Results of the online seminar “Preparation and organization for International PBTS Research” (PISA for schools)

The key components of functional literacy were defined as mathematical, reading, scientific and financial literacy, global competencies and creative thinking.

The content of the Typical Educational Programs is oriented on developing schoolchildren’s functional literacy, and shaping key and subject competencies.

On September 26, 2023, Orken East Kazakhstan Regional Scientific and Methodological Center for Informatization and Educational Development of Education Administration of East Kazakhstan region held an online seminar called “Preparation and organization for International PBTS Research” (PISA for schools) with the aim of exchanging experiences in the application of forms and methods for developing learners’ functional literacy using adapted PISA tasks.

Alla Yu. Petrukha, a teacher of mathematics of Gymnasium School No. 12 of Ust-Kamenogorsk city shared her work experience, emphasizing the development of mathematical literacy through problem-solving tasks that involve building mathematical models of various processes related to real life situations, as well as logical, critical and spatial thinking; practical tasks involving the analysis and processing of statistical data presented in the form of tables, diagrams, graphs, diagrams.

The following speakers highlighted the development of scientific literacy:

- Raushan A. Mukhtarkhanova, the headmaster of Secondary School No. 47 of Ust-Kamenogorsk, with the theme “Effective ways of using tasks for quality preparation in natural scientific subjects”;

- Nazerke B. Bauyrzhanova, a teacher of physics of Secondary School No. 47 of Ust-Kamenogorsk city, “Quality preparation of learners in physics for international PISA studies”;

- Ainura A. Baytulesova, a teacher of chemistry of Regional Specialized School for Gifted Children in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science of Education Administration of East Kazakhstan region, with the topic “Techniques and methods for developing scientific literacy in learners during chemistry lessons while preparing for the international PISA study”.

The speakers summarized the importance of fostering learners’ interest in natural, technical, engineering sciences by accumulating data, selecting and summarizing information obtained from oral, written and visual primary and secondary sources.

Lidia A. Fominykh, a teacher of the Russian language and literature of Gymnasium School No. 10 of Ust-Kamenogorsk city, highlighted the importance of the ability to understand texts of various genres, find information, interpret the text, reflect on its content, and evaluate its meaning and significance.

With the development of global competencies and creative thinking, teachers emphasized the need to develop skills such as, information retrieval, the ability to assess the usefulness and reliability of information in a given context, and proficiency in using various information devices and tools, including computer literacy, to solve practical problems and complete tasks integrated with school subjects.

During feedback, the participants appreciated the practical relevance of the seminar’s topic, and received methodological recommendations for further development of functional literacy.

The event was attended by: methodologists of the district/city Education Departments, Chairs of the associations of Science and Mathematics, leaders of Methodological Departments of educational organizations of the region, supervising the directions of Science and Mathematics, Social Sciences and Humanities.

Moderators: Aigul Kh. Zhelpakova, a methodologist of Methodological Department for Innovative Projects Implementation, tel. 87774966377;

Aigul K. Mukanova, Head of Methodological Department of International Studies and Cooperation, 87755761873.