Activity-based organization of extracurricular work as a condition for competency development in future history teachers in Kazakhstan

Background Training modern history teachers is a complex process that must continuously account for shifts in social life, new pedagogical concepts, multiple interpretations of historical events, and the conservatism of academic traditions. Addressing these issues requires a competency-building framework that consolidates the principles of historical thinking, patriotism, and critical analysis. Methods The study utilized a comprehensive methodological approach, including analysis of pedagogical research and historical sources, expert surveys, systems analysis, content analysis, social engineering, and the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Results This study demonstrated the results of formalizing core educational programs in teacher training. Response processing and model analysis identified “bottlenecks” in the preparation of history teachers. Consequently, a project solution was developed to foster competencies through extracurricular activities, including social media engagement, historical reenactment, and themed excursions. These activities were dedicated to exploring the history of the Silk Road, which passed through the territory of modern-day Kazakhstan. Conclusions The proposed concept promotes the development of competencies in critical thinking, communication, and practical orientation, while enhancing youth appreciation of Kazakhstan's historical and cultural heritage. This creates a unified environment for education, the popularization of history, and the preservation of cultural heritage.