Konstantin Krotov, Head of School, the Graduate School of Management of St. Petersburg State University (GSOM SPbU) and Olga Alkanova, Senior Lecturer of the Marketing Department, Co-Chair of the Assurance of Learning Committee, took part in the round table "Discussion of the Concept of Lifelong Learning in Kazakhstan: Prospects and Directions for Development", organized by Almaty Management University. The speakers talked about the Business School's view on the lifelong learning concept.

 

“The Graduate School of Management is a part of the large classical St. Petersburg State University. The strategy we have developed this year reflects two key ideas: on the one hand, a global vision and diversity of approaches, and on the other, a strong connection with the labor market. One of our ambitious goals is to achieve the indicator of 30 thousand students and students of GSOM SPbU annually by 2025, which implies an increase of more than 20 times. The most important support for the realization of this goal is the lifelong learning concept,” said Konstantin Krotov.

When discussing this idea, the speaker emphasized that it has several prerequisites:

●      existential growth — an increase in the speed of development of science and technology;

●      increase in life expectancy and prolongation of the working age;

●      updating the content of the requirements for professions.

 

“Previously, universities tried to deliver all the knowledge and skills that would be necessary for a future specialist throughout the entire professional path. But today, a professional must update competencies regularly. Digital platforms, a focus on improving and introducing the concept of lifelong education into legislative terminology will help the education system prepare professionals who meet modern challenges and provide the knowledge required at different stages of a career,” said Konstantin Krotov.

 

Olga Alkanova noted the need for the formation of the culture of lifelong learning: “One of our tasks is to convey to students and alumni the idea of ​​lifelong education: we know that the learning process does not end upon receiving a diploma, and their further development as professionals depends on knowledge and competencies that they will receive throughout their life,” she said.

 

The event was attended by consultants from international consulting agencies, heads of Kazakh corporate universities, leading players in the corporate training sector and other experts on the market of non-formal and formal education in Kazakhstan.