Conceptualising the Integration of Action Research into the Practice of Teacher Education Universities in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study provides a critical review and assessment of the problems of enhancing the research activity at a Kazakhstani pedagogical university that prepares future teachers. The aim of this study is to provide a rationale for the relevance of scientific and methodological support for increasing the research activity of teachers at pedagogical universities through the systematic integration of practitioner action research into professional practice. The value of action research is related to the change in and improvement of the professional practice of teachers based on the convergence of practice-oriented science and science-oriented practice. This work is in response to the gap in the professional preparation of future teachers, particularly in terms of developing research competencies and equipping future teachers with knowledge about action research. This is in marked contrast to in-service teachers who have been exposed to action research through the whole country’s ongoing reform of teacher education. Using a large survey of academic staff, the paper identifies the key factors influencing the research activity of university teachers. The findings from the survey and the narrative review suggest a willingness and openness to new ways of working among staff, which would make it possible to increase the research activity of university teachers themselves by integrating non-formal forms of research such as action research into their practice.