Students from the Department of Kazakh History at the Pedagogical Institute of Baitursynuly University took part in an unusual local history class – both educational and delicious.
Professor Aybek Batyrkhanovich is known for his unconventional teaching methods, and this time was no exception.
– In fact, the students did a lot of work, explains Aibek Batyrkhanovich, – For Kazakhstan's Unity Day, we approached the topic through history and local studies. Students visited the House of Friendship, met with representatives of ethnic centers, and explored museum materials about the formation of various ethnic groups in our region. Many also interviewed their parents and grandparents, created creative video projects, and presented their local history findings in class.
The week’s local history work culminated in a quiz. All questions and video challenges – from different parts of the region, museums, streets, and parks – were prepared by the students themselves.
The professor believes this experience will be invaluable when they start working in schools, as being to teach in an engaging way is a rare talent.
The event finale was an unusual tea party. Students prepared traditional national dishes from folk recipes and even recorded videos showing how to make them.
Gathered around the table, everyone enjoyed Kazakh, Russian, Ukrainian, and many other ethnic delicacies representing the region's diversity—while watching the cooking videos and soaking up new knowledge. Even the tea party was educational! Well done!
