What have the training courses for enhancement of pedagogical competency of teachers of medical universities given me?

  The dynamism, taking place in the modern world of change (globalization, innovation, rapid sustainable development, peace and security, etc.), necessitated the rethinking of the basic principles of the world medical education systems. Currently in this area is acknowledged the equal importance of processes of formation in learners of both relevant knowledge and relevant practical skills. In a rapidly changing world, the key issue for teachers of medical universities is the question of How they will prepare students for that world? On this question is focused the content of the courses of enhancement of pedagogical competency of teachers, which take place on the third of October of the current year at the Faculty of Enhancement of Pedagogical Competency of Karaganda State Medical University.

The training brought results. During the courses under the direction of G.S. Кеmelova I learned about the formula of effective teaching, different roles of a teacher, processes of professionalism development, implementation of tasks in accordance with the criteria of “SMART”. In addition, brainstorming and reflection (feed-back) of L. Nadjarian, the methods of the problem-based learning (РBL) of E.Kh. Batiaeva helped me to conduct a lesson at a higher level. But mostly I was impressed by the warmups. I got instructions on the practical use of simple, but at the same time improved system of teaching by means of modern computer technologies.

One of the main objectives of our University is training of competitive specialists, well-educated, all-around intellectually developed, highly qualified, prepared to provide high-quality medical services. In this regard, it is particularly important to consider the frequency of events with the aim of retraining of young specialists. The exchange of experience with the teachers of a higher level plays an important role. For example, a senior teacher of KSMU G.S. Kemelova conducted classes on the topic “TBL, CBL basic teaching methods”. TBL (Team Based Learning - teaching in small groups) contributes to creation of atmosphere of concord, necessary for determination and resolution of actual problems. I got convinced after we had made tests in mini-groups.

There was no doubt about the effectiveness and efficiency of this method of teaching when I practically applied it during the class with the students. They became more active and started taking interest in the studied material. In terms of “learning in cooperation” appears the interaction of group members, distribution of roles or tasks, responsibility of each member, exchange of diverse beliefs, protection of one’s ideas, and as a result, a student gains more information, and the knowledge, obtained during the group discussions, is kept much longer.

  The results were also obtained due to conduction of reflection (feedback) at the end of each lesson. Reflection is the analysis of knowledge with the aim of obtaining new knowledge. In the process of study, the reflection is considered to be a stage in the learning process, and at this stage the knowledge being obtained during the class undergo critical analysis and develop into one’s own interpretation. It helps students to understand their strengths and weaknesses, systematize the knowledge. And it helps teachers, in turn, to be aware of information about achievements of students. The reflection is also important for interaction with the staff and the authorities. In general, reflection helps to think carefully over the classes, schedule the work and make the following steps.

For improvement of my skills in using ICT in the classroom, I used helpful lectures of Е.L. Mukhametova, who taught me to master the programs of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Platonus, Moodle.

  University teachers usually work with people having their own views, interests and problems, and communication style, i.e. people who have already passed the stage of formation. And the lectures of K.K. Zhunusova on the topic “Effective communication skills of teacher” are very useful for work with such people. Her method titled “Syndrome of professional burnout” has proved its efficiency and now helps to solve problems, arising in relationships with students: when and how did this “syndrome” appear, what are the reasons of its manifestation, what are the stages of its formation and how can be reduced the level of “burnout”.

  Medicine is a science, which has a long history and has taken roots deeply. It is rapidly developing. Therefore, everyone wants to contribute to its development. When conducting medical researches, we often have to share our scientific discoveries with the numerous colleagues and supervisors. And here come in handy the classes conducted by S.M. Kabieva and A.S. Toleuova, devoted to “Competence of skills in researches”, “Ethical aspects of researches”, “How to write a scientific paper?”

A university teacher is primarily a creative personality, and the creativity always demands professionalism and self-perfection. Therefore, it is important to attend the lectures of the Faculty of Continuing Professional Development. I express sincere gratitude to the staff of the Faculty of Continuing Professional Development for their support and exchange of knowledge and experience with us. By providing us the newest modern technologies, methods of teaching from foremost medical universities of Kazakhstan and foreign countries, and pointing the way of further self-development, they inspired us to achieve new heights.

M.Zh. Aliyeva

TeacherofDepartment of Histology