FROM GAME TO PROFESSION: STUDENTS TO EARN A CHESS TEACHER QUALIFICATION

A knight’s move toward new knowledge. In cooperation with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Kozybayev University has opened a specialized classroom titled “Chess in Primary Education.” The classroom is equipped with all the necessary materials and equipment to conduct both theoretical and practical lessons.

Future primary school teachers now have the opportunity to enroll in the educational minor “Chess Teacher.” This is a specialized additional professional training program offered at universities, enabling students to obtain the qualification required to teach chess in schools. The program combines chess theory with pedagogy, psychology, and teaching methodologies for children. Upon graduation, students will receive diplomas with a corresponding note in the transcript, as well as a coaching certificate.

“Today we are opening not just a classroom, but a new direction in teacher training. We thank the Kazakhstan Chess Federation for such a meaningful gift to our students. Chess is not just a game - it develops logical and strategic thinking, memory, and concentration. We also express our gratitude to our partners at Freedom Bank, who provided 12 chess sets. They will be placed in academic buildings and dormitories to ensure access for everyone interested in this intellectual game. The opening of such locations aimed at developing our children and our future resonates strongly with the positive changes our country is approaching. The adoption of the new Constitution will strengthen the priority of education, science, and innovation in national development,” noted Chairman of the Executive Board - Rector Yerbol Issakayev.

In addition, the Kazakhstan Chess Federation provided specialized training free of charge for two faculty members. They studied modern chess teaching technologies, methods for developing logical thinking in primary school students, and international practices of integrating chess into the educational process. Upon completion, they received the appropriate certificates and will now teach students in the new classroom at Kozybayev University.

“We approached many universities with this initiative. However, your university responded immediately and allowed us to integrate our program into the academic process. Our goal is to form an intellectual nation by integrating chess into the lives of schoolchildren not only in cities but also in remote villages. That is why we introduced chess into the school curriculum. Now it is important to train specialists within universities,” said Akzhunis Artykbay, University Relations Coordinator at the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

This year, 55 students will begin training in the “Chess Teacher” educational minor. The program will last for two semesters. In the future, all students in педагогical programs will be offered a micro-qualification aimed at preparing chess teachers.