On the issue of the formation of the national identity of students (on the case of universities in Kazakhstan)

Abstract

Introduction. The article examines the theoretical aspects and practical possibilities of formation of national identity in universities of Kazakhstan. This problem is becoming relevant in the context of the globalization of knowledge and international integration of education, the growth of academic mobility and the expansion of intercultural communications. Aim. The aim is to explore the mechanisms of constructing national identity and strengthening the national features of educational programs of higher education based on the study and generalization of the experience of Kazakhstani universities. Methodology and research methods. Based on the content analysis of normative documents on education, the content of bachelor's degree curricula and critical understanding of foreign scientific literature, the authors attempt to fill in the gaps in understanding the mechanisms of formation of national identity in higher education in the country and show its features. Results. The authors present the results of an analysis of the structure and content of bachelor educational programs at universities in Kazakhstan for the presence of the national component in them. Тhe authors summarize that the formation of national identity among the younger generation and filling it with semantic content is considered by the Kazakh academic community as an important state task, as a foundation for the cohesion and spiritual unity of citizens of a multinational country. The mechanisms of constructing national identity in the higher education system have been developed at the state level and are implemented in university training and educational practices. The national component of bachelor's degree programs, focused on formation of national identity, is provided by the content of general education humanities and language disciplines. University programs are developed in accordance with the requirements of the State Bachelor's Degree Standard, which contains a list of compulsory subjects for studying national history and culture, Kazakh, Russian and foreign languages. The principles of academic freedom allow universities to enhance the national flavor of educational programs by filling elective courses with national content. Scientific novelty. In modern conditions, the problem of ensuring the national identity of educational programs universities does not at all seem to be an axiom that contradicts the processes of internationalization of education. Universities around the world use various mechanisms to ensure the national identity of their programs, making them more attractive to students in the context of the development of intercultural communication. Kazakh universities are still gaining experience, but it may already be of interest from the point of view of accumulating practical experience. The practical significance of the study lies in the formulation of the problem as one of the important discourses in higher education. The results of the study will make a certain contribution to the understanding of the mechanisms and factors influencing the provision of national identity of educational programs using the example of a specific country. The article contributes to the scientific conversation about the meaning of national identity and can be a contribution to the study of the problems of forming the national identity of the younger generation.