Under the Implementation: The Tensions, Possibilities and Dynamics of Reform

• In Event: Implementing and sustaining systemic educational change – a three year study of the challenges and key issues

Proposal

This section will explore the tensions and dynamics for teachers, schools and policy actors of the changes. Lim and Apple (2016) write of the ‘dearth of analyses’ that ‘seek to understand the tensions, possibilities and dynamics of educational change in the context of Asia (p.3).’ This paper will aim to bring out some of the tensions, possibilities and dynamics, particularly between different parts of the educational system and at different points in the system i.e. the schools and classroom; the region and the nation. It will also show the underlying cultural assumptions and contextual factors that affect practice and how these are or are not engaged with. It will focus particularly on some of the key concepts, such as collaboration and autonomy, underpinning curriculum reform based on more Western perspectives and how they play out in this education system. The presentation will conclude with a discussion about models of reform and what seems to be emerging from this experience in Kazakhstan. We will also discuss how this might contribute to more Western understandings of implementation and reform.

Authors

• Colleen McLaughlin, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, UK

• Janet Helmer, Nazarbayev University

• Nazipa Ayubayeva, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools

• Olena Fim'yar, University of Cambridge

• Xeniya Tursunbayeva, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools

• Kairat Kurakbayev, Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education