The Mission of Teaching: to the 100th Anniversary of R.B. Nurtazina

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Introduction The highest degree of real recognition and popularity in teacher’s life is when the surname does not require any explanations, or even a presentation in the form of initials or first name. Rafika Bekenovna stepped over this almost unattainable altitude: in the Kazakh teaching environment it is enough to say “Nurtazina”, and, perhaps, no one doubts that we are talking about a famous teacher - Rafika Bekenovna Nurtazina. Nurtazina is the only one who managed to bring hundreds of rules of the Russian language for Kazakh children into an entertaining channel. The flexible and sometimes self-willed Russian language could embroil anyone, even the most friendly community of philologists, but Rafika Bekenovna was able to find her pedagogically non-conflict path: she did not strive to drive the language into a rigid framework of rules, and with her magic touch a whole series of books appeared: “Entertaining grammar. Phonetics” (1964), “Entertaining grammar. Morphology” (1966), “Entertaining grammar. Syntax” (1970), “Entertaining grammar” (1990). This scientist never tried to lock her scientific interests on one didactic problem, her colossal talent was addressed to everyone at once: to her students - when she addressed her books to them, felt the urgent need, her life purpose was to write for them; to her associates - when, being the director of school number 12 in Alma-Ata - the first school with in-depth study of the Kazakh and English languages, she knew how to see their talent and reveal their potential, to followers - when she attracted them to her with her soft look, clear speech, beautiful voice and selfless service to their work; to her family - because, having lived with her husband Dyusen Alibaevich Suleimenov for 60 years in peace and love, she raised her children in a conscientious working atmosphere, leaving them a legacy of the upbringing of industriousness as the most important condition for human happiness. The teacher talked to everyone at the same time and out of time. Nurtazina was one who united the entire pedagogical community at a grand event: The first international pedagogical readings “School - teacher - innovations in the modern world”. Since the range of Rafika Bekenovna’s pedagogical skills was very wide, varied and bright, the program of Pedagogical Readings was non-standard, rich and diverse. It comprised an international scientific and practical conference, advanced training courses, a republican essay competition “Love open lessons: thank you, my students”, a series of educational events of the Academy of Children’s Books “ALTAIR” for schoolchildren and students and many other events that took place in different parts of the country. Discussion The opening session of the First International Pedagogical Readings “School - Teacher - Innovations in the Modern World”, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the famous Kazakh teacher-innovator, philologist, public figure, Honoured Teacher of Kazakhstan Nurtazina Rafika Bekenovna, took place on March 1, 2021. Leading scientists from 14 countries made the conference an authoritative platform for dialogue between science and education. The event was opened by welcoming addresses from the Rector of Pavlodar Pedagogical University Zhanbol Oktyabrovich Zhilbayev, the President of MAPRYAL Vladimir Ilyich Tolstoy, the Vice-President of MAPRYAL D. Davidson, the Deputy of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Altynbek Nukhuly, the Head of the Representative Office of Russian cooperation in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Director of Russian Center of Science and Culture in Nur-Sultan, Counselor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Kazakhstan A.A. Koropchenko. The plenary session was continued by the leaders-generators of scientific ideas - a member of the Presidium of MAPRYAL, the President of KAZPRYAL, Ph.D., professor of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Suleimenova Eleonora Dyusenovna, Ph.D., professor of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia Vladimir Pavlovich Sinyachkin and Uldanai Maksutovna Bakhtikireeva, Ph.D., professor of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Shaimerdenova Nursulu Zhamalbekovna. The presentation of the books “Rafiha Nurtazina’ in 2 volumes was conducted by her daughter, a member of the Presidium of MAPRYAL and the President of KAZPRYAL, Ph.D., professor Suleimenova Eleonora Dyusenovna. The presentation was received by the participants of the Pedagogical Readings with sincere approval and gratitude, since the principles of teaching of the teacher-innovator Rafika Nurtazina even today remain relevant, essential, consonant with methodological approaches and new linguodidactic concepts in the field of school education and, in general, language training at school and university. The work of the plenary session was provided by reports: of the candidate of pedagogical sciences, professor of Armenian Pedagogical University Minasyan Svetlana Mikhailovna, Ph.D., professor of Higher School of Humanities of Pavlodar Pedagogical University (PPU) Sagyndyuly Beken, Ph.D., professor of Abay Kazakh National Pedagogical University Musatayeva Manatkul Shayakhmetovna, Ph.D., professor of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU) Urazaeva Kuralay Bibitalievna, Ph.D., a writer and translator Askar Lailya. The need to understand the meanings of R.B. Nurtazina’s works and the high assessment of her pedagogical heritage were revealed by the report of Ph.D., professor K.B. Urazayeva: “Now, in connection with the renewal of methodological approaches, scientists focus on “developmental education”, on the construction of textbooks based on the principle of concentric study of topics. This approach was anticipated in the books of R. Nurtazina, which earned them not only recognition and popularity, but also ensured for many years the reputation of an inexhaustible laboratory of pedagogical technologies and innovative solutions” [1. P . 107]. The solemn moment of the plenary session was associated with the presentation of A. Pushkin’s medal (MAPRYAL) to Ph.D., professor of Pavlodar Pedagogical University Atirkul Yegemberdievna Agmanova. Poetic dedications of Kazakh poets to Rafika Nurtazina performed by students of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University completed the work of the plenary session. The first day of the conference ended with the work of three directions. The main intonation of the first direction “Heritage of R.B. Nurtazina and modern linguodidactics” was identified by the reports of A.S. Shcherbak, R.E. Igibayeva, K.L. Kabdulova, A.S. Nusupbekova, R.D. Ashimbetova, M.Sh. Sarybay, K.K. Madibay, and K.T. Mukhamadi, V.D. Narozhnaya, A.E. Agmanova, R.K. Okanova, A.Yu. Osipova. The exchange of professional experience was accompanied by warm personal memories of the participants about R.B. Nurtazina. The head of the Russian Language Department of the Faculty of Philology and Journalism, G.R. Derzhavin Tambov State University, professor L.S. Shcherbak marked in the report: “Entertaining onomastics as the embodiment of innovative ideas of amusement in the methodological and pedagogical activities of R.B. Nurtazina”. The works of the scientist-methodologist R.B. Nurgazina paved the way for the creation of a new generation of nationally oriented textbooks on Russian as a foreign language, aimed at maintaining interest in Russian culture and developing the process of intercultural communication, strengthening ethno-oriented teaching of the Russian language. Against the background of numerous speeches related to the professional activities of Rafika Bekenovna, the words of a professor V.D. Narozhnaya: “Rafika Bekenovna left us a huge legacy in the form of books, educational and teaching aids. Age is not subject to books, they carry a precious load of knowledge from one generation to the next. Rafika Bekenovna’s books have played a certain role in my life as well. For the first time, I took in my hands the book by R.B. Nurtazina “Entertaining grammar” during teaching practice, being a student of the Faculty of Philology. Searching for material for the lesson, I could not decide what to use for a long time, what to decorate the lesson with - charades, puzzles, or a crossword? Finally, I stopped at etymological sketches. After the lesson, when I was thinking about every minute of it, I suddenly realized a simple truth: it is not enough to be literate, you have to love your subject and captivate students with this love. It happened after reading “Entertaining grammar”, that I discovered an interesting and endless section of linguistics for myself - an etymology. The skillful use of which makes it possible to improve the spelling literacy of students, contributes to the conscious and lasting digestion of the norms of the modern Russian language, forms an interest in its deep study, reveals the patterns and ways of language development and improvement, and also significantly expands the general and linguistic horizons of students” [2. P. 75]. One of the great interest of the audience was the speech of the teacher of the Russian language and literature R.K. Okanova, who presented the report “Recognition to the teacher” [3]. Everyone who knew Rafika Bekenovna personally impatiently awaited the report by K.L. Kabdulova. Representing her personal pedagogical experience, the speaker formed a number of life lessons: “The first conversation with a person whom I consider my Teacher in pedagogy, of course, will be remembered for the rest of my life. Moreover, it caused me, being a young teacher of the Russian language and literature, a special thrill and excitement. It was on a warm autumn day that I received the first lesson in life: a person, for whatever reason he comes, you need to be able to listen” [4. P. 44]. “Serving her work, this Master worked from morning to evening, without rest, with dignity, with honour. Everything, with everyone, for everyone - these are the main words in the life and work of Rafika Bekenovna Nurtazina”, - so K.L. Kabdulova defined the teacher’s credo [4. P. 47]. Work in the second direction “Modern trends in teaching the Russian language and literature” lasted two days. The main speakers were scientists from Slovakia E. Borisova and M. Buynyak, from Kazakhstan - Sh.K. Zharkynbekova, Z.K. Temirgazina, Z.K. Sabitova, and I.F. Nazarova. Also, spoke the teachers of Pavlodar Pedagogical University: O.K. Andryushchenko, G.K. Abzuldinova, L.E. Tokatova, and E.P. Garanina. The tribune of the third direction “Innovative technologies of teaching the Kazakh language and literature” made it possible to present innovative developments in the field of the Kazakh language, share the experience of teaching philological disciplines in the Kazakh language. Key speakers Zh.K. Sagyntayeva and B.P. Subit, K.A. Kiikshi, M.I. Orazkhanova, Y.B. Shakaman, I.R. Gross, and A. Kanzelkhan created a lively discussion. Within the work of fourth direction, interesting reports were presented on topical themes in the field of teaching a foreign language (L.I. Ikram, Zh.B. Kurmanova, A.E. Baitlesova, A.Sh. Zhumasheva, Z.Kh. Shakhputova, A.E. Shaiman). At the meeting of the fifth direction “Actual problems of teaching social and humanitarian disciplines”, reports were heard: A.E. Karimova, M.K. Tuyebaev, Z.Sh. Aitkenov, A.S. Dauletova, N.E. Kuzembayev, B.K. Akshulakova, and O.P. Wagner. The following university lecturers and schoolteachers spoke on the use of active teaching methods in the context of distance learning, criteria-based assessment, project activities and the use of innovative technologies in the practice of higher and secondary education. During the work, the conference participants shared their views on the specifics of developing educational programs and learning strategies in the context of the updated content of education and outlined the main recommendations following the meeting. The advanced training courses “Modern linguodidactics at school and university”, planned within the framework of the First International Pedagogical Readings “School - Teacher - Innovations in the Modern World”, became another gift of the pedagogical community of Kazakhstan and Russia. The course program was aimed at updating modern trends in the field of philological science, the theory of digestion and methods of teaching philological disciplines at school and university. On the first day, the course participants were offered substantial sessions conducted by the head of the Department of Russian Language and Intercultural Communication of RUDN University, Ph.D., professor V.P. Sinyachkin, Ph.D., professor of Higher School of Humanities of PPU Z.K. Temirgazina, and Ph.D., professor of the Department of Russian Philology, L.N. Gumilev ENU K.B. Urazayeva. On the second day, outstanding scientists shared their most valuable experience and wealth of professional knowledge: Ph.D., professor of the Department of the Russian language and intercultural communication RUDN University U.M. Bakhtikireeva; Ph.D., professor of the Department of the Kazakh language and Turkic studies of Nazarbayev University Z.S. Kuzekov; and Ph.D., professor of Higher School of Humanities of PPU B. Sagyndyuly. The students of the courses got acquainted with the logic of teaching pedagogical and scientific creativity on the interactive basis of Ph.D., associate professor of the Higher School of Humanities of PPU B.D. Nygmetova, and sessions of Ph.D., professor of the Department of Russian Philology and World Literature Al-Farabi KazNU N.Zh. Shaimerdenova, Ph.D., professor of the Higher School of Humanities of PPU A.E. Agmanova, and Ph.D., associate professor of the Department of Russian Philology and World Literature Al-Farabi KazNU D.B. Amanzholova. The closing ceremony of the First International Pedagogical Readings began with a report by S.V. Murzakulov, Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation on the results of the work of the international scientific and practical conference and the advanced training courses “Modern linguodidactics at school and university”. Vice-rector S.V. Murzakulov presented a collection of conference materials, certificates for participants in conferences and courses, letters of thanks to the organizers. Reports on the results of the work of the directions of the international scientific and practical conference were heard. Co-organizer from Al-Farabi KazNU Ph.D., professor N.Zh. Shaimerdenova made a summary of the events dedicated to R.B. Nurtazina, presented a wonderful edition “Letters to the Teacher: from generation to generation”, which is a collection of letters from relatives and friends, children, grandchildren, fellow followers, students of Rafika Bekenovna, as well as essays written in the “letter to the past” genre from teachers and schoolchildren, teachers and university students, who in different years were inspired by the legacy of an outstanding teacher, educator-innovator. Warm words of gratitude of Ph.D., professor E.D. Suleimenova and grateful letters from KazPRYaL. E.D. Suleimenova made specific mention of the contribution of Ph.D., professor A.E. Agmanova and organizers from PPU - Ph.D., associate professor L.E. Tokatova, Ph.D., associate professor M.I. Orazkhanova, and senior lecturers G.K. Abzuldninova, E.P. Garanina, D.V. Pashkanyan and a teacher K.B. Aidarkenova. In the final part of the closing ceremony, the film “Rafika Nurtazina: Life Lessons” from the series “100 Historical Personalities of the Pavlodar Priirtyshye”, produced by the creative team of Pavlodar Pedagogical University, was demonstrated. Although the merits of Rafika Bekenovna are recognized and appreciated - she is a Hero of Socialist Labour (1968), Honoured teacher of schools of Kazakhstan (1966), Excellent worker of public education of the Kazakh SSR (1956), Honorary citizen of the city of Almaty (1994), Laureate of the Pushkin Prize (Moscow, 2001), Laureate of the Platinum Tarlan Prize (2002); awarded the Order of Lenin and the Hammer and Sickle gold medal (1968); two Orders of the Badge of Honour (1960, 1963); the order “Kurmet” (2010); medals “For Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945”, “For Labour Valour”, “For Valiant Labour”, “In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of V.I. Lenin”, “Veteran of Labour”, the medal of A.S. Pushkin (MAPRYAL, 2001), certificates of honour of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR (1964, 1981), the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Kazakh SSR (1966, 1981), the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of the USSR and the Central Committee of the Trade Union of Education Workers (1982), the Ministry of Education of the USSR, the Ministry of Education of the Kazakh SSR, Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (1996) - we have not said everything about her yet, about all the breadth and power of her talent, about the unique properties of her pedagogical skills. Instead of Conclusion Rafika Bekenovna devoted to teaching almost six decades, generously sharing her experience with everyone. Already in old age, she remained a teacher and a scientist - she wrote books and had creative plans. In addition, up to present day, many teachers who develop lessons, in despair, close the Internet and hopefully open Nurtazina’s books - the lesson will definitely turn out to be interesting and entertaining! “Rafika Bekenovna passed away on April 1, 2013, a clear, spring day... The noise of conferences, crowded meetings and stormy scientific discussions was not heard, the running around in the school corridors subsided, and as if only her voice sounded: “Memories take me to my native village, and I, as before, breathe in the tart, rotten smell of meadow flowers and grasses, hear the singing of a lark high in the sky, and experience an unrestrained childish delight from everything I see and feel. Surrounded by girls and boys, running tirelessly across the bright green pasture, I run to my mother. Flushed with the heat of the flame, she looks at me, smiles affectionately and puts the balkaymak on my palm with a spoon. I lick a fragrant, airy, extraordinary delicacy - and I remember its taste for the rest of my life - the taste of childhood!..”, Tatyana Biryukova wrote unusually lyrically, impressed, in her article “Love lessons of the legendary teacher of Kazakhstan” [5]. Speaking impartially, a special aspect of Nurtazina’s relationship with children, with associates, with followers, with family - came from childhood. She did not overshadow any of them. Therefore, it turns out that there are no others like she was!

About the authors

Atirkul E. Agmanova

Pavlodar Pedagogical University

Author for correspondence.
Email: agmanova@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9285-0824

Doctor of Philology, Professor of the Higher School of Humanities

60, Mira St., Pavlodar, 140003, Republic of Kazakhstan

Lyudmila E. Tokatova

Pavlodar Pedagogical University

Email: tokatoval@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8282-1096

Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor of Graduate School of Humanities

60, Mira St., Pavlodar, 140003, Republic of Kazakhstan

References