Januzakov, during his tenure, authored works promoting morality and patriotism among youth. He was succeeded by Kh.A. Kalimov, a Great Patriotic War veteran, who devoted himself to public education. Kh.A. Kalimov wrote over 100 scientific works and supervised the defense of 8 dissertations on labor education in rural schools. A rural school in village of Alexandrovka of Chuy Region is named after him.

In 1981–2003, the department was led by M.R. Rakhimova, Honored Educator of the Kyrgyz Republic, Laureate of the I. Arabaev Prize, Member of the Academy of Pedagogical and Social Sciences, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor. Under the leadership of M.R. Rakhimova, the members of the department worked fruitfully to find practical ways and methods of training personnel of the future 21st century for the teaching. Under her leadership, 3 doctoral and over 20 candidate dissertations were defended.

In 2003–2008, the department was led by Doctor of Philosophy, Professor T.V. Pankova. More than 10 postgraduate students defended dissertations during her term.

Notable contributors to the department include: A.A. Aiylchiev, B.D. Khasanov, T.D. Derbishaliev, N.K. Fatkulina, K. Kenebaev, A.I. Ysykeev, P.D. Dadabaeva, A.G. Tulegenova, and L.A. Losanova.

Prominent graduates include: N.I. Imaeva, M.A. Abdykerimov, E.T. Toksonbaeva, T.A. Orusbaeva, R.I. Kurmankhodzhoyeva, Zh.M. Jumalieva, A.T. Arzygulova, A.T. Kaltybaeva – all of whom helped write state education standards and curricula.

In 2009–2023, the department was headed by Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor A.T. Kaltybaeva. Under her guidance, 33 candidates of pedagogical sciences were trained. The department has achieved many successes, the personnel potential has increased. She also brought in esteemed scholars such as Doctors of Pedagogical Sciences J.K. Kanimetov, A.Zh. Muratov, and K.K. Akmatov. 3 doctors of sciences, more than 10 candidates of sciences have been trained and are successfully working at the department. Ornok Amanovich Smanbayev successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, several of his graduate students are working on the dissertation, candidates of pedagogical sciences Toksonbayeva E.T., Pak S.N., Esengulova M.M.

Currently, the department supervises:

• 70 postgraduate students;
• 93 PhD candidates;
• 40+ master’s students from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

In the 2022–2023 academic year, the Department of Pedagogy ranked #1, and A.T. Kaltybaeva was awarded "Professor of the Year." The staff of the department, along with teachers-mentors, consists of young scientists and teachers.

Department of Psychology

Currently, the department trains specialists in the field of psychology under two educational levels:

• Bachelor's (530300 – Psychology): Practical psychologist specialization
• Master's:
  • Educational Psychology
  • Management Psychology
  • Military Psychology
  • Pedagogical Psychology and Special Education

The year 1986 marked the development of psychology as an independent science in Kyrgyzstan. That year, independent psychology departments began to appear in higher education institutions, laying the groundwork for both theoretical and applied advancements in the field.

In 2002, I. Arabaev KSPU established its Department of Psychology by rector’s decree under Prof. A.A. Asankanov. As of July 1, 2002 (Order №178), Zh. Jumalieva was appointed acting head of the department. In 2004, based on the Academic Council's decision and Order №25/5, she was officially appointed department head.

Key faculty included:

• Cand. Ped. Sc., Assoc. Prof. A.I. Ysykeev (1930–2011), who defended his doctoral dissertation in 2008
• Cand. Psych. Sc., Assoc. Prof. Zh. Jumalieva
• Cand. Psych. Sc., Assoc. Prof. T.A. Konurbaev
• Senior Lecturer and practicing psychologist K.M. Kozhogeldieva (defended her candidate dissertation in 2009)
• Senior Lecturers: B.U. Asanalieva and
• A.S. Kozhogeldiev (Masters of Psychology and practicing psychologists)

The department’s autonomy significantly increased the teaching staff’s research and practical productivity.

In 2003, with the support of the Institute’s Director, Prof. Zh. Baisalov, a master’s program in Educational Psychology was launched. Later, the Management Psychology program was also introduced.

The department is involved in providing psychological services to military personnel, combining theory and practice in their approach.

From 2002 to 2024, the department has produced numerous psychology textbooks and methodological guidelines in both Russian and Kyrgyz, contributing to the growth of the field in Kyrgyzstan.

Department of Mathematics and Its Teaching Methods in Primary School

The Department of Mathematics and Its Teaching Methods is a graduating department responsible for training specialists.

Before 1992, mathematics instructors were part of the Methodology of Primary Education department. Faculty included: P. Imanbekov, K. Ibraimov.

In 1992, the Department of Natural and Mathematical Sciences was established under Sh.A. Aliev, with key faculty: T. Kalmurzaeva, M. Dootalieva, T.O. Kyzalakova, T.K. Kaltaev, Zh.S. Konurbaeva, D. Urstambekov, O. Tulabaev.

From 1994 to 1999, the department was headed by Assoc. Prof. T.K. Kaltaev. It included Associate Professors Sh.A. Aliev, M. Zhakypbekov, T.O. Kyzalakova, Lecturers G. Seyitkaziev, Zh.S. Konurbayeva, U. Tolebekov, and others.

In 1999, the department merged with “Pedagogy and Psychology of Primary Education,” led by Assoc. Prof. T.A. Orusbaeva.

In February 2002, the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in Primary Education was created at the Pedagogical Faculty. It was headed by K.M. Tilekeev, Cand. Ped. Sc., assoc. Prof. From March 2003 it became the Department of Mathematics and Its Teaching Technology, led by M.T. Murzaev and then Assoc. Prof. N.I. Ibraeva (2003–2008).

Distinguished faculty include:

• Cand. Ped. Sc., Laureate of the State Prize of the Kyrgyz Republic, Honored Teacher of the KR, and author of primary school math textbooks, Acting Prof. N.I. Ibraeva
• Honored Scientist of the KR, Prof. J.U. Baisalov (over 210 publications)
• Cand. Ped. Sc., T.K. Kaltaev

In 2008–2011 headed by Assoc. Prof. M.B. Onolbaev.
In 2011–2023: Assoc. Prof. G.K. Kazieva.

In 2016, the department was renamed to Natural and Mathematical Knowledge and Their Teaching Methods in Primary School, with subjects like Homeland Studies added.

Faculty includes:

• Acting Prof. G.K. Kazieva
• Honored Prof. Zh.S. Konurbayeva
• Assoc. Professors: M.B. Onolbaev, G.I. Azhimambetova, G.O. Kasymaliev, E.S. Seytalieva
• Senior Lecturers: M. Uzakova, T.T. Murzaev
• Instructors: A. Konushbaeva, Aizada Zhoomart kyzy
• Senior Lab Technician: N.K. Kanatbekova

In 2023–2024, the department is led by Cand. Ped. Sc., Assoc. Prof. M.K. Uzakova.

Faculty are certified international trainers, participating in projects such as USAID’s Quality Education, Step by Step, GIZ’s Multilingual Early Grade Math Assessment (EGMA), and Learning is Great!

Publications include:

1. Kazieva G.K. – Theoretical Foundations of Elementary Mathematics (2015)
2. Seytalieva E.S., Kasymaliev G.O. – Theoretical Foundations of Elementary Mathematics (2021)
3. Baisalov J.U., Seytalieva E.S., Kasymaliev G.O. – Practice in Solving Math Problems (2021)
4. Uzakova M.K., Kazieva G.K. – Modernizing the School Mathematics Curriculum (2022)
5. Kazieva G.K., Uzakova M.K., Kanatbekova N.K., A. Zhoomart kyzy – Assessment Toolkit for Grades 1–4 (2022)

All the staff of the department carried out research, educational and methodological work, and took an active part in the social activities of the Institute and the I. Arabaev KSU.

Department of Kyrgyz and Russian Language Teaching in Primary School

This is a key graduating department of the Institute, responsible for training future teachers of Kyrgyz and Russian languages.

The faculty includes experienced scholars and methodologists:

• Doctors of Pedagogical Sciences: B.S. Chokosheva, V.I. Musaeva, A.R. Akunova
• Candidates of Sciences: R.T. Satylganova, M. Raimbekova, D.K. Omurbaeva, M.R. Nurkulova, M.A. Kukanova, N.K. Segizbaeva, N.E. Abdrayeva, D.Sh. Myrzadairova

Notable past faculty: Honored Teachers of the KR K.S. Sartbaev, S. Konduchalova, and Honored Educator A. Muratalieva.

The department's main goal is to strengthen students’ knowledge in Kyrgyz and Russian, train them in effective methods, and develop their moral and personal qualities.

Faculty actively participate in projects of national universities and international organizations like USAID, UNICEF, and Soros-Kyrgyzstan.

They cooperate with language departments at:

• K. Tynystanov Issyk-Kul State University
• S. Naamatov Naryn State University
• A. Osmonov Jalal-Abad State University

Honors and awards:

• B.S. Chokosheva, D.K. Omurbaeva, M. Raimbekova – Honored Educators of I. Arabaev KSU
• M.R. Nurkulova – Best Teacher
• V.I. Musaeva – Best University Associate Professor

Publications include:

1. Chokosheva B.S. – Methods of Teaching Kyrgyz in Primary School (2022); New Educational Technology; Assessment in Primary School (2023)
2. Musaeva V.I. – Methods of Upbringing, Speech Stylistics (2021–2022)
3. Nurkulova M.R., Omurbaeva D.K. – Modern Russian Language (2022), Russian Through Pictures (2017), Phonetics Manual (2017)
4. Omurbaeva D.K., Nurkulova M.R. – Russian Language Textbook for Primary School (2020)
5. Chokosheva B.S., Akunova A.R. – Kyrgyz Language Teaching Kit for Primary School
6. Omurbaeva D.K., Musaeva V.I. – Authors of the textbook Adep ("Etiquette")

Department of Special Pedagogy and Psychocorrection

Since 1984, this department has trained special education teachers. Alongside experienced educators, younger instructors with clinical and pedagogical experience are actively involved.

The department focuses on developing an innovative, activity-based infrastructure and collaborates with special education institutions, rehab centers, research institutes, and medical organizations.

Faculty participate in projects funded by:

• Asian Development Bank
• World Bank
• UNICEF
• USAID
• Soros Foundation
• FECA
• Ural State Pedagogical University
• Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University
• Kongju National University (South Korea)

They attend internships, forums, conferences, and workshops and conduct professional development courses for teachers in special schools and preschools across Kyrgyzstan.

Faculty includes:

• Head: Z.B. Japarova, Cand. Ped. Sc., Assoc. Prof.
• N.S. Bykovchenko – Cand. Ped. Sc., Honored Professor
• K.M. Tilekeev – Cand. Ped. Sc., Assoc. Prof.
• S.D. Sakimbaeva – Cand. Med. Sc., Assoc. Prof.
• N.D. Kishikova – Cand. Med. Sc., Assoc. Prof.
• A.Kh. Amankanova – Surdopedagogue, Senior Lecturer, Master of Psychology
• I.A. Khludeeva – Surdopedagogue, Lecturer, Master of Pedagogy
• M.I. Begimkulova – Defectologist, Lecturer
• L.S. Protsenko – Surdopedagogue, Lecturer
• A.U. Kyzylzharov – Surdopedagogue, Lecturer

The department has trained thousands of oligophrenopedagogues, surdopedagogues, and speech therapists. Graduates work in specialized kindergartens, schools, and medical rehabilitation centers in Kyrgyzstan and abroad.

Current programs include:

• Bachelor’s in Pedagogy: Surdopedagogy, Oligophrenopedagogy, Speech Therapy;
• Master’s in Special Pedagogy.