Synchronized Chaos’ Second February Issue: Sound and Fury, Signifying Everything

Old stylized drawing of a medieval man in a tunic with a sash and shield and a hat with feathers and striped shoes. Pastel yellow, blue, and white.
By M. and B. Skelt (publishers) – Folger Shakespeare Library Digital Image Collection http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/r8t2ob, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40908149
According to Shakespeare's Macbeth, 
Life "is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."

First, some announcements: In February, on Saturday the 28th at 2pm, Synchronized Chaos Magazine partners with the Hayward Lit Hop to co-host the Hayward Coffee Hop.

Join with us to hear poems and sample the wares of four different local coffee shops in downtown Hayward, California (Zocalo’s, Snappy’s, Concha Dreams, and the Old City Roastery). Advance tickets required, reserve your spot here.

Green frog with black spots drinking from a steaming white mug of coffee.

In March we will have a presence at the Association of Writing Programs conference in Baltimore which will include a free public offsite reading at Urban Reads on Friday, March 6th at 6 pm. All are welcome to attend!

So far the lineup for our reading, the Audible Browsing Experience, includes Elwin Cotman, Katrina Byrd, Terry Tierney, Terena Bell, Shakespeare Okuni, and our editor, Cristina Deptula. If there’s time, an open mic will follow.

Front door of a bookstore with glass windows and bronze text and symbols painted on the window.
Urban Reads Bookstore

Poet Marin Angel, of Finland and Bulgaria, is forming a new, vast, international poetry society, the Poetic Political Party for Transparency, that will publish books and which seeks editors and writers.

Published poet and contributor Tao Yucheng is still hosting a poetry contest, open to all readers of Synchronized Chaos Magazine.

Synchronized Chaos Poetry Contest: We seek short, powerful, imaginative, and strange poetry. While we welcome all forms of free verse and subject matter, we prefer concise work that makes an impact.

Guidelines: Submit up to five poems per person to taoyucheng921129@proton.me. Each poem should not exceed one page (ideally half a page or less). All styles and themes welcome. Deadline for submissions will be in early March.

Prizes: First Place: $50 Second Place: $10, payable via online transfer. One Honorable Mention. Selected finalists will be published in Synchronized Chaos Magazine.

Brian Barbeito's poetry collection's cover. Heart carved from metal tied with a string onto what looks like a blue canvas tarp.
Screenshot

We’re also announcing the release of contributor Brian Barbeito’s new book The Book of Love and Mourning.


From Brian: These prose poems and photos are a journey that celebrate memory and colour and the near and far. Please travel along and explore both the written word and the visual narrative. The content will include but not be limited to, forest trails, meadows and skies, grasshoppers and wild clovers, electric light, and various seasons. And at times we will dream, reminisce, and wonder about the world, its form, content, and continual movement. 

The Book of Love and Mourning can be ordered here.

Now, for February’s second issue! This issue, Sound and Fury, Signifying Everything, as opposed to Macbeth’s feelings of meaninglessness, points to the importance of individual people and relationships, to ordinary settings and personal life stories.

Stylized painting of a ship with big white sails lurching in a storm. Clouds in the sky, big waves.
Image c/o Omar Sahel

Dmitriy Kogan asserts the value of ordinary words from understandable poets. Mykyta Ryzhykh’s micropoems hit on different nerves: money, guilt, tradition, speech, silence. Christopher Bernard’s first installment of Senor Despair explores the search for hope and meaning in a complex world.

Terry Trowbridge’s speakers inhabit and listen to time, rather than shouting their existences into the world. Mahbub Alam’s speaker slowly awakens from a deep sleep. On the other hand, Aurelia Preskill’s speaker desires to fully inhabit her universe and her own body. Michael Todd Steffen’s pieces concern observation: seeing our world, and the instability of what we see. Janaea Rose Lyn takes us on a poetic journey from grief to cognition to embodiment and, finally, to translucence. Taro Aizu finds gentle peace in everyday blessings and beauty. Jumanazarova Mohlaroyim Islombek qizi explicates the deep and stormy inner world behind Said Ahmad’s ironically titled novel Silence. Timothee Bordenave explores the emotional territory of pleasure, escape, rebirth, and devotion.

J.J. Campbell depicts the debris of soul damage from a long and weary life, but continues living, as he has little choice. Mahbub Alam evokes the solemn weariness of insomnia in an elegant poem. Taylor Dibbert reflects on turning points in a relationship that went south. John Edward Culp’s work quietly dares without becoming showy, as a person eases into the risk of loving and being loved. Kalipada Ghosh celebrates a gentle and inspiring love. Dr. Fernando Martinez Alderete presents the comfort and care of a steady, long-term love. Lan Xin’s love poetry carries a spiritual bent, drawing on metaphors of angels and ancient Chinese temples. Cai Zhenyuan ties love into universal compassion and making moral choices.

Alexa Grospe speaks to the visceral pain of someone struggling to be seen and loved in their ordinary humanness. Jacques Fleury advises readers to become comfortable and at home in their own identities and bodies. Eva Lianou Petropoulou reminds humans not to lose sight of our hearts and creativity in the age of artificial intelligence.

Bill Tope and Doug Hawley contribute a co-written bleak, funny, and tender short story that highlights the humanity not only of disabled people, but all those who age and change with time. Noah Berlatsky comments with humor on physical aging. Dilafro’z Sultanova aspires to health and wellness in her advertising jingle to the Central Asian health drink Beleever. Diyora Abduolimova and Jurayeva Aziza Rakhmatovna discusses the importance of and methods for inclusive education for children with disabilities.

Closeup of a tree's wooden rings.
Image c/o Petr Kratochvil

Shoshana Vegh speaks to a mythical love that endures through time. Mesfakus Salahin promises his commitment to his loved one throughout his life journey. Jamal Garougar affirms a quiet, humble love. Mandy Pistikou’s poetry outlines a romantic relationship that grows and deepens with time. Sabo Jurayeva urges people to marry for the right reasons, building strong families on love and commitment rather than infatuation.

Iroda Abdusamiyeva pays tribute to her kind, tenderhearted mother as Ibodimova Lobar Muzzafar qizi mourns the loss of her loving mother. Eshmatova Charos offers her love and respect to her mother through a prayer. Akramova Sarvinoz pays tribute to the love and strength of her parents. Dildorakhon Tursunboyeva tenderly expresses her love for her dear mother.

Jerrice J. Baptiste’s colorful artwork celebrates the joy of female friendship and sisterhood. Graciela Noemi Villaverde highlights the transformative power of both friendship and love. Sayani Mukherjee explores interpersonal love through the lenses of memory, religion, myth, and culture. Hanaan Abdelkader Ashour honors the love she shared with those who are departed and feels their continued presence.

Safarqulova Iroda and Maja Milojkovic celebrates the beauty of their heritages and mother tongues. Abdusaidova Jasmina expresses her pure joy and pride in her Uzbek homeland. Isaac Dominion Aju’s personal essay describes his journey towards accepting, creating, and claiming his identity as a Black African man. Normuminova Charos Shamshoshodovna looks deep in her heart and soul to find the meaning of “homeland.”

Halilova Rukshona Abdufattohovna honors the scientific and philosophical legacy of ancient scholar Abu Nasr al-Farabi. Sevara Jo’raqulova highlights the love for Uzbek heritage, nature, and culture in Alexander Faynberg’s poetry.

Orange Volkswagen bus with peace signs painted onto its side and lots of succulent plants in little pots next to it.
Image c/o Rheo Gauthier

Duane Vorhees also addresses nature as a theme, speaking to spring’s regrowth in a natural, unsentimental way. Aziza Xazamova shares fun and colorful winter memories. Christina Chin celebrates the clear, pure beauty of winter. Ananya S. Guha’s poetry speaks to natural cycles and resilience, places that keep a hold on people even after they leave. Yongbo Ma constructs an interior landscape built through a variety of objects, places and natural creatures: rocks, tadpoles, frogs, a person’s hometown.

Brian Michael Barbeito’s nature-based prose is quietly luminous, reflective, and tender, reminding us to see the grace in the everyday. Soumen Roy compares the ebbs and flows of relationships to waves at sea. Dr. Jernail S. Anand’s essay highlights the cosmic and natural power balances of the universe.

G’afforova Hadichaxon Abduhamid qizi also writes from a wide perspective, addressing the importance of addressing air pollution on systemic as well as individual levels. Jalolova Charos weighs various sustainable design models for our world’s growing cities. Mamatraimova Khadicha Eshali qizi discusses toponymy, the science of naming places and landforms, in a certain area of Uzbekistan. Dildora Xo’jyozova appreciates Uzbekistan’s rich and multilayered history and culture. Shahnoza Ochildiyeva celebrates the literary legacy of Uzbek writer and social theorist Chol’pon.

Egamberdiyeva Diloromxon highlights the importance of Uzbeks’ understanding their nation’s constitution. Jumayev Sanjar Ilyos ogli also explores the wisdom and importance of the Uzbek constitution in shaping the country. Bai Gengsheng’s poetry, translated by Lan Xin, highlights the enduring power of fortitude and wisdom in China’s cultural heritage. Zubayda Tursunboyeva illuminates themes in Uzbek poetess Zulfiya’s work: love, family, patriotism, and peace. Shermamatova Kamola Azizbek qizi discusses ways to incorporate epic world literature into the classroom.

Razzokova Feruza’s essay discusses how language and culture influence emotional expression. Mahmudjonova Rushonabonu outlines the global importance of the English language. Qobiljonova Hurixon compares advantages of blended and traditional education for those learning English as a second language. Sultonova Shahlo Baxtiyor qizi discusses ways to overcome cognitive and psychological barriers to language learning. Nazarova Gulbaxor Azimjon qizi discusses the impact of bilingualism on personality.

Stylized image of pink, orange, yellow, and blue people facing each other with thought bubbles over their heads.
Image c/o Nicky Pe

Sultonmurodova Aqida identifies and offers solutions to problems students face with learning foreign languages. Shodiqulova Dilorom Niymatulla qizi highlights the value of teachers’ classroom preparation and evaluation tasks in helping students learn languages and other subjects. Mahamqulova Ruhshona Rustam qizi discusses the cultural and psychological benefits of joint educational programs, where a student may receive academic credit from institutions in different countries. Mominova Nozimakhon highlights the many ways education benefits society at large.

Xolmurotova Gulzoda outlines roles of digital platforms in language learning. Jumanazarova Nafisa discusses roles for artificial intelligence in learning English. Mamatova Mahbuba Abdulboqi qizi addresses the proper pedagogical conditions for using project-based technology in teaching literature. To’g’ilova Dinora shows how mobile apps can help students learn the Korean language. Abduhamidova Nihola shares methodological foundations for multimedia tools in language lessons. Madinaxon Tu’ychiyeva explores the efficacy of digitally based learning. Olimova Marjona Ubaydullayevna discusses how artificial intelligence can help with language learning.

To’laganova Muxlisa G’ulomovna discusses the role of artificial intelligence in teaching critical thinking skills. Ne’matullayeva Mukhlisa Sherali kizi outlines ways college professors can encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills. Zamira Moldiyeva Bahodirovna highlights the importance of teaching critical thinking skills in higher education.

Erkinov Dilmurod Adham o’g’li points out linguistic conventions in scientific writing. Azamova Kumushoy Akramjon qizi highlights the role of scientific research in modern society. Bafoyev Mirzabek Mirvohidovich reflects on how medical diagnostics has advanced and become more refined with time.

Saida Turdiboyeva reflects on how artificial intelligence is changing our lives. Azimov Mirsaid Salimovich highlights the growing importance of computer code in global infrastructure. Nematova Zarina Ochilboyevna points to the emerging trend of digitization in the labor market. Toshbekova Nozima offers suggestions to address youth unemployment. Abdiyeva Mahbuba Rahmiddinova advocates for increased attention to women’s entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic development and empowerment. Zarina Yorboboyeva discusses ways to improve strategic management in business enterprises in Central Asia. Shonazarov Shohjaxon outlines advantages and disadvantages of modern consumer credit.

Image of a white robot with yellow eyes holding a white card.
Image c/o Gerd Altmann

J.K. Durick’s pieces speak to automation and modern life, the slow erasure of the self. Bozorboyeva Nasiba Ergashboy qizi urges wisdom and foresight in the development and rollout of artificial intelligence technology. Mo’minova Rukhshona highlights how science should not be separated from ethics.

Gaurav Ojha encourages revolutionaries and activists to keep up their spirit and idealism. Norman J. Olson’s drawing conveys the current atmosphere of Minneapolis. Patricia Doyne highlights inconsistencies in American public policy regarding firearms and cultural violence. Kujtim Hajdari laments the destruction and sorrow war causes.

Mauro Montacchiesi highlights themes of moral and psychological choices in the here and now in Dr. Jernail Singh’s book Beyond Heaven, Beyond Hell. James Tian excoriates religion enforced through fear and moral blackmail. Mohammad Sedigh Haghighi reminds us that meaning cannot be outsourced, we are all tasked with a long and personal quest to find what matters.

Angelina Muniz Huberman reviews Beatriz Saavedra Gastelum’s new book Alfonso Reyes: Cartography of the Spirit and the Word, which dramatizes estrangement and exile. Shammah Jeddypaul’s piece evokes the dislocation of trauma through a narrator whose situation we gradually begin to grasp. David Kokoette’s raw, furious, and wounded poetry looks at systemic and personal violation and invasion.

Luis Cuauhtemoc Berriozabal’s work probes spaces where meaning becomes unreliable and sensory overload collapses into numbness. Grzegorz Wroblewski’s asemic scrawls reflect intuitive thought maps or emotional streams of consciousness. Mark Young’s pieces feel geometric, like a meditation on latency. Rus Khomutoff contributes a chant, a waking dream, a data-streamed prayer. Poet Yongbo Ma interviews writer Jeffrey Cyphers Wright about his fun, freeflowing, and experimental poetry craft.

Image of purple light and paint patterns on a black background.
Image c/o Piotr Siedlecki

Ruziyeva Nigina Sanat kizi delves into the moral and spiritual aspects of O’tkir Hoshimov’s work. Jakhongir Nomozov interviews Azerbaijani poet, translator, and journalist Aysel Khanlargizi Safarli on beauty, meaning, and spiritual understanding in her work.

Sevinch Botirjonova explicates the power of words in an increasingly connected world. Stephen Jarrell Williams speaks to memory, faith, and history. Nozima Gofurova highlights the thoughtful literary criticism of Ozod Sharafiddinov and how he examined literature as a force to mold and inspire society as well as elegant entertainment. Jumayev Sanjar Ilyos ogli celebrates the many roles of Uzbekistan’s young people in shaping the country’s future.

Dustmurodova Marjona Doniyorovna illuminates the value of lifelong learning as Türkan Ergör urges us to forget past sorrows and grudges and Opeyemi Oluwayomi asserts his steady belief in the value and beauty of tomorrow.

We hope that this issue helps you keep growing, thinking, and believing in our shared future.

Essay from Qobiljonova Hurixon

Young Central Asian woman with straight dark hair, a black coat and white collared shirt and black tie.

Blended Learning vs Traditional Learning: Which is more effective for ESL Students?

Qobiljonova Hurixon 2nd year student of English philology faculty Uzbekistan State University of World Languages

Scientific adviser: R. Murodova, Teacher of English philology faculty, Uzbekistan State University of World Languages  

Abstract: This article investigates the effectiveness of blended learning compared to traditional learning methods for English as a Second Language (ESL) students. Blended learning combines online digital resources with face-to-face instruction, potentially offering a more engaging and personalized educational experience. In contrast, traditional learning focuses on direct classroom interaction and structured teaching methods. By reviewing existing literature and analyzing case studies, the study explores key aspects such as language acquisition, student engagement, and overall educational outcomes. The findings suggest that while both approaches have their advantages, blended learning often provides greater flexibility and adaptability to individual learning needs, making it a more effective option for ESL education. This article aims to guide educators and policymakers in understanding the implications of these findings for curriculum design and teaching strategies in ESL settings.  

Keywords: Blended Learning, traditional learning, ESL (English as a second language), language acquisition, student engagement, educational outcomes, teaching strategies

Смешанное обучение против традиционного обучения: что более эффективно для студентов, изучающих английский как второй язык?

Кабилжанова  Хурихон  2 курса факультета английской филологии Узбекского государственного университета мировых языков.

Научный руководитель: Р.Муродова, преподаватель факультета английской          

 филологии Узбекского государственного университета

Аннотация: В этой статье исследуется эффективность смешанного обучения по сравнению с традиционными методами обучения для студентов, изучающих английский как второй язык (ESL). Смешанное обучение сочетает онлайн-ресурсы с лицом к лицу, что может предложить более увлекательный и персонализированный образовательный опыт. В отличие от этого, традиционное обучение акцентирует внимание на непосредственном взаимодействии в классе и структурированных методах преподавания. Путем обзора существующей литературы и анализа кейс-стадий исследование изучает ключевые аспекты, такие как овладение языком, вовлеченность студентов и общие образовательные результаты. Результаты показывают, что, хотя у обоих подходов есть свои преимущества, смешанное обучение часто обеспечивает большую гибкость и адаптивность к индивидуальным потребностям обучения, что делает его более эффективным вариантом для ESL-образования. Эта статья нацелена на то, чтобы помочь педагогам и политикам понять последствия этих результатов для разработки учебных планов и стратегий преподавания в контексте ESL.

Ключевые слова: Смешанное обучение, традиционное обучение, ESL (английский как второй язык), овладение языком, вовлеченность студентов, образовательные результаты, стратегии преподавания

Aralash o‘qitish va an’anaviy o‘qitish: ESL talabalari uchun qaysi biri samaraliroq?

Qobiljonova Hurixon: Ingliz filologiyasi fakultetining 2- kurs talabasi, 

O’zbekiston Davlat Jahon Tillari Universiteti.

Ilmiy rahbari: R.Murodova, Ingliz filologiyasi fakulteti o’qituvchisi,

 O’zbekiston Davlat Jahon Tilleri Universiteti.

Annotatsiya: Ushbu maqola ingliz tilini ikkinchi til sifatida o‘qitish (ESL) talabalar uchun aralash o‘qitish va an’anaviy o‘qitish usullari samaradorligini o‘rganadi. Aralash o‘qitish onlayn raqamli resurslarni to‘g‘ridan-to‘g‘ri dars o‘tish  bilan birlashtiradi, bu esa yanada qiziqarli va shaxsiylashtirilgan ta’lim tajribasini taqdim etadi.  An’anaviy o‘qitish esa dars davomida to‘g‘ridan-to‘g‘ri muloqot va tizimli  o‘qitish usullariga e’tibor qaratadi. Mavjud adabiyotlarni ko‘rib chiqish va tadqiqotlardan olingan ma’lumotlarni tahlil qilish orqali ushbu tadqiqot til egallash, talabani jalb etish va umumiy ta’lim natijalari kabi asosiy jihatlarni o‘rganadi. Topilmalar shuni ko‘rsatadiki, har ikki usulning o‘z afzalliklari bo‘lsa-da, aralash o‘qitish moslashuvchanlik va mustaqil  o’rganishdagi qulayliklarni  taqdim etadi va  bu uni Ingliz tilini ikkinchi til sifatida o’rganish uchun samaraliroq variantga aylantiradi. 

Kalit so`zlar: Aralash o‘qitish, an’anaviy o‘qitish, ESL (ingliz tilini ikkinchi til sifatida o‘qitish), til egallash, talaba jalb etish, ta’lim natijalari, o‘qitish strategiyalari.

Introduction. In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, the effectiveness of teaching methodologies is a critical area of research, particularly for English as a Second Language (ESL) students. Traditional learning, characterized by face-to-face instruction and structured classroom environments, has long been the standard approach in language education. However, the advent of digital technology has paved the way for blended learning, which combines online resources with in-person teaching. This hybrid model aims to enhance student engagement and provide a more personalized learning experience. Blended learning offers unique advantages, such as flexibility in learning pace and accessibility to diverse educational materials, which can be particularly beneficial for ESL students who often face varying levels of language proficiency. Conversely, traditional learning emphasizes direct interaction between students and instructors, fostering a sense of community and immediate feedback that can be essential for language acquisition.

This article seeks to explore the comparative effectiveness of blended learning and traditional learning for ESL students. By examining existing research and analyzing key factors such as language acquisition, student engagement, and educational outcomes, we aim to provide insights that can inform educators and policymakers. Ultimately, understanding which method proves more effective can lead to improved teaching strategies and enhanced learning experiences for ESL learners.

What is Traditional Learning?

Traditional learning involves the direct interaction of the teacher with students. It includes oral recitation of the subject to be studied by a student while the other students sit there quietly and listen. This tactic is still used widely in schools and is also known as conventional education. Traditional learning does not support remote learning and is forced to be in a specific fixed time. It elaborates learning and opting for new skills while sharing space with different students with different interests and passions.

Traditional learning in ESL education offers several benefits that can significantly enhance language acquisition. One of the primary advantages is the direct interaction between students and instructors. This face-to-face communication fosters an environment where learners can engage in real-time discussions, ask questions, and receive immediate feedback. Such interaction is crucial for developing speaking and listening skills, as students can practice pronunciation and conversational techniques with their peers and teachers.

Another benefit of traditional learning is the structured classroom environment. This setting provides a routine and discipline that can help ESL students focus on their studies. The physical presence of a teacher can motivate students to participate actively and commit to their learning. Furthermore, traditional classrooms often foster a sense of community, allowing students to build relationships with their peers, which can enhance their language skills through collaborative learning.

In terms of teaching strategies, traditional learning can incorporate various methods to cater to different learning styles. For instance, teachers can use group activities, role-playing, and interactive discussions to engage students and encourage participation. Additionally, the use of visual aids, such as charts and flashcards, can help reinforce vocabulary and grammar concepts.

Assessment in traditional settings also allows for comprehensive evaluation of student progress. Instructors can conduct regular quizzes, oral presentations, and group projects to gauge understanding and provide personalized feedback. This direct assessment can lead to more tailored instructional approaches, addressing the specific needs of each student.

Overall, traditional learning in ESL education emphasizes interaction, structure, and personalized feedback, making it a valuable approach for language acquisition. By employing diverse teaching strategies and fostering a sense of community, educators can create an effective learning environment that supports ESL students in their journey to language proficiency.

Effectiveness of Blended Learning for ESL students

The rapid development of technology has transformed the field of education, providing new opportunities to improve teaching and learning processes. Blended learning,  which integrates online and offline instructional methods, has gained prominence in ESL  education. This approach allows learners to develop language skills in a more flexible,  interactive, and personalized environment. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the  impact of blended learning in ESL instruction and suggest best practices for its  implementation.

Different Models of Blended Learning

Blended learning is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it encompasses various models that can be adapted to different educational contexts. Key models include:

The Flipped Classroom: In this model, traditional learning structures are inverted. Students engage with new content online at home, typically through video lectures or readings, and use classroom time for interactive activities, discussions, and applied learning exercises (Horn & Staker, 2015).

Rotation Model: This approach involves students rotating through different learning stations or activities, including online learning stations, traditional classroom activities, and group work. The rotation can be fixed (pre-scheduled) or flexible (adjusted based on students’ needs) (Bonk & Graham, 2012).

Flex Model: Predominantly online, the flex model provides students with a personalized pathway through a curriculum. While most content delivery and practice happen online, teachers offer on-site support and tutoring as needed (Garrison & Vaughan, 2008).

A La Carte Model: Students take one or more courses entirely online while continuing to attend traditional classes. This model allows for greater flexibility and customization of the learning experience (Horn & Staker, 2015).

Enriched Virtual Model: Combining elements of the fully online and traditional classroom environments, this model offers students the option to complete coursework online while attending occasional in-person sessions for hands-on activities and face-to-face interactions (Graham, 2013).

Benefits of Blended Learning in ESL

1. Increased Engagement and Motivation: Interactive digital tools, such as language learning apps, multimedia content, and gamification, enhance student motivation and participation. 

2. Personalized Learning Experience: Blended learning allows students to learn at their own pace, revisiting online materials and practicing language skills as needed. 

3. Flexibility and Accessibility: Online resources make learning accessible  anytime and anywhere, accommodating different learning styles and schedules. 

4. Immediate Feedback and Assessment: Digital platforms provide instant  feedback, enabling learners to monitor their progress and identify areas for improvement. 

5. Collaborative Learning: Virtual discussion forums, video conferencing, and group projects foster communication skills and peer interaction. 

Challenges of Blended Learning in ESL Despite its advantages, blended learning  presents certain challenges: 

•Technological Barriers: Limited access to technology or internet connectivity may hinder some students from fully participating. 

•Teacher Training and Adaptation: Educators need professional development to effectively integrate digital tools into their teaching methodologies. 

•Student Self-Discipline: Online learning requires students to be self-motivated and disciplined, which can be challenging for some learners. 

•Quality of Online Content: Ensuring that digital materials are pedagogically sound and aligned with learning objectives is essential for effective blended learning. 

Effective Strategies for Implementing Blended Learning in ESL

1. Selecting Appropriate Digital Tools: Educators should choose interactive platforms, such as Duolingo, Kahoot, or Google Classroom, to support language learning. 

2. Balancing Online and Offline Activities: A well-structured curriculum should integrate classroom instruction with digital assignments and activities. 

3. Providing Guidance and Support: Teachers should offer clear instructions, monitor progress, and provide personalized feedback to help students succeed. 

4. Encouraging Student Interaction: Online discussion forums, collaborative tasks, and virtual speaking exercises can enhance communication skills. 

5. Continuous Assessment and Improvement: Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of blended learning strategies and making necessary adjustments is crucial for success.

The future of blended learning in ESL education looks promising, with emerging technologies and methodologies paving the way for more personalized, interactive, and effective learning experiences. These advancements will not only enhance the quality of language education but also make it more inclusive and accessible for learners worldwide.

Conclusion

In summary, blended learning represents a powerful approach to EFL/ESL education, combining the strengths of traditional classroom instruction with the flexibility and interactivity of digital tools. By enhancing student engagement, providing personalized learning experiences, and offering greater flexibility and accessibility, blended learning has shown its potential to significantly improve learning outcomes and retention rates. Various models, such as the flipped classroom, rotation model, and enriched virtual model, demonstrate the versatility of blended learning in catering to different educational contexts and learner needs.

The benefits of blended learning are evident in successful case studies from institutions around the world, where programs have reported improved language proficiency, higher student satisfaction, and increased motivation. The integration of emerging technologies like AI, VR, and mobile learning further enhances the potential of blended learning to create more personalized, immersive, and effective educational experiences.

As we look to the future, it is clear that blended learning will continue to play a critical role in ESL education. Its ability to adapt to individual learners’ needs and integrate seamlessly with evolving technological advancements makes it a vital component of modern education.

Educators and institutions are encouraged to embrace and invest in blended learning strategies. By doing so, they can provide more engaging, flexible, and effective learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of their students. Professional development for teachers, equitable access to technology, and continuous support for both educators and students are essential to the successful implementation of blended learning. Together, these efforts can help unlock the full potential of blended learning, transforming language education and empowering learners to achieve their goals.

REFERENCES: 

  1. Bonk, C. J., & Graham, C. R. (2012). The Handbook of Blended Learning: Global Perspectives, Local Designs. Wiley. 
  2. Garrison, D. R., & Vaughan, N. D. (2008). Blended Learning in Higher Education:  Framework, Principles, and Guidelines. Jossey-Bass. Thorne, K. (2003). 
  3. (Horn & Staker, 2015). 
  4. (Graham, 2013).
  5. Blended Learning: How to Integrate Online and Traditional Learning. Kogan Page.
  6. 21K School India (https://www.21kschool.com/in/blog/traditional-learning-vs-hybrid-learning/) Traditional Learning vs Hybrid Learning: Which Is Better?
  7. eflcafe.net(https://eflcafe.net/blended-learning-strategies-in-efl-esl-education/) Blended Learning Strategies in EFL/ESL Education
  8. BLENDED LEARNING IN TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15001959

Qobiljonova Hurixon Jahongir qizi is a second-year undergraduate student of English Philology at Uzbekistan State World Languages University. Her academic interests include English language studies and linguistics. She has participated in international academic conferences and is a recipient of the Kelajak Bunyodkorlari commemorative badge.

Artwork from Norman J. Olson

Purple colored pencil drawing of two amorphous, robot like figured locked in combat standing upright. Two round circles in white are above them.

As most people who know my work know, I have lived all of my life in the Twin Cities Metro area (St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota)…  I currently live in Maplewood, an inner ring suburb of St. Paul… 

I do not normally give my art works titles because I want the audience, such as it is, to see the work without any of the limitations of meaning which a title would perhaps supply. This is predicated on the belief that these works have any meaning at all, and if they do, I would hope that it is on a psychological, emotional and/or symbolic level… or at least not on a topical level… Anyway, after I finished this drawing, I decided that it could appropriately be titled “Minneapolis, January 2026”  This is a small drawing in ballpoint pen on watercolor paper…

Artwork and poetry from Cai Zhenyuan

Older middle aged East Asian man in a white collared shirt and reading glasses standing near a misted-over window.

Boundless Love

By Cai Zhenyuan

International Artist | Founder of Neo-Aesthetics | High-Dimensional Consciousness Poet

Light entangles with darkness, good confronts evil

Love coexists with hate, gain entwines with loss

Obsession and letting go, cycle through the mortal world

Conflicting consciousness, the eternal entanglement of the universe

Yet hands held fast, hearts embraced in union

Weave the tenderest harmony on earth

The scale of good and evil tilts, conscience gasps in shadow

Hypocrisy devours kindness, ugliness dons a gentle guise

Angels and devils, reshaped by worldly ways

Only the power of love can pierce the mist, and kindle light within

We live for others, toil for others’ values

Lost in others’ dreams, we forsake our own souls

Tears and laughter, love and hate, gain and loss

None are the true longing of our deepest spirits

But bewilderment and regret for having strayed from ourselves

We perform bravery, act out wisdom

Pander to others’ expectations, abandon our inner yearnings

Love the world with love defined by others

Yet forget the self we ought to cherish most

Life begins in tears, ends in regret

Sorrowful souls linger in the cosmos

Fallen consciousness pervades the mortal realm

Only boundless love can redeem the twisted heart

Love knows no bounds, great love stretches infinite

Consciousness endures, love never fades away

Lost steps tread through false peace

Rushing toward the unknown, we lose the true essence of love

Boundless love is a re-examination of love’s meaning

A call to awaken truth and purity

Consciousness endures, the power of love stands eternal

Enough to repel all darkness in the world

Abstract image of blue, yellow, gray, and green paint.
Cai Zhenyuan's book cover, pink and purple watercolor image that looks like a person from the back.
Abstract image of purple, white, blue and green paint.
Blue and purple and white paint.
Blue, green, yellow, and purple paint, lighter colors on the right.
Brown abstract image of a person walking forward with a gray and blue and pink light background.
Salmon pink and white abstract design.

About Cai Zhenyuan

Cai Zhenyuan is an international artist, founder of Neo-Aesthetics, high-dimensional consciousness poet, and creator of Post-Shock Art Theory. His creative practice centers on the fusion of Chinese and Western visual expressions and high-dimensional consciousness philosophy, spanning the disciplines of painting and poetry. Rooted in spiritual awakening and boundless love, he has forged a distinctive spiritual voice in the international art and humanities community, dedicated to building bridges of cross-cultural spiritual resonance through art and poetry.

Essay from Bafoyev Mirzabek Mirvohidovich

Image of two men and two women in white coats and scrubs looking at X-rays of someone's brain as a person goes in a MRI machine.

MODERN MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS: FROM TRADITIONAL METHODS TO DIGITAL DIAGNOSTICS

Bafoyev Mirzabek Mirvohidovich

2nd year student of the Fundamental Medicine Department of the Abu Ali ibn Sino Bukhara State Medical Institute.

Abstract: This article extensively covers the stages of development of modern medical examinations, processes from traditional diagnostic methods to digital and high-tech diagnostic systems. The study analyzes the historical and practical significance of clinical examination, laboratory tests and instrumental examinations, and discusses their integration with today’s digital medicine.

The article also emphasizes the role of ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, artificial intelligence-based diagnostic platforms and telemedicine technologies in improving the quality of medical examinations. Along with the advantages of digital diagnostics – increased diagnostic accuracy, saving time and resources, and the possibility of providing remote medical services – problematic aspects such as data security, technical infrastructure, and specialist training are also analyzed.

The article aims to reveal the strategic importance of modern medical examinations in the healthcare system and to scientifically highlight their contribution to the early detection of diseases, increasing the effectiveness of treatment, and the development of preventive medicine.

Keywords: modern medical examinations, traditional diagnostic methods, clinical examination, laboratory diagnostics, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray examinations, functional diagnostics, biochemical analyses, hematological analyses, screening examinations, preventive medicine, early detection of diseases, digital diagnostics, digital medicine, artificial intelligence-based diagnostics, medical image analysis, telemedicine, remote medical examinations, medical database, health information systems, clinical decision support systems, diagnostic accuracy, integration of medical technologies, digitalization of healthcare, efficiency of medical examinations, medical information security, personal data protection, modern healthcare system.

Introduction

Today, the healthcare system is undergoing fundamental changes in the context of rapidly developing scientific and technological progress. The increase in the population, the increase in the share of chronic and non-communicable diseases, the widespread spread of diseases among young people, and the intensification of global epidemiological threats are further increasing the demand for the quality of medical examinations. In this regard, the role of modern medical examinations in ensuring early detection of diseases, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment is of paramount importance.

Traditional medical examination methods – clinical examination, laboratory tests, and basic instrumental examinations – have been the basis of medical practice for many years. However, the complex tasks facing modern medicine, in particular, the detection of diseases at the early stages, the identification of latent pathological processes, and the provision of an individual approach, require expanding the capabilities of traditional methods. As a result, the medical examination system is moving to a new level, combined with digital technologies.

In recent years, the introduction of digital diagnostics, high-precision instrumental examinations (ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging), artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies into medicine has significantly increased the accuracy and speed of the diagnostic process. These technologies allow doctors to analyze large volumes of medical data in a short time, reduce errors and help in clinical decision-making. At the same time, the development of telemedicine and remote medical examinations is becoming an important factor in ensuring territorial equality of healthcare services. However, along with the widespread introduction of digital diagnostics, urgent problems such as information security, protection of personal medical data, lack of technical infrastructure and training of qualified personnel are also emerging. Therefore, a scientific analysis of the capabilities and limitations of modern medical examinations, and an assessment of the compatibility of traditional and digital diagnostic methods are among the important tasks of today’s medicine. This topic is of particular relevance due to its scientific and practical importance in modernizing the healthcare system, improving the quality of diagnostics, and strengthening the health of the population.

Main part

Advantages

1. Practical significance and limitations of traditional medical examinations:

Traditional medical examinations – clinical examination, analysis of patient complaints and standard laboratory tests – form the basis of medical practice. These methods are characterized by their low cost, convenience and speed and are important in the initial assessment of diseases at the primary level. For example, simple clinical and laboratory examinations may be sufficient to detect common diseases such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus or anemia.

However, the sensitivity and accuracy of traditional methods are limited in some cases, making it difficult to detect latent or early stages of the disease. For example, in the early stages of oncological diseases, due to insufficient clinical symptoms, diagnosis based only on traditional examinations may be delayed. This leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of treatment.

2. Modern instrumental examinations and diagnostic accuracy:

Instrumental diagnostic methods – ultrasound examination (UTT), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic examinations – play an important role in modern medical examinations. These methods allow for high-resolution imaging of the structure of internal organs and tissues, helping to identify pathological changes at an early stage.

For example, with the help of CT and MRI, cerebral circulatory disorders, tumors and traumatic injuries are detected in a short time. However, in practice, the possibilities of using these technologies are not the same in all medical institutions. Due to the lack of modern equipment in rural areas or the lack of qualified specialists, patients are forced to contact large medical centers. This leads to a loss of time and financial resources.

3. Digital diagnostics and artificial intelligence capabilities:

In recent years, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies has brought the quality of medical examinations to a new level. AI-based programs allow for the analysis of radiological images, automatic evaluation of laboratory results, and clinical risk analysis. For example, artificial intelligence has been proven to significantly increase the accuracy of diagnosis when detecting breast cancer or lung diseases using X-ray and CT images.

4. Telemedicine and remote medical examinations:

Telemedicine technologies have clearly demonstrated their practical importance, especially during the pandemic. The ability to provide remote consultations, analyze medical examination results, and monitor the patient’s condition has created convenience for many patients. For example, remote monitoring of patients with chronic cardiovascular or endocrine diseases helps prevent the development of complications.

Information security and personnel issues:

With the widespread introduction of digital medical examinations, the issue of protecting personal medical data has become an urgent issue. If the confidentiality of information stored in electronic medical records, online platforms, and databases is not ensured, there is a risk of violation of patient rights. At the same time, there are also problems associated with digital diagnostics. Incorrectly configured algorithms or insufficient clinical data can lead to errors in diagnosis. In addition, practice has proven that the clinical experience and individual assessment of a doctor cannot be fully replaced by artificial intelligence.

Telemedicine cannot be effective in all cases. Remote examinations are not enough in situations where a physical examination is required or in urgent cases. In addition, the quality of the Internet network and the availability of technical means are also important limiting factors.

Training qualified specialists for the effective implementation of modern medical examinations is one of the important tasks. Although modern equipment is available in some cases in practice, the lack of personnel who can fully and correctly use it reduces the effectiveness of diagnostics.

Conclusion

Modern medical examinations are an important component of the healthcare system, embodying a continuous development process from traditional diagnostic methods to digital and high-tech systems. The study revealed that traditional clinical and laboratory examinations are important in primary diagnosis, but their capabilities are limited in identifying complex and latent diseases. Therefore, the introduction of modern instrumental and digital diagnostic methods significantly increases the quality of medical examinations.

The analysis shows that ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and artificial intelligence-based diagnostic systems are important tools for early detection of diseases, increasing diagnostic accuracy, and choosing the right treatment tactics. In particular, digital technologies support the doctor’s clinical decision-making process and increase the efficiency of medical services. Telemedicine, on the other hand, creates significant opportunities for reducing regional inequalities and developing remote medical services.

However, there are also a number of problems in the process of introducing modern medical examinations. Ensuring information security, protecting personal medical data, developing technical infrastructure, and training qualified personnel are the main problems of this area. It is also an important conclusion that digital diagnostic tools cannot be given priority over clinical experience, but should be considered as a means of complementing and supporting the work of a doctor.

In conclusion, modern medical examinations provide effective results based on the combination of traditional and digital diagnostic methods. This approach is of great importance in early detection of diseases, increasing the effectiveness of treatment, and modernizing the healthcare system. In the future, the scientific development and widespread implementation of modern medical examinations will serve to strengthen the health of the population.

References:

1.Abdullayev A.A. Fundamentals of modern medical diagnostics (Tashkent Uzbekistan Medical Publishing House 2019)

2.Karimov I.R., Ismoilova N.S. Clinical and laboratory diagnostics. (Tashkent: Ilm Ziyo 2020)

3.Khudoyberganov B.T. Instrumental examination methods (Tashkent: Yangi asr avlody 2018)

4.Rakhimov Sh.K. Preventive medicine and screening system (Tashkent: Science and technology 2021)

5.Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Digital healthcare concept (Tashkent 2023)

6.Harrison T.R. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. (New York McGraw-Hill Education 2022)

7.Topol E.J. Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again. (New York Basic Books 2019)

8.World Health Organization (WHO). Digital Health Guidelines. (Geneva: WHO Press 2021)

9. McRobbie D.W. MRI from Picture to Proton. (Cambridge Cambridge University Press 2018)

10. Kahn C.E. Digital Radiology and PACS. (New York: Springer, 2017)

11. Dunn W.B. Laboratory Medicine: The Diagnosis of Disease in the Clinical Laboratory. (Oxford Oxford University Press, 2021)

European Society of Radiology (ESR). AI in Medical Imaging. (Vienna ESR Publications, 2022)

Poetry from Yongbo Ma

 ……..

Archaeology of the Morning

Suppose a poem was left forgotten in a dream

in the morning, you stroll through the woods

and add the quacking of ducks

to the list of things that gladden your heart

Everything could just go on like this forever

behind the door you’ve closed, the dust no longer shimmers

no matter how hard you try

those words are like fish slipping back into the deep water

all that you write is but the shadow of that only poem

So you keep walking, keep encountering

faces half-familiar, smiling, nodding, exchanging greetings

as if you could wake up, as if you’ve been sitting all along in the morning sun

a little dazed

 ……..

A Hometown with No One Left

It will never be better again

it exists nowhere on this earth

how can I possibly fabricate

a painted paradise?

behind the open door lies a stretch of dimness

when the sunlight of memory surges forth

when even the dust carries a faint yellowish warmth

I have long forgotten the sound of your voice

it lingers beyond life, beyond death

whispering of us who are no more

when marble seals my lips

when I have no time to bid you farewell

 ………

What to Do, How to Proceed

Let’s just sit on this jutting rock

the afternoon sun still keeps it warm

it is firm and solid, leaning out over the abyss

let’s sit right here, we can talk about this rock

besides the sunlight, it bears traces of weather, traces of moss

time and wind have not loosened it

instead, they have fused it more tightly with the cliff

Autumn has come, gazing at the increasingly high blue sky

I feel old age, like a stone inside my body, growing bigger day by day

one day we will lift it up

and tap the moon that rose, somehow, at an unknown time

look—It is nothing more than a stone that is consistent inside and out

The others have all gone down the mountain one after another

or vanished into the rock crevices around the bend

lights have lit up inside the stones

we still wait for a sudden gust of wind

to snatch us up, like two small stones

and hurl us at a forehead, glowing bright with the rage of innocence

The Abyss and the Stone

I discovered it at five years old, inside me

a place I could never reach

vast, wreathed in smoke, yet sometimes seeming not to exist at all

as if a single leaf could cover it whole

in the middle of play, it would suddenly emerge from the leaves across the way

rooting me to the spot in terror, back then, I’d turn deathly pale

grab a pebble, and slip away from my friends without a word

Words cannot hide it either, it defies all depiction

so, carrying this abyss—now swelling, now shrinking,

now fading, now flaring—I walk in the earthy world

gradually wearing an expression of solemnity ill-suited to my years

like the faint, ominous shadow of an iron ring

stealing over the brightness of summer

I buried my face in books through entire nights, wandered far and wide

at times, I would suddenly fail to recognize my own kin

Now, I often take it out

as pull a stone from my pocket, it is harder than a fist

blazing hot, it glimmers for a moment, then its surface turns black

I will not hurl it at dogs, nor cast it down into the valley

nor boil meat with it in a spring, as primitive men might do

I set it on the mountain, I think

perhaps it will slowly cool

slowly fade away into the variegated rocks and stones

Early Summer on Purple Mountain

In the small puddles left by wheel ruts beside the wild path

float clumps of frog spawn, like swollen, sticky clusters of tiny white grapes

the tadpoles that have already hatched refuse to leave

tadpoles, tadpoles, hurry and grow your legs

the woods are growing denser, and the puddles are drying up

At the end of every desolate trail, there are couples parking to make love

the path merely cuts through the sweltering thicket, curving toward another

springy slope that could shield against cannon fire

where obscure signals flicker at the crest

I have no choice but to live and die inside every frog spawn

On quiet afternoons, the mugwort pulled up exudes a stronger scent

I still find myself thinking about those clumps of frog spawn

it would be better if it rained a few more times

climbing the mountain with butterflies in the rain

the mountains are filled with frogs joyfully carting landmines

croaking loudly, their trousers rolled up just like mine

Ma Yongbo was born in 1964, Ph.D, representative of Chinese avant-garde poetry, and a leading scholar in Anglo-American poetry. He is the founder of polyphonic writing and objectified poetics. He is also the first translator to introduce British and American postmodern poetry into Chinese.

He has published over eighty original works and translations since 1986 included 9 poetry collections. He focused on translating and teaching Anglo-American poetry and prose including the work of Dickinson, Whitman, Stevens, Pound, Amy Lowell Williams, Ashbery and Rosanna Warren. He published a complete translation of Moby Dick, which has sold over 600,000 copies.

Poetry from Dildorakhon Turg’unoboyeva

Young Central Asian woman with dark straight hair up in a bun, small earrings, and a black coat over a white collared top.

My dearest mother

You are my very existence, my sacred duty,

The meaning and essence of my life itself.

From a thousand flowers I would lay a carpet at your feet,

Your sweet fragrance is my heaven on earth.

You are my muse in the quiet of the night,

My angel who comes to my rescue when I fall.

When pain weighs on me, you are my healing cure,

My most beautiful flower from the gardens of Paradise.

You are my radiant sun that lights my day, 

My moon that shines through winter nights.

If you are by my side at every moment, every breath,

My entire life will pass in beauty and light.

To express the love I hold for you – 

If it were possible even once,

I would offer my very existence for you.

My soul, my dear mother, is devoted to you alone.

Dildorakhon Turg’unoboyeva is a student of Preschool Education at the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Kokand State University. She is an active participant and coordinator of numerous educational and social projects. She is the holder of nearly 100 international certificates and diplomas. She is a winner of international scientific and practical competitions and the recipient of the “Friendship Ambassador” and “Dedicated Scholar of Knowledge” honorary badges. She is an advanced-level English student. Her creative works indexed on Google and have been published in the “Ezgulik” newspaper. She holds the Embassy Certificate of Science and Literature of Argentina as well as The International Children’s Protection Ambassador Certificate.