Essay from Muattar Tursunboyeva

Young Central Asian woman with long dark hair and a dress with a green flower pattern standing next to an Uzbek flag.

DEVELOPING CREATIVE QUALITIES IN LITERARY EDUCATION

Namangan State Pedagogical Institute

Uzbek Language and Literature Department, 1st-Year Master’s Student

Muattar Tursunboyeva

Abstract:

This article discusses the development of creative thinking, independent reasoning, and innovative approaches in students through literary education. It analyzes modern teaching methods, interactive techniques, and tasks aimed at enhancing creativity in literature classes. The article also outlines ways to foster creative competencies through text analysis, character interpretation, and understanding the author’s message. Furthermore, it references advanced international practices.

Keywords: literary education, creativity, creative approach, character, interactive methods, text analysis, competence.

1. Purpose and Objectives of Literary Education

In today’s globalized world, one of the main goals of education is to form individuals who can think creatively and independently. Literary education plays a crucial role in this process. Literature classes not only cultivate aesthetic taste but also deepen thinking, foster imagination, and encourage creative approaches. Each teaching term has its specific goals and objectives.

The main goal of literary education is to develop students’ skills in analyzing literary texts, understanding the author’s ideas through characters, and providing aesthetic evaluation. The teacher plays a vital role in this by broadening the student’s thinking through methodological approaches.

2. What is Creativity and How is it Formed?

Creativity is the ability to approach issues in new ways, solve problems unconventionally, and think innovatively. In literary education, the following methods can be used to foster these qualities:

Analyzing metaphors and symbolic expressions;

Dialogic reading;

Role-play exercises;

Written creativity tasks (essays, stories, excerpts).

3. Interactive Methods and Creative Approaches

Nowadays, teachers enrich their practice with interactive methods such as:

“Fishbone Diagram”,

“Modern Editor”,

“Discussion-Based Presentation”,

“Conceptual Mapping”.

These techniques enhance students’ engagement with knowledge and promote a creative attitude toward literary texts.

4. Criteria for Assessing Creativity

When evaluating students’ creative work, the following aspects are considered:

Novelty of ideas;

Expression of characters;

Richness of language;

Ability to draw independent conclusions.

5. International Experience and Innovative Approaches

Programs such as PISA and PIRLS emphasize literary literacy and creative thinking as important criteria. In countries like Finland, South Korea, and Japan, special attention is given to shaping students’ worldview through literary works.

In literature lessons, the teacher selects methods based on the topic. For instance, the “Brainstorming” method, also referred to as the “Mental Attack” method in the second part of the 2022 publication Methodology of Teaching Literature, is widely used. Synonymy also plays an important role in literary education.

Conclusion

Fostering creativity in literary education not only increases the effectiveness of learning but also contributes to the student’s personal development. These qualities help young people grow into independent, creative, and thoughtful individuals. Therefore, every teacher should incorporate innovative and creative methods in their practice.

REFERENCES

1. A. Hasanov, Foundations of Creative Thinking, 2020. Bukhara: Zamon Press. p.118.

2. D. Xoliqova, Innovative Technologies in Education, 2021. Samarkand: Ilm-Ziyo. p.132.

3. Q. Husonboyeva & R. Niyozmetova, Methodology of Teaching Literature, Tashkent: Inavatsiya Ziyo. p.159.

4. S. Nazarova, Literary Theoretical Thinking and Figurative Reflection, 2023. Tashkent: Fan va Texnologiya. p.153.

5. Z. Abdullayeva, Creative Approach in Literature Lessons, 2022. Tashkent: O‘qituvchi. p.145.

Muattar Ikromjon qizi Tursunboyeva was born on August 6, 2000, in the Toraqo‘rg‘on district of Namangan region. She graduated from Specialized State Boarding School No. 18 in Namangan city and later completed her studies in the Uzbek language program at Namangan State University. Currently, she is a first-year master’s student at Namangan State Pedagogical Institute. From a young age, Muattar has been passionate about poetry and literature. Her poems and articles on various topics are regularly published in the media. Muattar’s goal is to become a highly qualified specialist in her field and to share the beneficial knowledge she gains with future generations.

Poetry from Maria Miraglia

8th of MARCH

(Women’s day celebration)

Tastes of falsehood

the smell of these flowers

offered by the hands

that so many times

left marks on my body

as many as the clouds in the sky

on a winter day

nor do I recognise

this smile of yours

marked by wrinkles

of a man who faces life

dragging with him

heavy the burden of impiety

Printed in my mind

your evil gaze

say when

you blame me 

for things never said or

things never done

pouring over me

your failures your defeats

I tell my pain

to the wind

the will to go

stifled inside me 

the cold you brought into my heart

chilly like the wind of Buran

the darkness in my soul

like the arctic nights

and ripped you have my hope 

and all my dreams

Of me

of the woman of yore

just a portrait remains

hanging on a wall

in this faded-walled house

where I wander as in a limbo

BECAUSE I AM LOVE

I wish I could sing
to cheer your mornings up
be a painter 
to portray your face
write poems to tell 
of my love for you
be joyful and bubbly
to colour of pink
your gloomy hours

Be lovely and
you proud of me

or clay to shape
according to your desires

And I could be fond of the sea
not to fear the storms
if you were a sailor
and devotedly wait
your coming back
from distant lands
because I am Love

Poetry from Patrick Sweeney

She was only asking if her Matryoshka dolls would be safe…

                                         *

By the time I met him, he had a potato stone at the center of his grand synthesis

                                          *

He didn’t know he was a nervous wreck until Perry Como sang

                                            *

On his lonely way, he kept his hands at his sides until the diamond needle skipped 

                                             *

Instigators of unmanned aerial attacks know nothing about the whites of a child’s eyes

                                              *

Limping through eighty-four thousand Dharma doors to shake Yevtushenko’s hand

                                              *

Opening the koan with a yellow Lego I found under the backseat

                                              *

The adjunct professor has arrived at the pool with his scattered notes on lofty things

                                               *

When most alone, in the greenhouse ’round the praise of blue sage, she’s young again

                                               *

Horseshoes and hand grenades with every utterance

                                               *

It takes a green bile duct and a certain smirking, lickspittle disposition, to serve a tyrant

                                                *

Pussy willows in the vase, slowing the arrow of time

                                              *

The Roman Emperor Domitian, commanded the senators to kiss his knobby, yellow-bunioned feet during receptions…

Patrick Sweeney is a short form poet and a devotee of the public library.

Poetry from Gregory Wallace

Middle aged white man in reading glasses and a gray suit and blue and white checkered shirt with short gray hair in front of a red and white and yellow and blue and green psychedelic fractal design background.

MIRRORS OF LITTLE SUN 

Mirrors of little sun

ridges rushing with curtain

dark is bright behind carnival  

child transecting The Skeletal lampshades

bright halo faster with pink head  

vanished then hung stars down

the blazing

displayed bright supports with its  

strangely shining radiance

Bronze blasted Sun King wanted snow

his frozen head

like a blow from armor surrounded by shining deities

glowing eyes polished around the blade

spectators saw him unwrap his golden feet

the zero of moon region approaches Sun machine all fused

but earth edge turns galaxies off its golden haze in

the water maidens see nitrogen like methane glowing

A FABULOUS MARBLE DREAMED ON RED GLASS

A FABULOUS marble DREAMED on red GLASS  

a Butterfly IS YELLOW pumpkin and pop

daisy aftershave

soft peppermint Sausages with cake

cock of sandpaper in blue ice lake

fallen peach Candied BETWEEN the skirt inside of

pink tabletop touching crunch with pop

pink sunshine and blue apples  

then another between the legs

with chuckling woodchuck and freaky cone

clock made of pudding

penguin wearing sombrero OF hard sunshine

Eating a marble peppermint and talking to a woodpecker  

SUN in skies under yellow Lake

glass eyes floating in wooden belly

Bunnies pecking corners with Candied lips

breast hops between fuzzy tabletops

ANTIQUE MOON

Submarine with green flesh

bubbles with swarms of bees

empyrean universe filled with ghosts

folded back the jungle as

mist crowns little lakes  

Chemical wind roars

world collapses slowly

waitress forces salts beyond

the pyramidal structure

Empire under thick edges of chopsticks in creased sea

GRANULAR sky polished cloud  

flashing to misted Book buried in darkness

spheres disappear in milky skies

strumming folded fringes in a carbon buzzer

Or harps of ice found hazy rays of jeweled atoms

Blisters looking from the sparkle pulses

recombining floating equations

disconnected in cobblestones

five surfers handed his hats to Blood compounds

infinitesimal CLUSTER an opalescent dream

Kierkegaard the sweet rubbing world

the antique moon disturbing particles through

Little boxes wearing EASTER with intricate gears

pill opened by dull darkness ironed

Roman

 off

HILLBILLY BEES

I saw tables inside tiny rooms  

there the sand drops two forbidden nose cones  

HILLBILLY BEES on a blurry Road  

fuzz approaches with one of the beetles

chieftain sent yellow cone but

space benches would double him

unclear efforts moved to March

clearly someone with gold glass of photos and a talking

system photocopies with corkscrew

Historic animals flip before   

washed shirt or glass of buzzers  

Helga couldn’t bestow a tube that sent dozens from vapor

STORM linen wearing the standard deduction

constructing numerous evenings

which formed and blended

a grim cheer of Bundles when

Neptune saw only Small rimmed etching

CONCENTRATION CAMPFIRE

Swampy crocodiles in

wrecked fluorescent dimension

rain dress shrank her armor

brightness scalded thunder

fire clusters hide shake dimension

focus generators flag electric springs

feather lanterns vanish

cheeks elliptical

assembling continuous drift  

accumulate system vortex

Shelley bruised pillow and cloud

from relaxed incandescence

pink sardines curled freeze arrangement

dented women on confused face magnet

ringing top the juice curfew

thick insect surrounded

lost lozenges of haggard kisses

with hands embroidered groups of

transposed gas planets

POLTEXT

The risen is unbearable

sudden brightness through trigger profits

their galaxy dreams of 22

distant Hardtop without the poles

cyclones flick those silent crystals

smoke falls where ghost seconds against pieces

their mountain systems choreographed despite silver rust

oblivion islands glow in five Ray process

THE wounds had accepted faded bottles

poltext cocked the disintegrator

Chicago shrank into blue hares

black sky pale in the golden time

stepping transparent brightness

denouncing range through melted wire

regressing to the mandatory parentheses

Africa felt hatch of fluttering color

trees dissolved with Aldebaran out of ICE police

hot pressed metal whispered from forbidden consequences

Monday in tiny glowing crack of TWITTERS and decomposing crummalite

the manda grass around nylon gun is GLOWING

closed skull tries swiftly the glimpsed room

ash separator hop and long palms through world liquidation

The timejector pulsation creeps on tomorrow  

then the call was spinning on Machine for pink hours

again picture pressures THE computer candy

but dotted 16 oscillations over crylon bars

burning owls give small covering for folded hands

Gregory Wallace has been making art of various kinds for at least 50 years. He was active in the mail art scene in the 80s and participated in international mail art exhibits and correspondence. Mr. Wallace was a founding editor of Oblivion magazine and has published several books of poetry including The Girl With Seven Hands, The Return of the Cyclades, and Exile and Kingdom Come. His artistic activity encompasses poetry, collage, sculpture, assemblage, photography and painting. His work has appeared in Typo, BlazeVox, #Ranger, Black Scat Review, Clockwise Cat, and many other journals.

Essay from Eshtemirova Jasmina

Central Asian young woman with long dark hair, brown eyes, a white blouse, and a green and gold sash.

Life is very short. We face various obstacles throughout our lives. Our life consists of lows and highs. But trials make us stronger. They teach us how to live in life. In any situation, the important thing is not to give up and not to repeat the mistakes you made. The best way is to To see the good in situations and to be an example of our successes to those who have done wrong. Even if everyone abandons you in these trying times, your parents, the key to heaven, will be by your side and your encouragement will be there. My parents never fail to help me, both in our happy days and in our difficult times. My dad is a true hero and a great source of confidence for me. They always support me. Not only my father, but all fathers in the world are ready to sacrifice their lives for their children. For every girl, her father is the strongest person in the world. The greatest happiness for a father is to see his child grow up, and he is ready to do anything for this. He sacrifices his own health to see his son perform on big stages and achieve success. Dad is a selfless man who sacrificed his own health for us, giving up precious time for us.


One incident that touched me was when my brother was sick and my mother took him to the hospital with tears in her eyes. That’s when I realized how difficult it is to raise a child. I love my parents very much and my biggest dream is to be a worthy child for them. When asked what happiness is, I answer that it is happiness to have my parents and to be able to breathe. The real wealth is when your parents say, “I believe in you, daughter,” and that is a great strength. Our mothers are our angels on earth, and our fathers are our heroes. I would like to conclude my speech with one sentence. Behind the most successful people are strong people who support them. The strongest people behind me are my mother and father. I love them very much. And making their dreams come true is my biggest goal. If I stop moving and get tired, I remember what my dad said. You have to be a big man. Of course, I will make my father’s dreams come true.

Eshtemirova Jasmina was born in Yakkabag district of Kashgar region. Holder of international certificates. Knows and continues to learn English and Turkish. Holder of a national certificate in her native language.He has won honorable mentions in many competitions. He is a participant in the district stage of the Young Reader competition.”Ilhom tomchilari” “Soʼzlarimdan jahon eshtsin” “Koʻngil kalitlari ”  actively partipated in the publication of books with  articles and creative works Her dream is to win the Zulfiya Award and make her parents proud.

Poetry from Priyanka Neogi

Young South Asian woman with long thick dark hair, a pink knit cap, and a red top, in front of a pink curtain.

With Achievement

Everyone’s eye on the light,

The light is attracted to the brilliant.

Improve life by keeping in the light.

Everyone wants to live with respect and respect,

Many do not know that respect and respect are not cheap.

Gains respect in the work of achievement,

To everyone is valuable in valuable work,

Life is on the way to Tatini.

Achievement in one’s own hands,

If you work hard, Your own life must improve.

In the hope of the dream of the dream, in the hope

Only if the equation of reality will shine the light of hope.

In the eastern sky, the clouds are frozen, the clouds are erased over time.

Life is shaking the light of hope,

You have to move on with it.

Short biography: Amb. Dr.Priyanka Neogi from Coochbehar. She is an administrative Controller of United Nations PAF, librarian, CEO of Lio Messi International Property & land Consultancy, international literacy worker, sports & peace promoter, dancer, singer, reciter, live telecaster, writer, editor, researcher, Literary journalist, host, beauty queen, international Co-ordinator of Vijay Mission of Community Welfare Foundation of India.

Essay from Sevara Uzaqova

Central Asian teen girl in a white blouse and black skirt in front of the Uzbek flag.

Exploring the Impact of Blended Learning on University Students’ Mastery of English Grammar

Uzaqova Sevara 

UzSWLU, English language and Literature

sevarauzaqova19@gmail.com

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of blended learning on the acquisition of English grammar among university students. Blended learning, which integrates traditional face-to-face instruction with digital resources and online platforms, has gained traction in higher education as a flexible and student-centered approach. The research was conducted with a sample of undergraduate English majors at a public university. A quasi-experimental design was adopted, involving both a control group receiving traditional instruction and an experimental group exposed to a blended learning model.

Data were collected through pre- and post-tests, classroom observations, and student feedback. The results suggest that students exposed to blended learning showed a significant improvement in grammatical accuracy and engagement compared to those in traditional settings. The study concludes with recommendations for integrating blended methodologies into grammar instruction to enhance learning outcomes.

Keywords

blended learning, English grammar, university students, grammar instruction, language learning methods, digital education, online platforms, ESL teaching, higher education, instructional design

In recent years, the landscape of higher education has undergone significant transformation due to advancements in technology and the growing demand for more flexible learning environments. Among the emerging instructional models, blended learning has attracted considerable attention for its potential to enhance student engagement and academic performance. Blended learning refers to an educational approach that combines traditional classroom teaching with digital tools and online resources, allowing students to access content beyond the physical boundaries of the classroom.

The teaching of English grammar, often perceived as rigid and rule-based, presents a unique challenge in language education. Conventional methods tend to rely heavily on rote memorization and textbook exercises, which may not effectively support students’ long-term retention or practical application of grammatical rules. As educators search for more interactive and student-centered approaches, blended learning offers a promising alternative that can cater to diverse learning styles and improve overall comprehension.

This study focuses on university-level English learners, particularly those enrolled in language and linguistics programs, and explores whether the integration of blended learning techniques can positively influence their mastery of English grammar. By comparing the outcomes of students exposed to blended instruction with those taught through traditional methods, this research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach and provide insights for future curriculum development.

The integration of technology into language education has become increasingly prevalent in recent decades, leading to a surge in research on blended learning models. Graham (2006) defines blended learning as a combination of face-to-face instruction and computer-mediated activities, emphasizing its flexibility and adaptability in diverse educational contexts. This model has been particularly influential in language learning, where engagement and repeated exposure are crucial for mastering linguistic structures such as grammar.

Several studies have highlighted the potential benefits of blended learning in grammar instruction. For instance, Chen (2011) conducted a study with Taiwanese university students and found that those who participated in blended grammar lessons outperformed their peers who received only traditional instruction. The study emphasized the role of multimedia tools in enhancing learners’ understanding of complex grammatical concepts.

Similarly, Al-Jarf (2005) explored the use of online grammar exercises in Saudi universities and noted a significant improvement in students’ grammatical accuracy and confidence. The study suggested that asynchronous online activities allowed learners to practice at their own pace, which is often not possible in time-constrained classroom settings.

However, not all research presents a wholly positive picture. McCarthy (2010) warns that without careful planning and instructional design, blended learning environments can become disjointed and confusing. Furthermore, a meta-analysis by Means et al. (2013) reported that while blended learning generally leads to better outcomes than face-to-face instruction alone, the effectiveness greatly depends on the quality of digital content and the instructor’s ability to integrate it meaningfully.

Despite growing interest in the topic, there remains a gap in the literature concerning the specific impact of blended learning on university students’ acquisition of English grammar, especially in non-native English-speaking contexts. This study aims to contribute to this area by examining how a structured blend of online resources and in-person instruction affects grammatical proficiency among university-level ESL learners.

This study adopted a quasi-experimental research design to investigate the effectiveness of blended learning in teaching English grammar to university students. The research was carried out over the course of one academic semester at a public university where English is taught as a foreign language. The participants included 60 undergraduate students majoring in English language and literature, divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, each consisting of 30 students.

The experimental group received grammar instruction through a blended learning model that combined traditional classroom teaching with digital platforms. These included interactive online grammar exercises, video explanations, and weekly discussion forums via a learning management system (LMS). The control group, in contrast, received instruction solely through face-to-face lessons using conventional textbooks and grammar drills.

Prior to the intervention, all students were given a pre-test designed to assess their baseline understanding of key English grammar structures (tenses, modals, conditionals, and passive voice). At the end of the semester, the same test was administered as a post-test to measure any improvement in grammatical knowledge.

In addition to test results, qualitative data were gathered through classroom observations and student feedback questionnaires. The observations focused on students’ engagement levels, participation, and use of digital tools. The questionnaires aimed to collect learners’ perceptions of the blended learning experience, its advantages, and any challenges they encountered.

To analyze the results, the pre- and post-test scores were compared using paired sample t-tests, and qualitative responses were coded thematically. This mixed-methods approach allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of both the measurable impact of the blended learning model and the students’ subjective experiences with it.

The analysis of pre- and post-test results revealed a clear difference in performance between the two groups. While both groups showed some improvement, the experimental group, which received blended instruction, demonstrated a significantly higher increase in grammar test scores. On average, their post-test scores improved by 28%, compared to a 13% improvement in the control group.

This suggests that the blended learning model was more effective in supporting students’ understanding and retention of grammatical structures. One possible explanation for this is the flexibility and interactivity offered by the digital materials, which allowed students to review lessons at their own pace, repeat challenging exercises, and engage with multimedia explanations that catered to different learning styles.

Classroom observations also indicated a higher level of engagement among students in the blended learning group. These students were more likely to participate in discussions, ask follow-up questions, and take initiative in completing grammar tasks both online and in class. In contrast, the control group tended to rely more on teacher explanations and showed less independent effort outside classroom hours.

Qualitative feedback collected through questionnaires supported these findings. Many students in the experimental group reported that the visual and interactive elements of online grammar tools made it easier to understand complex topics. They also appreciated the opportunity to revisit materials outside of scheduled class times. However, a few students mentioned difficulties related to internet access or occasional confusion with navigating the digital platform—issues that should be addressed in future implementations.

These results are consistent with previous research. For example, Chen (2011) and Al-Jarf (2005) similarly reported improved outcomes when grammar instruction was supplemented with digital tools. However, this study adds further depth by showing that student perception plays a significant role in the success of blended learning, not just test results.

In summary, the findings suggest that blended learning can significantly improve students’ grammatical proficiency when properly structured and supported. However, its effectiveness depends on access to reliable technology, clear instructional design, and proper teacher guidance.

This study set out to examine the effectiveness of blended learning in the context of English grammar instruction at the university level. The results clearly demonstrate that students who engaged with both in-person instruction and digital learning tools performed significantly better than those who received only traditional classroom teaching. The blended learning group not only showed measurable improvement in grammar proficiency through test scores, but also reported higher levels of motivation, confidence, and overall satisfaction with the learning experience.

The study highlights several factors that contribute to the success of blended learning. First, the flexibility offered by online materials enabled students to review grammar rules and practice exercises at their own pace, outside of the limitations of class time. Second, multimedia content — including video explanations and interactive quizzes — catered to various learning styles and helped make abstract grammar rules more understandable. Third, the integration of classroom interaction with online tasks fostered a more active and student-centered learning environment.

However, the research also identified some challenges. A few students expressed difficulties accessing online platforms due to internet connectivity issues or lack of experience with certain technologies. These obstacles, while not widespread, point to the importance of providing proper technical support and training when implementing blended learning strategies. Moreover, the effectiveness of the blended model heavily relies on how well instructors design and manage the balance between face-to-face and digital components.

The findings of this study have practical implications for curriculum designers, language instructors, and educational policymakers. As blended learning continues to gain popularity in higher education, particularly in the post-pandemic academic landscape, it is essential to ensure that such approaches are not simply add-ons, but are meaningfully integrated into the learning process with clear objectives and support systems.

Future research may explore the long-term effects of blended learning on language retention and transferability of grammar knowledge to real-life communication. It would also be valuable to investigate how blended models influence other language domains, such as writing fluency, reading comprehension, and oral accuracy. Expanding the sample size and including learners from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds would further strengthen the generalizability of findings.

In conclusion, blended learning represents a promising instructional approach that, when carefully implemented, can significantly enhance students’ acquisition of English grammar and contribute to more effective and engaging language education at the university level.

References

Al-Jarf, R. (2005). The effects of online grammar instruction on low proficiency EFL college students’ achievement. Asian EFL Journal, 7(4), 166–190.

Chen, Y. L. (2011). The effect of applying blended learning to English grammar instruction. English Language Teaching, 4(1), 91–98. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v4n1p91

Graham, C. R. (2006). Blended learning systems: Definition, current trends, and future directions. In C. J. Bonk & C. R. Graham (Eds.), The Handbook of Blended Learning (pp. 3–21). San Francisco: Pfeiffer Publishing.

McCarthy, J. (2010). Blended learning environments: Using social networking tools to enhance the student learning experienceAustralasian Journal of Educational Technology, 26(6), 729–740. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.1037

Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2013). The effectiveness of online and blended learning: A meta-analysis of the empirical literatureTeachers College Record, 115(3), 1–47.

About Author—Sevara Uzaqova

Currently a third-year undergraduate student specializing in Foreign Languages and Literature at Uzbekistan State World Languages University

Competitor and active participant in the TedxUzswlu competition

Member of the “Universe” Volunteer School, engaging in community service and leadership development programs

Participant and presently serving as a member of the organizing team for the “Sefer” project, contributing to its planning and execution

Volunteered at the “Baynanminal Event”, organized by the “Chinor” community, assisting with event coordination and management

Active member of the “Marifat” Promoters Association, involved in educational outreach and awareness campaigns