Abstract
This article presents concepts underlying the organization of the educational process in institutions of higher education in Kazakhstan. The project is part of systemic educational reform efforts in the face of recent, profound socio-political changes in the nation. The project focuses specifically on the value of training future teachers through extracurricular activities and argues that such training effectively forms the professional qualities needed by high-quality teachers—abilities to implement active learning, democratize the learning process, and develop the nation’s cultural and national mentality, among others. The research used a variety of methods to develop a model for this type of teacher training and reports the results of the model’s implementation, partially in comparison with practicing teachers. The model is found to be effective, and its implementation within the university’s framework is carefully detailed. Included is the overall conceptualization—the mission, goals, and educational strategies—needed for 21st-century higher education in Kazakhstan. The main orientations of educational work is highlighted—formation of ethical personal and professional qualities; of Kazakhstani patriotism, citizenship, and cultural identification; of morality and tolerance in the face of multiculturalism; and training for a healthy lifestyle. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p2738