Identifying Potential: Exploring Opportunities for Excellence in Rural Schools
Identifying Potential: Exploring Opportunities for Excellence in Rural Schools
Wednesday, 9 July 2025: 00:00
Location: SJES028 (Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences (JES))
Oral Presentation
This study addresses the global issue of educational inequality among rural schoolchildren, a phenomenon influenced by a myriad of factors ranging from geographical inaccessibility to the quality of teaching. Recognizing the unique challenges faced in different countries, this research focuses on Kazakhstan's approach, particularly the annual "Myn Bala" Olympiad. This event is instrumental in identifying gifted students from rural schools, engaging over 80,000 6th graders across the nation.
Our project utilizes data from the Olympiad and the infrastructure of rural schools to analyze educational successes at both individual and institutional levels. A key objective is to determine which schools provide students with greater opportunities to exhibit outstanding abilities. This involves an in-depth examination of the factors contributing to educational inequality, considering both individual and institutional perspectives.
Methodologically, the study employs statistical modeling techniques, including regression analysis, supplemented with elements of spatial analysis. This approach is aimed at uncovering the underlying mechanisms that perpetuate educational inequality. Our findings are intended to make a significant contribution to the ongoing academic and practical discourse on educational disparities, particularly the challenges and nuances of teaching in rural schools. The research not only sheds light on the situation in Kazakhstan but also offers insights that could be applicable to similar contexts globally.
Our project utilizes data from the Olympiad and the infrastructure of rural schools to analyze educational successes at both individual and institutional levels. A key objective is to determine which schools provide students with greater opportunities to exhibit outstanding abilities. This involves an in-depth examination of the factors contributing to educational inequality, considering both individual and institutional perspectives.
Methodologically, the study employs statistical modeling techniques, including regression analysis, supplemented with elements of spatial analysis. This approach is aimed at uncovering the underlying mechanisms that perpetuate educational inequality. Our findings are intended to make a significant contribution to the ongoing academic and practical discourse on educational disparities, particularly the challenges and nuances of teaching in rural schools. The research not only sheds light on the situation in Kazakhstan but also offers insights that could be applicable to similar contexts globally.