GSE Research Overview
At GSE, we are dedicated to advancing social transformation and human capital development in education through cutting-edge, evidence-based research. We focus on transforming policies, promoting inclusivity, fostering innovation, driving positive change, and supporting quality education in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and beyond.
Our research is centered on four key priority areas:
Transformative Higher Education
1
We explore ways to address the challenges and opportunities in improving higher education policies, governance, and practices, enhancing career development, research capacity, and international collaboration.
● University Policy and Governance
● Employability and Career Development
● Research Capacity Development
● Internationalization of Higher Education
● Study Abroad and Faculty Mobility
How does our research contribute to the development of educational policy and practice?
Our research into Transformative Higher Education directly supports the development of higher education policy and practice by offering evidence-based insights into governance, employability, research capacity, and international collaboration. Our studies on University Policy and Governance contribute to creating more responsive and effective management structures within universities, aligning with national goals for higher education reform and sustainability. Through research on Employability and Career Development, we inform policy frameworks that enhance graduates' readiness for the workforce, equipping them with the skills to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy. Research Capacity Development initiatives support Kazakhstan’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for innovation and scholarly contribution by promoting research training and collaborative projects. Finally, our work on the Internationalization of Higher Education and Study Abroad programs provides guidance for policies that facilitate faculty and student mobility, foster global partnerships, and enhance Kazakhstan's engagement in the global academic community. Collectively, these research efforts lay the foundation for policies that strengthen the country's higher education system, ensuring it is adaptable, globally connected, and prepared to meet both current and future educational demands.
● University Policy and Governance
● Employability and Career Development
● Research Capacity Development
● Internationalization of Higher Education
● Study Abroad and Faculty Mobility
How does our research contribute to the development of educational policy and practice?
Our research into Transformative Higher Education directly supports the development of higher education policy and practice by offering evidence-based insights into governance, employability, research capacity, and international collaboration. Our studies on University Policy and Governance contribute to creating more responsive and effective management structures within universities, aligning with national goals for higher education reform and sustainability. Through research on Employability and Career Development, we inform policy frameworks that enhance graduates' readiness for the workforce, equipping them with the skills to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy. Research Capacity Development initiatives support Kazakhstan’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for innovation and scholarly contribution by promoting research training and collaborative projects. Finally, our work on the Internationalization of Higher Education and Study Abroad programs provides guidance for policies that facilitate faculty and student mobility, foster global partnerships, and enhance Kazakhstan's engagement in the global academic community. Collectively, these research efforts lay the foundation for policies that strengthen the country's higher education system, ensuring it is adaptable, globally connected, and prepared to meet both current and future educational demands.
Quality Education for All
2
Our work aims to ensure quality education for all by addressing equity, diversity, and barriers to learning in education settings, as well as fostering inclusive practices for all students, with a focus on marginalized and underrepresented groups.
● Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
● Disability, SEN, and Barriers to Learning
● Gifted Education and Talent Development
● Collaborative Learning and Partnerships
How does our research contribute to the development of educational policy and practice?
Our pursuit of Quality Education for All is integral to advancing equitable and inclusive educational practices in Kazakhstan. By examining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, our research informs policies that promote fair access to educational resources and help schools adopt practices that accommodate diverse learning needs, supporting marginalized groups and underrepresented communities. Studies on Disability, Special Educational Needs (SEN), and Barriers to Learning shed light on systemic obstacles faced by students, providing actionable insights for policymakers to develop inclusive programs and ensure that schools are equipped to meet the needs of all learners. In Gifted Education and Talent Development, we advocate for policies and practices that recognize and nurture exceptional talents, emphasizing the importance of specialized support and resources to help advanced students reach their full potential. Research on Collaborative Learning and Partnerships promotes educational approaches that encourage partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations, fostering environments that support all learners. Through these avenues, our research shapes policies that make quality education accessible to every child, contributing to the national goal of inclusive education that aligns with global standards of equality and human rights.
● Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
● Disability, SEN, and Barriers to Learning
● Gifted Education and Talent Development
● Collaborative Learning and Partnerships
How does our research contribute to the development of educational policy and practice?
Our pursuit of Quality Education for All is integral to advancing equitable and inclusive educational practices in Kazakhstan. By examining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, our research informs policies that promote fair access to educational resources and help schools adopt practices that accommodate diverse learning needs, supporting marginalized groups and underrepresented communities. Studies on Disability, Special Educational Needs (SEN), and Barriers to Learning shed light on systemic obstacles faced by students, providing actionable insights for policymakers to develop inclusive programs and ensure that schools are equipped to meet the needs of all learners. In Gifted Education and Talent Development, we advocate for policies and practices that recognize and nurture exceptional talents, emphasizing the importance of specialized support and resources to help advanced students reach their full potential. Research on Collaborative Learning and Partnerships promotes educational approaches that encourage partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations, fostering environments that support all learners. Through these avenues, our research shapes policies that make quality education accessible to every child, contributing to the national goal of inclusive education that aligns with global standards of equality and human rights.
Language, Identity, and Policy
3
We investigate how language impacts educational experiences and outcomes, examining academic literacy, language policies, and the interplay between language and identity.
● Academic Literacy and Development
● Mediums of Instruction
● CLIL and Translanguaging
● Language Identity and Ideology
● Postcolonial and Language Policy Studies
How does our research contribute to the development of educational policy and practice?
GSE focuses on advancing research into the multifaceted relationship between Language, Identity, and Policy within Kazakhstan and on a global scale. We investigate how language shapes educational experiences and outcomes, with a commitment to enhancing academic literacy and development. Our work critically examines mediums of instruction, exploring the impact of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and translanguaging practices in diverse educational and sociolinguistic contexts. We delve into how language both constructs and reflects identity and ideology, engaging with broader social, cultural, and political dimensions. Through postcolonial and language policy studies, we analyze historical, sociopolitical, and ideological influences on language policies, highlighting their implications for learners, educators, and communities. Our research ultimately aims to deepen understanding and foster inclusive, culturally responsive educational practices.
● Academic Literacy and Development
● Mediums of Instruction
● CLIL and Translanguaging
● Language Identity and Ideology
● Postcolonial and Language Policy Studies
How does our research contribute to the development of educational policy and practice?
GSE focuses on advancing research into the multifaceted relationship between Language, Identity, and Policy within Kazakhstan and on a global scale. We investigate how language shapes educational experiences and outcomes, with a commitment to enhancing academic literacy and development. Our work critically examines mediums of instruction, exploring the impact of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and translanguaging practices in diverse educational and sociolinguistic contexts. We delve into how language both constructs and reflects identity and ideology, engaging with broader social, cultural, and political dimensions. Through postcolonial and language policy studies, we analyze historical, sociopolitical, and ideological influences on language policies, highlighting their implications for learners, educators, and communities. Our research ultimately aims to deepen understanding and foster inclusive, culturally responsive educational practices.
Educational Leadership and Change
4
We drive innovation and change in education through research on educational leadership and management, teacher development, educational technology, and effective instructional practices that support student well-being.
● Teacher Agency and Professional Development
● Educational Technology and Innovation
● STEM Education
● Shadow Education
● Student and Teacher Well-being
How does our research contribute to the development of educational policy and practice?
In response to the increasing policy agenda of the national state programs for education development in the Republic of Kazakhstan, several research areas contribute significantly to advancing policy and practice. Against the current backdrop of national curriculum reforms and the enhancement of the social status of teachers, Teacher Agency and Professional Development research emphasizes the need for policies that empower teachers as active agents of reform, supporting their autonomy and continuous professional growth. Insights from Educational Technology and Innovation highlight the role of digital tools and innovative methodologies in modernizing curriculum delivery, essential for improving accessibility across diverse regions. Research in STEM Education aligns with national goals of fostering global competitiveness, advocating for curriculum and training reforms that emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills. Due to the increasing privatization of education across all education, investigations into Shadow Education shed light on the informal, supplementary education market, offering data to help policymakers regulate and address the socioeconomic implications of this sector. Finally, research on Student and Teacher Well-being underscores the importance of supportive educational environments, encouraging policies that address mental health, workload management, work-life balance, and positive educational experiences, thus enhancing resilience and effectiveness among students and educators. Collectively, these research areas support Kazakhstan’s comprehensive approach to educational reform, ensuring that policies are evidence-based and attuned to the needs of the nation’s schools and communities.
● Teacher Agency and Professional Development
● Educational Technology and Innovation
● STEM Education
● Shadow Education
● Student and Teacher Well-being
How does our research contribute to the development of educational policy and practice?
In response to the increasing policy agenda of the national state programs for education development in the Republic of Kazakhstan, several research areas contribute significantly to advancing policy and practice. Against the current backdrop of national curriculum reforms and the enhancement of the social status of teachers, Teacher Agency and Professional Development research emphasizes the need for policies that empower teachers as active agents of reform, supporting their autonomy and continuous professional growth. Insights from Educational Technology and Innovation highlight the role of digital tools and innovative methodologies in modernizing curriculum delivery, essential for improving accessibility across diverse regions. Research in STEM Education aligns with national goals of fostering global competitiveness, advocating for curriculum and training reforms that emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills. Due to the increasing privatization of education across all education, investigations into Shadow Education shed light on the informal, supplementary education market, offering data to help policymakers regulate and address the socioeconomic implications of this sector. Finally, research on Student and Teacher Well-being underscores the importance of supportive educational environments, encouraging policies that address mental health, workload management, work-life balance, and positive educational experiences, thus enhancing resilience and effectiveness among students and educators. Collectively, these research areas support Kazakhstan’s comprehensive approach to educational reform, ensuring that policies are evidence-based and attuned to the needs of the nation’s schools and communities.
Gender, Education, and Society
5
The role of gender in education manifests at individual, classroom, institutional, family, and societal levels. In alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 for equitable quality education and SDG 5 for gender equality, our faculty and students investigate how gender dynamics affect access, participation, and outcomes in educational and employment settings.
● Gender and Learning Materials
● Role of Teachers and Teacher Educators in Gender Equality
● Gender and Leadership
● Gender and Science, Technology, Engineering and Technology (STEM)
● Gender and Employability
● Gender-based Violence
● Gender and Educational Mobility
Our research significantly enhances the understanding of gender dynamics in education and beyond. By examining gender and learning materials, we emphasize the crucial role of inclusive content in shaping student experiences, influencing gender identities and attitudes, and promoting equality. Our focus on teachers and teacher educators highlights their essential role in fostering gender equality in the classroom, equipping them with effective strategies to challenge stereotypes and empower all students. Through our exploration of gender and leadership, we uncover pathways toward equitable representation in both educational and professional settings. Our research on gender and STEM highlights the need to spark interest in these fields from early childhood and provide equal access to diverse educational resources and role models. Schools could support parents in creating supportive environments for all children. We also urge schools and higher education institutions to adopt gender-responsive policies, implement mentoring programs, and provide training for educators in gender-responsive teaching methods. Collaboration with industry partners is essential to create pathways for women in STEM careers, while also addressing biases and promoting inclusivity in the workplace. Furthermore, our research addresses the urgent issue of gender-based violence, pushing for safer educational, public, and domestic spaces through stronger legal protections and law enforcement. We support awareness and education campaigns to combat violent behaviors. Together, these efforts will help advance gender equality and foster supportive spaces for all.
● Gender and Learning Materials
● Role of Teachers and Teacher Educators in Gender Equality
● Gender and Leadership
● Gender and Science, Technology, Engineering and Technology (STEM)
● Gender and Employability
● Gender-based Violence
● Gender and Educational Mobility
Our research significantly enhances the understanding of gender dynamics in education and beyond. By examining gender and learning materials, we emphasize the crucial role of inclusive content in shaping student experiences, influencing gender identities and attitudes, and promoting equality. Our focus on teachers and teacher educators highlights their essential role in fostering gender equality in the classroom, equipping them with effective strategies to challenge stereotypes and empower all students. Through our exploration of gender and leadership, we uncover pathways toward equitable representation in both educational and professional settings. Our research on gender and STEM highlights the need to spark interest in these fields from early childhood and provide equal access to diverse educational resources and role models. Schools could support parents in creating supportive environments for all children. We also urge schools and higher education institutions to adopt gender-responsive policies, implement mentoring programs, and provide training for educators in gender-responsive teaching methods. Collaboration with industry partners is essential to create pathways for women in STEM careers, while also addressing biases and promoting inclusivity in the workplace. Furthermore, our research addresses the urgent issue of gender-based violence, pushing for safer educational, public, and domestic spaces through stronger legal protections and law enforcement. We support awareness and education campaigns to combat violent behaviors. Together, these efforts will help advance gender equality and foster supportive spaces for all.