An interview with Nurbolat Bisengaliev – an honored educator of Kazakhstan, director of Tamos Space School, graduate of the “Bolashak” program, international expert in educational systems, and co-author of the book “21st Century Skills”.
– Nurbolat Romanovich, modern children are growing up in a completely different world, where technologies, professions, and even social norms are changing at an incredible speed. In your opinion, what skills will be crucial in the coming years?
– Indeed, the world has changed, and traditional education, focused on memorizing facts, no longer meets the demands of our time. Today, meta-skills have become the most important – the ability to learn, adapt, think critically, and work with information. In the past, a person could earn a diploma and work in the same field for decades, but now we emphasize flexibility and lifelong learning.
Key qualities of a 21st-century individual include cognitive flexibility, emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication skills, and self-organization. In the era of artificial intelligence and automation, it is precisely the ability to think outside the box, analyze, and make decisions that makes a person competitive.
– How well is the traditional education system prepared to equip children with these skills?
– Unfortunately, the classical education model in many countries is still based on memorization and reproduction of information. But today, information is accessible with just one click. The real question is whether students know how to work with information, verify its accuracy, formulate arguments, and find creative solutions.
In Kazakhstan, we already have successful examples of implementing new approaches. At Tamos Space School, we actively use project-based learning, a personalized approach, and help children develop leadership and research skills. We don’t just transfer knowledge—we teach students how to apply it in real life.
– How are critical thinking and creativity connected, and why is this important?
– At the core of both processes is the ability to think in an unconventional way. Critical thinking helps analyze information, while creativity allows for finding original solutions. These skills are especially important in a world where mechanical tasks are no longer required – AI already does that.
It used to be believed that creativity is a gift available only to artists or musicians. Today, research has proven that creative abilities can be developed. In our educational programs, we actively use methods that help children make connections between subjects, work on projects, experiment, and even learn from mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process—they provide an opportunity to rethink approaches and find better solutions.
– Your collaboration with Lance King led to the creation of the book “21st Century Skills”. What makes it unique?
– A key role in creating the book was also played by the “Arman-PV” publishing house. Their approach to educational publications combines global expertise with local realities. The publishing house focuses on implementing innovative methods and creating materials that not only meet modern standards but also help teachers and students master new learning approaches. That is why working with “Arman-PV” became a crucial element in this project.
The book we co-authored is not just a theoretical guide but a practical handbook containing exercises, case studies, methodologies, and teaching strategies. It helps students learn how to effectively manage their education, while teachers can adapt their methods to modern realities.
– When and where will this book be available?
– On March 26, 2025, Tamos Space School in Astana will host the presentation of “21st Century Skills” book. Lance King will personally introduce its content and share his methods. This is an excellent opportunity for teachers, parents, and anyone interested in the future of education to learn about modern teaching approaches.
We invite everyone who wants to give children the best education possible!
