Nazarbayev University trained first ten teachers

The first party of teachers have completed a professional development course at the new Nazarbayev University in Astana that aims to offer a world-class education, a Tengrinews.kz journalist reports, citing the Communications Department of the University. March 16, 2011 the first party of teachers successfully completed a professional development course at Nazarbayev University. The 20-week course was provided to 10 teachers, 6 of whom teach at Nazarbayev intellectual schools for brightest children. All the ten people teach English as a second language. “The age of new technology and sweeping development of science calls for new teaching methods. A school teacher is no longer a person who possesses full knowledge. His or her mission is to teach methods of research, selection and analysis of information, rather than just provide information. These are skills each teacher should master him/herself”, the University’s Communications Departments quoted Christina Grey, Professional Development Program Director, as saying. From September 2010 to March 2011 the trainees were instructed in applying new technology in teaching. The teachers were exposed to new technology of ESL teaching: teaching reading, writing, listening and critical analysis skills. The teachers represent Aktobe, Astana, Semei and Kokshetau cities. The Professional Development Program was launched in September 2010 and seeks to instruct school teachers in applying best teaching practices. Nazarbayev University – named after Kazakhstan’s president, Nursultan Nazarbayev – will teach only in English, and at the early stage all of its professors will be foreigners. The school is working closely to develop its programs of study with elite foreign universities.