QUALITY OF DOCTORAL SUPERVISION IN FOCUS AT AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY

A representative of Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University took part in an academic leadership program aimed at improving doctoral supervision practices. The training was held at Nazarbayev University in Astana.

The first in-person stage of the program “Institute of Academic Leadership: Improving Doctoral Supervision Practices” was organized by the Graduate School of Education of Nazarbayev University with the support of the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Amanzholov University was represented by Makpal Manarbekovna Nurizinova, PhD, Associate Professor at the Department of Physics and Technologies.

The main purpose of the program is to develop the professional competencies of faculty members supervising doctoral students, improve the quality of researcher training, and expand the exchange of advanced academic practices among higher education institutions.

One of the key events of the program was a presentation by A.Zh. Toibayev, Chairman of the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, entitled “University – Academic Supervisor – Doctoral Student: The Path to a Successful Defense.” The presentation addressed the shared responsibility of the University, academic supervisor, and doctoral student for the quality of doctoral training, the effective organization of dissertation research, and the creation of the conditions necessary for a successful defense.

Over three days, participants discussed the prospects for the development of doctoral education in Kazakhstan, international experience in PhD training, modern approaches to academic supervision, and the principles of selecting research design and methodology. Particular attention was paid to planning doctoral students’ academic progress, observing research ethics and academic integrity, and providing effective support to young researchers at all stages of their scientific work.

The program also covered the responsible use of artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT and Codex, in research activities. Participants explored the use of digital tools for searching scientific literature, preparing systematic reviews, identifying relevant research areas, and analyzing current scientific trends.

Professors and academic leaders of Nazarbayev University, as well as experts from Kazakhstani universities, shared theoretical knowledge and practical approaches to doctoral supervision. Participants exchanged professional experience and became familiar with effective methods that support doctoral students in developing as independent researchers.

The program consists of three stages. The first in-person stage was held at Nazarbayev University. In October and November, participants will complete assignments on the Moodle platform before proceeding to the next stage. This stage will involve an institutional analysis of existing doctoral supervision practices at their universities, identification of current challenges, and development of practical recommendations for improving the quality of academic supervision.

The final in-person stage of the program will take place at Nazarbayev University from November 16 to 18.

Participation in such professional development programs creates new opportunities to improve the quality of doctoral supervision at Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, strengthen its research culture, and introduce modern academic practices into educational and research activities. The knowledge and experience gained will also contribute to the development of faculty members’ professional competencies and the further improvement of the doctoral training system.