Regular contributor Bill Tope has launched a new literary magazine, Topiary, which is now accepting submissions! Please send short stories to billtopiary1950@gmail.com.

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.

Our next issue, Mid-March 2026, will come out Sunday March 22nd.

Yucheng Tao announces the winners of his poetry competition, Steve Schwei and Mark DuCharme. We’ve invited both winners to submit their poetry to Synchronized Chaos for everyone to read!

Now, for March’s first issue! This issue, Fingering the Spines, pays homage to our annual in-person reading, the Audible Browsing Experience. It’s a visual metaphor for looking through various titles in a global bookstore or library.

Genevieve Guevara rings in the dynamic energy of the Fire Horse for Chinese New Year.

Odiljonova Mohlaroyim Iqboljon qizi celebrates the many styles of Uzbek spoken word art. Umarova Gulsevar Ubaydullo qizi highlights the rich semantic and lexical expressiveness of the Uzbek language. Shuhratova Mohinur Abbosjon qizi explores the layered meaning of “k’o’ngil” (heart) in the Uzbek language.

Jesus Rafael Marcano celebrates the beauty of France, likening the nation to butterflies. Timothee Bordenave honors the beauty and majesty of Christian faith, as shown through Notre Dame. Su Yun’s abstract work reflects a meditative, spiritual sensibility. Soumen Roy describes a physical and mental journey towards spiritual inspiration.

Abdumajidova Zuhroxon Ibrohimjon qizi explores themes of hardship and endurance, destiny, faith, patriotism, and loyalty in Shuhrat’s classic Uzbek novel Oltin Zanglamas. Iroda Ibragimova explores themes of resilience and human dignity through oppression in Shukrullo’s novel Buried Without a Shroud. Bakhtiyorova Zakro Farkhod qizi speaks to the role of the short story in Uzbek literature. Ro’zimatova Madinaxon Sherzod qizi analyzes themes of strength, weakness and humanity in Abdulla Qahhor’s story “Ming bir jon.” Anvarova Mohira Sanjarbek qizi contributes a heartfelt poem from the perspective of Gulchehra, a character in O’lmas Umarbekov’s “Being Human is Hard.”

Azimov Mirsaid draws on Ray Bradbury and traditional Uzbek crafts and hospitality to illustrate the value of human warmth and imperfection. Dr. Jernail Singh Anand urges humanity to look into the words of our past and present writers and philosophers for wisdom in this age of great technological advancement. Dr. Jernail Singh Anand also expresses hope for the continuance of human creativity in the age of artificial intelligence. Daniela Chourio-Soto renders all-too-human morning sleepiness with lively humor. Eva Petropoulou Lianou explores the feelings and inspirations of emerging Greek painter Vivian Daouti.

Author Victoria Chukwuemeka discusses her creative journey towards exploring psychology and the subconscious, becoming deeper and more straightforward in her words. Kassandra Aguilera’s work mourns her speaker’s incompleteness, probing whether we need observers to fully realize ourselves. Ananya S. Guha reflects on distance, separation, and reunion, how roads can both bring us apart and together.

Emeniano Somoza poetically compares creative writing and glassblowing: arts where creators shape, rather than force, their materials. Poet Su Yun collects a set of poems from children at the East-West Public School in Bangalore on the theme of “the power of the pen vs the sword.” Taylor Dibbert’s short piece is almost anti-poetry, suggesting without communicating a metaphor.

Stephen Jarrell Williams’ poetry speaks to the risks and joys of openness to emotion and experience. Komilova Parizod reminds us to make the most of our lives and appreciate the joy around us. Priyanka Neogi urges us to act with wisdom and restraint. Boymirzayeva Dilrabo highlights the importance of motivation and discipline in reaching one’s goals.

Sobirova Oydinoy Nozimjon qizi discusses symptoms and types of neurosis. Mashhura Ochilova speaks with poignance and grace of a young woman’s inner battle with depression. Graciela Noemi Villaverde speaks to gaining wisdom through life’s losses. J.J. Campbell’s voice is older, raw, bruised, with hard-won exhaustion and experience.

Axmedova Gulchiroyxon expresses her tender love and concern for her mother. Nurmurodova Masrura Xurshedovna honors the patient, dedicated, behind-the-scenes love of her father. Gulsanam Sherzod qizi Suyarova explicates the value of friendship and how to be a good friend. Aminova Feruza Oktamjon kizi celebrates the beauty and innocence of young love. Qozoqboyeva Husnida yearns with devotion for her soulmate’s arrival. Mesfakus Salahin falls into a reverie about a fanciful love that exists between his imagination and his memory. Prasanna Kumar Dalai smiles through a delicate and tender love. Joeb expresses his hopes for personal and global love and peace. Lan Xin celebrates transcendent union with all others and the universe, with the world as her homeland, in her fanciful dinner piece. Husanxon Odilov laments a love which he acknowledges will never return. Nicholas Gunther reflects on a high school lost love or friendship through a casual ghazal. Bill Tope and Doug Hawley present an unusual relationship arrangement that seems to make several older people happy. Masharipova Yorqinoy Ravshanbek qizi celebrates the tenderness of a mother’s love. Brian Barbeito’s gentle childlike piece creates a surreal atmosphere rich in memory and care. Orzigul Sharobiddinova Ibragimova versifies her love and longing for her Uzbek homeland.

Zarifaxon Nozimjon Odilova qizi highlights the historical contributions of Uzbek statesman and humanist leader Zahriddin Muhammad Babur. Toshkentboyeva Xumora outlines the contributions of Amir Temur to modern Central Asian statecraft. Poet Lan Xin highlights the wisdom and compassion of Chinese Dongba cultural leader Wan Yilong. Abdusaidova Jasmina explicates themes of spirituality, heritage, and love in Alisher Navoiy’s writing. Abduxalilova Shoxsanamxon Azizbek qizi celebrates the benefits of reading culture for society.

Murodova Zarin Sherali qizi explicates the importance of language learning in world communication and international and intercultural relations. Khusanjonova Mukhtasarhkon Khamdamjon qizi discusses how podcasts can help those learning English as a foreign language. Turdimuradova Zulfera Sattor qizi analyzes the use of blended learning in teaching English as a foreign language. Suyunova Zuhra Oybekovna speaks to the importance of writing skills to language learning.

Olimova Marjona Ubaydullayevna celebrates the literary heritage of Zulfiya and her themes of patriotism, women’s dignity, and compassion. Munisa Yo’ldosheva highlights how Zulfiya’s life influenced her works and her contributions to supporting emerging authors. Nozigul Baxshilloyeva discusses emotional and spiritual themes within Zulfiya’s work and how they affect Uzbek readers. Sultonova Shahlo Baxtiyor qizi highlights the literary and cultural influence of Zulfiya’s poetry. Jurayeva Barchinoy does the same, while also highlighting her commitments to education and women’s rights. Nematullayeva Mukhlisa Sherali kizi relates the value of Zulfiya’s work through a narrative story. Gayratova Dilnavo highlights the enduring legacy of Zulfiya’s work, especially what it means for many Uzbek women.

Loki Nounou’s piece dramatizes a woman stripped of her individuality in a toxic marriage, becoming only a vessel to hold others’ dreams. Abigail George probes the maternal and domestic as both sacred and violent, an origin and a wound, along with critiques of colonialism and the power of self-kindness. Manik Chakraborty calls for a natural, spiritual feminine awakening. Asadullo Habibullayev warns of the dangers and social injustices young women can face in Uzbekistan, even when educated, and calls for the younger generation to respect the wisdom of their elders. Eva Petropoulou Lianou urges respect for women and for the roles women play in society, including motherhood. Maxmarajabova Durdona Ismat qizi celebrates the love and care of human mothers and the value of Mother Earth.

Zamira Moldiyeva Bahodirovna analyzes what the nature motifs in Alexander Feinberg’s work reveal about his thoughts on memory and identity. Noah Berlatsky draws on trees to illustrate our shared human heritage, how we connect to each other and hold each other up. Dilafruz Muhammadjonova presents a natural and cultural tour of Uzbekistan’s Andijan province. Suyunova Fotima Oybekovna reminds us of how crucial it is to preserve the environment. O’gabek Mardiyev outlines ways to improve the efficiency of solar power generation. Shavkatova Mohinabonu Oybek qizi urges improvements in Uzbek public transit to encourage tourism as well as benefit ecosystems. Sultonaliyeva Go’zaloy Ilhomjon qizi analyzes the social, cultural, ecological and economic aspects of tourism in Central Asia. Turgunov Jonpolat discusses the ways in which media framing of climate issues affects how people address the problem. Surayyo Nosirova highlights the need for more consistent communication from journalists to the public about climate change in Uzbekistan.

The works of primary school children in China, collected by Su Yun, reflect moments of happiness and ordinary summer fun in nature. Alan Patrick Traynor’s Irish-inspired piece becomes incantatory, mystical, inhabiting littoral and transitional zones at the ocean’s edge. Tea Russo’s spiderweb poem seeks both expansive transcendence and the peace of oblivion, melding into various aspects of nature. Turkan Ergor dreams of the permanence of the ocean’s waves. Eleanor Hill reflects on the calm strength and dignity of a whale, unbothered while creating waves and blowing bubbles. Ri Winters turns to the ocean and its kelp forests as metaphor for the deep, isolating, yet restful morass of depression.

Brian Barbeito sends up a preview of his book Of Love and Mourning, highlighting the original content and the memorials to beloved pets who have passed. Filmmaker Federico Wardal celebrates a film award for a very humane documentary about veterinary care that saved the life of a racehorse. Jerrice J. Baptiste’s piece, accompanied by gentle, colorful artwork, expresses a graceful and natural surrender to death. Sayani Mukherjee’s piece sits between devotion and restlessness, calling the sky a neighbor yet screaming at stars. Mykyta Ryzhykh crafts a fevered love elegy at the edge of war, eros, and annihilation.

Patrick Sweeney sends up a set of index cards from a memory archive. Mark Young’s altered geographies trace the outlines of innocence, memory, and rupture. John Grey’s urban character and landscape pieces show dry, unsentimental grace.

Duane Vorhees’ poetry meditates on time’s circularity, embracing contradictions and the past, present, and future. Ibrahim Honjo reflects that one day his home and everything he knows will fade into memory. Christopher Bernard continues exploring hope, ruin, and creative resilience in the second installment of his prose poem “Senor Despair.”

Maja Milojkovic speaks to the implacable ticking of conscience. Mahbub Alam laments the selfishness and wickedness of humanity. James Tian dramatizes the pain of being underestimated, dismissed, and misunderstood. Mark Lipman calls for greater taxes on the wealthy and for economic egalitarianism. Jacques Fleury hoists his commentary on the fragility of modern democracy on the scaffolding of an extended construction metaphor.

Rahmatullayeva Elmira Rahimjon qizi discusses how we form the value systems that guide our lives. Abduraufova Nilufar Khurshidjon qizi outlines the national values and traditions of the Uzbek people. Islomova Maxsudaxon Axrojon qizi explores ways to inculcate values into Uzbekistan’s young people in school through exposing them to the great thinkers of their heritage. Botirova Mubina looks into ways Uzbekistan’s civil society can uplift teens and prevent delinquency through communicating their national values. Abdullayeva Ezozaxon Qobuljon qizi highlights the importance of social and financial investment in education. Ismoilova Jasmina Shavkatjon qizi highlights the importance of quality education for social progress.

Axtamova Orastaxon Salimjon qizi outlines strategies to assist autistic children’s psychological development. Rajabova Nozima highlights methods of improving young students’ reading comprehension. Dildoraxon Turg’unboyeva outlines the effectiveness of play-based learning methods in education. Sevara Tolanboy Mahmudova qizi discusses educational games for preschoolers. Turgunboyeva Dilafruzxon highlights the importance of preschool education to a child’s development. Muxlisa Olimjon qizi Tursunaliyeva and Adhamova Irodaxon Akmal qizi discuss ways to help educate children with learning disabilities. Dilnora Habibullo qizi discusses interactive methods for teaching children with and without special needs. Burhonova Lobar outlines suggestions for working with children on the autism spectrum. Hikmatova Nigorakhon Hasanboy qizi discusses how to upgrade physical education and make the activities more interactive. Turg’unova O’g’iloy Ravshanbek qizi discusses ways to incorporate physical activity into children’s academic education. Shahobiddinova Sevinch explores the use of educational games in primary education. Arziqulova Adiba details various interactive strategies for engaging young children in educational activities at school. Mashhura Kamolova analyzes the limitations of examinations in terms of measuring student capabilities.

Orinboyeva Zarina discusses how to help children psychologically and emotionally navigate their parents’ divorce. Botiriva Odinaxon elevates the teaching profession and calls for professional development and competence in those who educate young children. Nishonboyeva Shahnoza speaks to her wisdom and dedication towards her goal of becoming a preschool teacher.

Kadirova Feruzakhan Abdiyaminova discusses interactive games that could be useful in science education. Oroqova Nargiza outlines the rise of allergies in children and speculates on the causes. Umidjon Hasamov highlights the potential for artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics. Yunusova Sarvigul Siroj qizi highlights the importance of early screening for gastrointestinal cancer. Rajapova Muqaddas Umidbek qizi highlights the structure and function of the circulatory system.

Shohnazarov Shohjaxon highlights the impact of inflation on a nation’s economy and strategies for managing it. Mamadaliyev Kamronbek highlights the need for cybersecurity technology and cautions about cyberattacks as a weapon of war.

Dr. Jernail S. Anand calls out poets and academics whose lofty ideas don’t connect to present-day reality. While we are all capable of flights of fancy, we hope that this issue is grounded in our world and our humanity.

The Vision 

There was a colourful toy; and a wooden dog upon a string, and these things were from long before and there were as a rainstorm and the water climbed up the stream sides incredibly high to almost the tips of hills where evergreens lived. But even before that, the lady who was old and a guardian kept gardens and had flowers and raspberries that were colourful and robust and always happy during the summer sun under which they lived. She collected the raspberries sometimes, walking slowly, and carrying a bowl to put them in. She was then healthy, joyous, and often the boy that she took care of followed her and helped or just watched the world the, the trellis and brick and there were a wooden archway and gate that led to the backyards, to those raspberry and flower worlds…

How later the night darkness became full and the spirits spoke, but they were good spirits and angels and a group of them sang songs and comforted him in his ears if spiritual ears and other worldly hearing. And an oval carpet and God or existence was strongest, wisest, and once, even before that, he was sitting with his grandmother on porches and wore comfortable clothes and had curly hair and was happy, smiling, even laughing. 

Oh, he remembered her then and thought she was around currently. A guardian. And she was as she was then. Making things, sweaters, hats, and tablecloths. These were crocheted and useful, well-made, and made confidently and often. And he thought then that, Thank God the world had made her and that she cared for him, made him food, and gave him shelter.

In the far south there was a fine cement pool and beyond it, the sea. These things were good things and markers of the divine. He had been swimming in both. Sometimes the guardian was there, had been there, and that was good. In the modern time he wore a large blue winter coat and as he glanced almost accidentally in a mirror one cold winter day, he remembered the time of guardian and that he wore then a blue coat at least one winter and that it had zippers and a button and kept him warm. He thought it nice and somehow even auspicious that both coats were similar and that somewhere his light and the light of the guardian plus the angels and spirit was the same. 

——

the whale:

unbothered by the billowing orchestra of bubbles
the whale swims on through the ever warming waters of the atlantic ocean

her tail waves back and forth with ease
commanding a cacophony of waves

waves that collapse on the beaches fathoms away

THE IMPORTANCE OF PEDAGOGICAL COMPETENCE IN THE TEACHING PROFESSION

Abstract

This article provides a scientific and theoretical analysis of the essence and content of pedagogical competence in the teaching profession, its structural components, and its role in ensuring the effectiveness of the educational process. It also highlights the factors influencing the formation and development of pedagogical competence. According to the research findings, pedagogical competence is substantiated as a key factor that ensures a teacher’s professional success and the quality of education.

Keywords: pedagogical competence, professional competence, teacher mastery, quality of education, methodological training, communicative competence.

Introduction

The reforms being implemented in the modern education system are placing new demands on the professional activities of teachers. Globalization, the development of digital technologies, and the
introduction of a competency-based approach into the education system require teachers to possess a high level of pedagogical competence. This is because the quality of education directly
depends on the professional training and mastery of the teacher [1].
In scientific literature, the concept of pedagogical competence is interpreted as an integrative unity of a teacher’s professional knowledge, skills, personal qualities, and the ability to effectively
organize pedagogical activity [2].

Theoretical Foundations of Pedagogical Competence

The concept of “competence” originates from the Latin word competens, meaning “appropriate” or “capable.” In scientific sources, competence is explained as an individual’s readiness and ability to
effectively carry out a specific activity [3]. Pedagogical competence represents a set of professional qualities that enable a teacher to scientifically organize and manage the educational process and
achieve effective outcomes.

A.K. Markova defines pedagogical competence as the harmony of a teacher’s professional knowledge, pedagogical thinking, reflection, and personal position [4]. Likewise, in the works of Sh.A. Amonashvili and V.A. Slastenin, pedagogical competence is interpreted in connection with the teacher’s ability to implement a personality-oriented approach [5].

Components of Pedagogical Competence

• Professional (subject) competence — possession of deep theoretical and practical knowledge in the subject being taught.
• Methodological competence — ability to apply modern pedagogical technologies and methods.
• Psychological-pedagogical competence — consideration of students’ age and individual characteristics.
• Communicative competence — ability to establish effective communication and pedagogical cooperation.
• Information and communication competence — rational use of digital technologies.

The Role of Pedagogical Competence in Education Quality and
Social Development

The quality of education is closely linked to the professional mastery of the teacher. A competent teacher develops students’ independent thinking, applies innovative methods in the educational process, increases student motivation, and implements personality-oriented education. Therefore, pedagogical competence is not only an individual professional quality but also an important factor in shaping the intellectual potential of society [7].

Factors in Developing Pedagogical Competence

• Continuous professional education and advanced training;
• Participation in research activities;
• Pedagogical reflection and self-analysis;
• Studying innovative experiences and implementing them in practice.

Conclusion

Pedagogical competence is an integral and priority component of the teaching profession. It ensures the effectiveness of the educational process, contributes to the personal and intellectual development of students, and serves as an important factor in the sustainable development of society. Therefore, in the modern education system, the formation and development of pedagogical competence must be recognized as one of the priority tasks.

References

1. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Education.” – Tashkent, 2020.
2. Slastenin V.A. Pedagogy. – Moscow: Akademiya, 2002.
3. Zimnyaya I.A. Key Competencies as a Result of Education. – Moscow, 2004.
4. Markova A.K. Psychology of Professionalism. – Moscow: Znanie, 1996.
5. Amonashvili Sh.A. Personality-Oriented Humanistic Approach in Education. – Moscow, 1990.
6. Muslimov N.A. Theory and Methodology of Forming Professional Competence of Vocational
   Education Teachers. – Tashkent, 2007.
7. Khutorskoy A.V. Key Competencies as a Component of the Personality-Oriented Educational
   Paradigm. – Moscow, 2003.
8. Decrees and Resolutions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Development

金鱼

李心怡（10岁，小荷诗社）

金鱼，金鱼

金色的身体

快活的尾巴

美丽的眼睛

每天开开心心在一起

Goldfish

Li Xinyi (10, Xiaohe Poetry Society)

Goldfish, goldfish,

Golden body,

Cheerful tail,

Beautiful eyes.

Every day, happily together.

愉悦瞬间

赵雨桐（12岁，小荷诗社）

阳光跳进窗台，

笑声传透校园。

风抚过花朵摇摆，

快乐的愉悦感轻舞而来。

A Moment of Joy

Zhao Yutong (12, Xiaohe Poetry Society)

Sunlight leaps onto the windowsill,

Laughter echoes through the campus.

The wind strokes the swaying flowers,

And a happy sense of joy dances in.

夏日趣事

黄震宇（10岁，小荷诗社）

夏日趣事

就是一卷凉席

一根冰棒

一部电视剧

一个美好的心情

Summer Fun

Huang Zhenyu (10, Xiaohe Poetry Society)

Summer fun

Is a roll of cool mat,

A popsicle,

A TV drama,

And a beautiful mood.

黄昏

张海童（11岁，小荷诗社）

太阳顺着地平线下落

路上车来人往

我背着书包回家

买一根冰棍

很甜 很满足

鸟飞回巢穴

世界缓缓入眠

Dusk

Zhang Haitong (11, Xiaohe Poetry Society)

The sun sinks along the horizon,

Cars and people pass by on the road.

I walk home with my schoolbag,

Buy a popsicle,

Sweet and satisfying.

Birds fly back to their nests,

The world slowly drifts to sleep.

常足

刘良语（12岁，小荷诗社）

绿茵足踏尘沙，

一路攻向榜眼。

纵使未得金杯，

锋芒不减依然。

汗透征衣未歇脚，

拼来银榜不放松。

今朝暂作君下臣，

他日再登顶顶峰。

Ever Sufficient

Liu Liangyu (12, Xiaohe Poetry Society)

On the green field, feet tread the dust and sand,

Charging all the way toward the second place.

Even if the golden cup is not won,

The edge remains undiminished.

Sweat soaks the battle robe, yet no rest is taken,

Fighting for the silver list, never letting go.

Today, I temporarily stand as your subordinate,

Tomorrow, I will climb to the peak again.

家

宁静涵（9岁，毓秀小学）

树叶是露珠的摇篮

花朵是蜜蜂的眠床

小溪是鱼虾的乐园

家是孩子的避风港

Home

Ning Jinghan (9, Yuxiu Primary School)

Leaves are cradles for dewdrops,

Flowers are beds for bees,

Streams are paradise for fish and shrimp,

Home is a safe haven for children.

夏天是什么

王雨彤（9岁，毓秀小学）

夏天

是嘴里西瓜滴答的甜

是樱桃园里珍珠的红

是树上的蝉鸣一声声

是金色的麦浪一层层

夏天是什么

王雨彤（9岁，毓秀小学）

夏天

是嘴里西瓜滴答的甜

是樱桃园里珍珠的红

是树上的蝉鸣一声声

是金色的麦浪一层层

..

What Is Summer?

Wang Yutong (9, Yuxiu Primary School)

Summer

Is the sweet drip of watermelon on my tongue,

Is the pearl-red of cherries in the orchard,

Is the cicada’s song from the trees, one by one,

Is the golden waves of wheat, layer upon layer.

春天

王雨彤（9岁，毓秀小学）

春姑娘叫醒了

熟睡的柳树

柳树伸了个懒腰

照着镜子

梳着它的长辫子

Spring

Wang Yutong (9, Yuxiu Primary School)

Spring Maiden wakes up

The sleeping willow tree.

The willow stretches lazily,

Looks in the mirror,

And combs its long braids.

打翻了

任奕泓（9岁，毓秀小学）

天空打翻了颜料盘

把夕阳染成了五彩色

我把金黄色悄悄装进书包

撒在麦田里

农民伯伯露出了

幸福的笑容

Spilled Over

Ren Yihong (9, Yuxiu Primary School)

The sky spilled its paint palette,

Dyeing the sunset in five bright colors.

I quietly tuck the golden hue into my schoolbag,

And scatter it over the wheat fields.

Uncle Farmer shows

A happy smile.

长大

张羽瑄（9岁，毓秀小学）

蒲公英长大后

跟妈妈告别

坐着免费的大巴

去世界各地旅行

小水滴长大后

跟妈妈告别

和自己的小伙伴

一起去看那汹涌的大海

苍耳长大后

跟妈妈告别

跟着小动物

一起去探索新的世界

Growing Up

Zhang Yuxuan (9, Yuxiu Primary School)

When dandelions grow up,

They say goodbye to their mother,

Riding on free buses,

Traveling all over the world.

When little water drops grow up,

They say goodbye to their mother,

And with their little friends,

Go to see the surging sea.

When cockleburs grow up,

They say goodbye to their mother,

Following small animals,

To explore a new world together.

Project 

Youth and Poetry 

Founder 

EVA Petropoulou Lianou 

Su Yun 

Co partner 

China 

Of Glasses and Poems

If I were not a poet,

I would be a glassblower.

The disciplines share a logic:

Heat.

Restraint.

Calibrated breath.

Unstable materials must first be tamed,

Then persuaded into a desired form.

Sand enters fire.

Language enters breath.

In each case, raw resistance must be guided,

not forced.

What slowly emerges as fragile

Is the lovechild of reason, faith, and science —

An interplay of delicate opacity with force,

Or, of primeval obstinacy with light

Where elements that do not agree must interact and hold — 

Until they meld for eternity.

Evolutionist nightmare: creation at its most exacting —

Less of mortal manipulation

than Divine expression.

Bionote: 
Emeniano Acain Somoza, Jr. considers himself the official spiritual advisor of his roommates, Gordot and Dwight – the first a goldfish, the other a Turkish Van cat. His works have been published in The Poetry Magazine, Moria Poetry Journal, Fogged Clarity, Everyday Poem, Loch Raven Review, The Buddhist Poetry Review, The Philippines Free Press, Troubadour 21, Full of Crow, Indigo Rising, Asia Writes, Triggerfish Critical Review, Troubadors 21, Gloom Cupboard, TAYO, Haggard & Halloo, and elsewhere. His first book, A Fistful of Moonbeams, was published by Kilmog Press in April 2010. His second, Kleenex Theory, published by Createspace-Amazon, came out in 2015. He is busy anthologizing emptiness and boredom at the moment.

THE EFFECT OF PODCAST-BASED INSTRUCTION AND STORYTELLING TECHNIQUES ON EFL LEARNERS’ LISTENING COMPREHENSION AND PRONUNCIATION ACCURACY

Khusanjonova Muhktasarhkon Khamdamjon qizi

Student at Uzbekistan State World language university

E-mail: husanjonovamuxtasar@gmail.com

Abstract: This article explores benefits of utilizing podcasts and story-telling methods for developing listening and pronunciation skills while learning foreign languages. Nowadays, these methods are crucial for developing learners’ listening and comprehension. In this article, we will see how these two methods are really effective in real life.

Key words: listening and pronunciation skills, podcasts, storytelling, concentration

Introduction:  In modern world, developing listening skill is not only demand for some certificates like IELTS, TOEFL, or others, but also it is vitally important to understand cultural circumstances. For a lot of people, listening is the most difficult section. Learning in only traditional lessons without beneficial ways is so boring for learners and of course it forms hate in learners mind to new language. In initial time, we must know what ways are helpful to improve it.  Actually, using podcasts and story-telling methods is one of the best ways. What is podcast and storytelling? Podcast – collection of general themes of native speakers’ speeches about interesting, documentary, funny themes or other ones. They can help to reduce misunderstanding and learn new languages from native speakers in English. Storytelling is utilizing written sounds, pictures for talking some story again. It is so useful to make learning prosses meaningful and attractive.  This article highlights advantages of these two methods.

There are key points using podcasts and story-telling:

 First, they improve intonation and rhythm in pronunciation.

 While learners tell story again and again, they can have better speech. They try to understand general idea. This situation has double positive points. It is productive way to make good intonation and improve memory than other traditional methods. Furthermore, it gives a chance to remember good ideas while speaking. Of course it is necessary for beautiful speeches. Moreover, learners can listen native’s accent and make use of it in real life. Additionally, it encourages better memory

Second, better concentration.

 When learners listen some podcast, they can concentrate very well. Because they pay attention more and more to a podcast’s words. They have interesting meaning. In listeners’ mind it emerges a question as “What will be next?” Notably, there are emotional opinions or sentences in podcasts. Specifically, sometimes they are amusing, comic, or cause you to cry. They force to listen alertly.

According to some researches,  among noisy condition by listening podcast people can enhance their concentration continuously. For instance, when we listen to podcast, we try to understand what about it, why we must listen it or etc. In addition, we have an opportunity to learn native speakers’ words, collacations.  Indeed it is the great way to form our language more natural than learning by heart prepared words.

Thirdly, a developing mindset. 

While listening podcast, learners gather lots of information in their mind about something. Especially, there are so many podcasts which are beneficial for them in English. As an example, when people watch a podcast about countries, the most beautiful places, the cleanest ones, they will have general idea about it. If they do not understand very well, they may watch or listen again and aging. It is one of the extra benefits for learners. In the same way, it is so comfortable way to learn easily. Today’s research shows that, listening podcasts can affect positively by increasing creative facts or ideas. In other words, by listening podcasts learners can take motivations. They are created from real life situations. And people can have opportunities to select ones which they are interested in theme from wide range of podcasts.

Conclusion. To summarize, listening skill may enhance by adding podcasts and story-telling methods to learning process.  Podcasts can give attentive and memorable materials. Storytelling can also improve learner’s speech. Always Using these methods is a way to have perfect listening skill. With these two methods no one tired of learning, otherwise he/she may love the new language as a native. Indisputable fact that, they will be successful in this language with so many awards or their career.

References:

1. Smith, J. (2020). Storytelling in Language Education. Oxford University Press
2. Renandya, W. A., & Farrell, T. S. C. (2011). ‘Teacher, the tape is too fast!’ Extensive listening in ELT. ELT Journal, 65(1), 52–59. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccq015
3. Ramirez, M. G. (2024). The Use of Podcasts for Language Learning: A Systematic Review of Literature. International Journal of English Language Studies, 6(1), 47–53. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijels.2024.6.1.4
4. Ramirez, M. G. (2025). Systematic review on the use of podcasts for language learning. Journal of Language Teaching and Learning Research, 18(1), 45–67. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jltr.2025.18.1.45

Mukhtasarkhon Khusanjonova was born on September 12, in Uzbekistan, Fergana.  She is a student at Uzbekistan State World Language University, English philology faculty. She is a bright and creative student from Uzbekistan. She enjoys learning foreign languages, especially English and Spanish. Muxtasar is also interested in education and personal growth.