In Almaty, on January 27, 2023, on the basis of the “ MSU School-Gymnasium No. 152”, language and methodological experts of IITU conducted a series of trainings for teachers involved in a joint project with Akelius and UNICEF to improve literacy and develop digital skills in children affected by migration processes.

First participant of the pilot project, Russian language teacher Marzhan Tokbay held an open lesson. In a mixed class, the teacher showed how she and the children, along with traditional teaching methods, use the Akelius educational platform , which allows them to start learning Russian from scratch. There are currently six levels available on the platform: A0, A1, A1.1, A2, B0, and B1. Such a variety of tasks allows to select the necessary exercises for children individually in view of the existing group, consisting of children of different levels and age.

The lesson was attended by teachers, the school administration, language and methodological experts from IITU. After the lesson, they gave feedback, shared their observations and advised how to make the lesson more effective.

Further, IITU language experts, Assistant Professor Oksana Bublikova and Associate Professor Dinara Aliyeva, held a demonstrative lesson, during which they clearly demonstrated how to combine traditional teaching methods and the use of gadgets, and showed effective feedback and reflection techniques.

After the lesson, methodological experts from IITU conducted a training for teachers. Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor of the Department of Languages Elmira Yerkebekova told how to increase students' motivation in Russian as a foreign language. According to her, it is the maintenance of interest in the subject that allows increasing the involvement of children in the educational process. During the presentation, she talked about a number of techniques and gave teachers tips to help capture the attention of children and maintain a high level of interest in new knowledge.

Methodological expert, Candidate of Philology, Assistant Professor of the Department of Languages of IITU Yevgeny Medvedev told why it is necessary to consider the age characteristics of children. According to him, this is the starting point for creating a learning trajectory.

Such meetings allow project participants to discuss important issues, share opinions and find an answer to a particular question. They are held regularly in order to exchange experience for more effective teaching of the Russian language.

Literacy and digital skills course for children affected by migration started in Kazakhstan in November 2021. It is intended for children aged 5 to 17 who find themselves in a difficult life situation. Classes are held in a mixed format using the Akelius educational platform.