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Achieving SDG 4, Equitable Quality Education after COVID-19: Global Evidence and a Case Study of Kazakhstan

Author

Listed:
  • Naureen Durrani

    (Graduate School of Education, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Gulmira Qanay

    (Graduate School of Education, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Ghazala Mir

    (School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK)

  • Janet Helmer

    (Graduate School of Education, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Filiz Polat

    (Graduate School of Education, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Nazerke Karimova

    (Graduate School of Education, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Assel Temirbekova

    (Graduate School of Education, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of two years of emergency distance schooling on achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4—equitable quality education, both globally and in Kazakhstan. The study used a qualitative research design. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 teachers and 30 parents, while focus group discussions (FGDs) were utilised to gather the perspective of 28 students. The conceptual framework developed puts effective pedagogy at the heart of quality distance education, nested within four supportive factors—digital infrastructure; policy guidelines about pedagogy; curriculum and assessments; professional development in digital pedagogy; and the home environment. The study found that distance schooling in Kazakhstan has undermined progress on SDG 4 and worsened inequalities in access to quality education despite the distribution of digital devices to disadvantaged children and teachers. While mainstream public school teachers transitioned to distance school without any systematic preparation, provision of digital resources or clear policy guidelines, schoolteachers at elite public institutions received meticulous guidance and support. Despite later receiving professional development in digital pedagogy and access to digital resources and platforms, public school teachers in rural and deprived urban areas still faced challenges due to fragmented internet connectivity. This limited interactive and communicative pedagogy, particularly in rural and public schools, and hindered teachers’ ability to assess the impact of their teaching on student outcomes. Policy initiatives failed to mitigate disadvantages in the home environment for low-income families, parents with limited education and working parents, especially mothers, who primarily supported homeschooling. Recommendations are offered for adapting education provision and envisioning more robust education quality to achieve SDG 4 and address historical inequities in a post-pandemic world.

Suggested Citation

  • Naureen Durrani & Gulmira Qanay & Ghazala Mir & Janet Helmer & Filiz Polat & Nazerke Karimova & Assel Temirbekova, 2023. "Achieving SDG 4, Equitable Quality Education after COVID-19: Global Evidence and a Case Study of Kazakhstan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-23, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:20:p:14725-:d:1257356
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. María José Sosa Díaz, 2021. "Emergency Remote Education, Family Support and the Digital Divide in the Context of the COVID-19 Lockdown," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-18, July.
    2. Haser, Çiğdem & Doğan, Oğuzhan & Kurt Erhan, Gönül, 2022. "Tracing students’ mathematics learning loss during school closures in teachers’ self-reported practices," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    3. Akabayashi, Hideo & Taguchi, Shimpei & Zvedelikova, Mirka, 2023. "Access to and demand for online school education during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    4. Jones, Nicola & Sanchez Tapia, Ingrid & Baird, Sarah & Guglielmi, Silvia & Oakley, Erin & Yadete, Workneh Abebe & Sultan, Maheen & Pincock, Kate, 2021. "Intersecting barriers to adolescents’ educational access during COVID-19: Exploring the role of gender, disability and poverty," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
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