Teaching English with Innovative Methods  

                     Olimova Shahina Botirjon qizi  

          Student of Uzbekistan State World Language University

Abstract: As globalization is changing rapidly, knowing and understanding English has become more important and necessary than in past decades. English is a powerful communication bridge that connects people in various fields, such as business, science, and education, across nations. Therefore, the demand for English proficiency is high, and creative teaching methods could be a good solution to meet this request. This article analyzes innovative approaches to teaching English and explores useful methods for improving the quality of knowledge among students.

Keywords: innovative ideas, creative methods, CREAM strategy, knowledge acquisition, student engagement.

Introduction: Today, people are struggling with learning English and finding qualified teachers. That is why creating an attractive study environment and teaching students with innovative methods is crucial. Traditionally, teaching methods can seem boring to students, and it is not effective to enhance language skills. Through creative activities and innovative approaches, teachers can capture a student’s attention and make the lesson more engaging. Finding interactive methods can be challenging, but they can be achieved by the following strategies:

Materials and Methods:

                                         Word Games

Students studying English as a second language often face challenges with learning new vocabulary. They struggle to remember vocabulary for long periods and use it effectively in writing and speaking. A solution to this problem could be word games. In this activity, teachers write new vocabulary on online flashcards with numbers. Then, students select a number and provide the definition of the word associated with that number. This method not only helps students learn new vocabulary but also improves their communication skills, which are essential in language learning.

                                       Imposing Stories

Using stories in the educational process, especially for teaching foreign languages, makes lessons more captivating. Stories help students imagine real events and the characters’ situations. Simply asking questions based on the passages is not always effective, because students may focus on finding answers rather than engaging with the story itself. Instead, teachers can assign tasks where students must prepare a role-play in a chapter they like. This approach helps increase student engagement. Additionally, students will better understand the meaning of the story as they immerse themselves in the characters’ perspectives. While preparing for the role-play, students will collaborate with their peers, which helps develop teamwork skills. This strategy also aids teachers in maintaining students’ interest and making lessons more dynamic.

                                         CREAM Strategy

 The CREAM strategy is a combination of five key concepts: Creative, Reflective, Effective, Active, and Motivational. Each word carries its own meaning:

C-Creative: Teachers need to encourage students to use critical thinking and give tasks that develop problem-solving skills. This strategy can help students to nurture innovative ideas.  

R-Reflective: Teachers should teach students how to analyze their own performance and find mistakes. It can help students to identify strengths and weaknesses and take valuable lessons from them.

E-Effective: In this approach, students learn to organize time, learn about the environment, and use digital technology. It allows students to save time and energy and focus on studying.

A-Active: Being active is a key element in the educational process. Teachers should encourage students to engage actively in lessons and explore further information related to the subject they are learning.

M-Motivational: Motivation is a powerful factor that impacts a student’s academic success. Teachers should reward students for their achievements and motivate them to achieve their goals. This helps students stay motivated and pursue their dreams.

Results and Discussions

This research was conducted over one month with students in a school setting. Teachers selected two classes for observation and research. The first group used traditional teaching methods, while the second group used the CREAM strategy. Before the intervention, only 5 percent (2 students) of the second group scored 5 on their English exams. However, after applying the CREAM strategy, the number of students who achieved higher scores increased to 50 percent (20 students). The first group, taught with traditional methods, showed no improvement in student performance.

Conclusion

Since English is the official language in many countries, the demand for teaching this language is high. Many teachers use various methods, including word games, storytelling, video presentations, the CREAM strategy, and other innovative approaches. These methods help achieve educational goals and improve the quality of teaching. Through creative teaching methods, students can expand their vocabulary and develop their comprehension skills. Furthermore, these methods encourage students to be more creative and engaged in lessons. Therefore, using innovative teaching strategies is crucial, as it contributes to enhancing the quality of education.

References:

1. Kumar, S., Kumar, R., Sankar, G. (2016). Creative thinking in English language teaching for secondary language learners. *International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Culture*.

2. Anburaj, G., Christopher, G., Ming, N. (2014). Innovative methods of teaching the English language. *Journal of Humanities and Social Science*.

3. Kalyani, D., Rajasekaran, K. (2018). Innovative teaching and learning. *Journal of Applied and Advanced Research*.

Fake to Real

There is a situation

Where I will be eaten by aardvarks

unless you kiss me amidst the lamentation

of the aardvarks.

It seems unlikely and contrived.

But the truth is a contrivance

raised on folded metal legs

like a praying mantis

that reaches down to kiss you.

The android praying mantis

is a real swooning android.

The moon is a true contrivance

of aardvarks and lamentations.

No narrative is eaten.

The fiction does not tell lies.

The moon sails out of the poem

to the room where you are reading,

about the moon and a kiss

and becoming what you dream,

a round mask on the face of the sky.

Contributing poet Howard Debs’ work has been included in Chameleon Chimera: An Anthology of Florida Poets, which has just been released by Purple Ink Press, including work by U.S. inaugural poet Richard Blanco and notables such as Geoffrey Philp, Jen Karetnick, David Kirby and many others.

Also, contributor Peter J. Dellolio’s new novel The Confession has just been released from Cyberwit.

The Confession is the first-person account of a serial killer on the evening before his execution.  It is literary fiction, and somewhat similar to Naked Lunch by William Burroughs.  There is suspense in the narrative, as there is some speculation as to whether or not the narrator is really guilty.

Now for this issue: A Literary Snow Globe. As with a real snow globe, we watch delicate bits and pieces of creative thought descend and fall wherever they may on the landscape of our world. Each time we shake the globe and let it settle, each time we read these works, we take away something different and view a unique scene.

Daniel De Culla’s poem glories in the exuberance and diversity of human creative expression.

Salihu Muhammad describes stages in his development as a creative writer.

Ilhomova Mohichehra’s poetry probes the creative potential of liminal dream-states, how emotions and imagination can be strengthened when we approach sleep. Mark Young incorporates color, texture, and text into subconscious, surreal images he calls “geographies.”

Jim Leftwich’s poem incorporates vivid imagery and wordplay, referencing animals, landscapes, and celestial bodies. It also includes philosophical reflections on time, thought, and human experience. Catherine Zickgraf’s work explores time, mercy and judgment, spirituality, and gender. Maja Milojkovic revels in the beauty of the world while acknowledging everything’s impermanence.

Duane Vorhees’ poems explore themes of love, loss, sexual intimacy, nature, and self-discovery. Cheryl Snell’s fictional drabbles look at moments of connection, humor, and tenderness, between humans and each other and other species. Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa affirms her acceptance of her entire life journey and her acknowledgement of the different parts of her personality and character. Linda Gunther’s short story depicts a woman who finds her identity by finding her calling in life.

Ilhomova Mohichehra ponders the dreary sufferings of life as she stares out at a rainstorm.

Mykyta Ryzhykh’s work offers a glimpse into a complex and troubled inner world through images of childhood, animals, fear, and death. Texas Fontanella’s poem expresses feelings of financial instability, frustration with societal expectations, and a desire for creative and personal freedom. He includes references to pop culture, politics, and literature, often in a fragmented and surreal manner. Mahbub Alam addresses humanity’s potential for great good or great evil and the need to make choices. Sayani Mukherjee speaks to the inner wilds: the vision, beauty, and danger we all carry within us.

Chuck Taylor’s poetry speculates on the nature of chaos, how it does not operate according to a holy book or an algorithm.

Nilufar Anvarova urges everyone to expand their horizons by reading. Kucharova Ugiloy celebrates the power of books and learning to expand one’s worldview.

Numonjonova Shahnozakhon reflects on how wonder and curiosity add color to life. David Sapp approaches outer and inner landscapes as a tourist and explorer, probing an office firing and the idea of his death with the same curiosity as he brings to Rome’s Trevi Fountain. Lawrence Winkler brings a sense of wonder to his trip to the Micronesian island of Pohnpei, exploring the history and culture of the place while witnessing his friends’ mishaps in international business. Santiago Burdon sketches a time and place in his Christmas tale from a rough Italian-American childhood.

Zarshid Qurbonov reads a book out in the grass on a sunny day and reflects on Uzbekistan’s literary heritage.

Farangiz Abduvohidova illuminates the work and life of Uzbek poet and magazine publisher Zulfiyakhanim, highlighting her qualities as a kind human being as well as her writing skill. Murodova Muslima Kadyrovna also honors the legacy of Uzbek woman poet Zulfiyakhanim.

Dilbar Koldoshova Nuraliyevna dreams of becoming a teacher or journalist so as to shape the minds of her fellow Uzbeks towards good. Gulsevar Xojamova highlights the Uzbek Youth Academy’s role in developing the creative potential of many young people.

Ibragimova Rushana outlines various techniques for teaching languages. Aziza Umurzoqova highlights the role of student-directed technology for language learning. Jonpolat Turgunov elucidates the history and value of the Ibrat Farzandlari Project, an online resource for learning foreign languages. Durdona Ibrahimova suggests possible innovative roles for technology and online apps and games in language instruction.

Abdumalikova Mushtariybegim celebrates the Internet but encourages balanced and moderate use of technology.

Fayzullayeva Gulasal outlines technical and financial problems within Uzbekistan’s industrial chemical industry.

Sarvinoz Quramboyeva conveys the daily determination of the Uzbek people to move their society forward. Shodiyeva Mexribon celebrates the hard work, hospitality, and honor of the Uzbek people. Ilhomova Mohichehra praises the kind and hardworking villagers of Uzbekistan. Sitora Otajonova honors the rule of law and social progress and community spirit of her native Uzbekistan. Mahzuna Habibova speaks to her native Uzbekistan as a friend, urging the land to hold onto its freedom and glory.

Farangiz Abduvohidova elucidates the history and culture of Uzbekistan’s Azim Bukhara region as Tuliyeva Sarvinoz describes the Uzbek historical castle monument of Tuproqkala. Ismailov Sanjar describes in detail the shrine of Sa’d Ibn Abu Waqqas in Uzbekistan. Through his photographs of an Afro-Caribbean festival in Boston, Jacques Fleury celebrates the region’s vibrant cultural diaspora while outlining the historical and psychological significance of the Caribbean rara celebrations.

Sarvinoz Tuliyeva recollects her Uzbek childhood: fragrant trees on her street, parents baking bread in the oven, her father crying as she grows up too fast.

Alimbayeva Diana reflects on the constant care and provision of her father for her whole family. Zabuna Abduhakim writes a succinct verse of gratitude for her caring parents. Makhmasalayeva Parizoda Makhmashukurovna praises her father’s selfless love and sacrifice. Sobirjonova Rayhona honors her kind-hearted sister. Diyorbek Maxmudov praises her father’s tender love. Azimjon Toshpulatov’s verse honors the warmth and love of her mother. Ilhomova Mohichehra reflects on how blessed and lucky she is to have loyal and caring family members. Akmalova Zilolakhan Akobirkhan speaks to the consistent love and practical care most people receive from their parents. Faleeha Hassan speaks of children in the winter, nourished and warmed by caring parents. Muhammed Sinan offers up a tribute to the love, dedication, and integrity of his father.

Audrija Paul’s poetry reflects the determined patience of a lover as Jonborieva Muxlisa Rahmon reflects on the value of friendship and what you gain by being a good friend. Norova Zulfizar reflects on a love so joyful and nurturing it reminds her of spring’s flowering and her parents’ care. Mesfakus Salahin employs a variety of poetic images to convey a gentle and kind romance. Sobirjonova Rayhona urges her fellow young people to live happy lives and treat their parents with gratitude and respect.

Nurullayeva Mushtariy illustrates the heartache that comes when the younger generation does not have compassion for their parents. Shahnoza Ochildiyeva remembers how she began to empathize with and befriended some children who were originally annoying bullies, because she realized they lacked the care of loving parents.

J.J. Campbell reflects on having survived decades of broken dreams, troubled relationships, and abandonment. Yet, as he acknowledges, he has survived. Abigail George reflects on love, loss, mental health, family relationships, spirituality, and her artistic dreams in a prose poem formulated as a letter to her niece. Graciela Noemi Villaverde grieves the death of a husband with whom she shared a tender love.

Z.I. Mahmud explores masculinity and romance in D.H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers and how various social and psychological pressures drive the protagonist away from his fiancees. Eva Lianou Petropoulou’s poem, reviewed by Williamsji Maveli, explains how both psychological issues and societal problems such as discrimination and violence against women can interfere with loving relationships.

Kass’ piece explores themes of heartbreak, regret, and the lasting impact of a past relationship. Grant Guy’s poetry reflects on daily routine, loneliness, the lack of intimacy, and loss of identity within some relationships.

Chimezie Ihekuna elucidates the struggles of men in his native Nigeria and elsewhere in the world: being disrespected and viewed only as a source of money in an economy where decent jobs are hard to come by. Maftuna Rustamova also reflects on materialism and the tragedy of reducing human value to money. Don Bormon laments the suffering of the poor out in the cold during winter, while acknowledging the beauty and the harshness of nature during winter months.

Sandro Piedrahita’s short story dramatizes another tragedy, the Pinochet regime’s murder of singer and guitarist Victor Jara. Odera Chidume highlights the effects of war in Nigeria on everyday people through his story of remarkably resilient teenagers.

Vernon Frazer’s poems explore themes of wealth disparity, societal decay, and existentialism, often using vivid imagery and unconventional language. Howard Debs reflects on the human and ecological losses of 2024 and the changes many societies are experiencing.

Before we can fully take stock of 2024, though, there are the December holidays.

Taylor Dibbert recollects an awkward encounter with a stranger as Doug Hawley’s memorable anecdote recounts a Christmas filled with physical and relational peril.

Brian Barbeito’s poem illuminates the beauty of our world and highlights the importance of appreciating nature and loved ones, at the holidays and any time.

Bill Tope’s short story explores human compassion, connection, and perception. Another of his pieces depicts a kindly Jewish shopkeeper whose gift makes some young girls’ Hanukkah very special.

We hope that this issue will be a gift to you, and that as you read, the particles of snow in our literary globe will land in interesting ways that resonate with you.

Friends

My day doesn’t go by without you.

There is no circle without us.

You are dear to me,

Dear friends.

                  An opportunity

Someone’s dream is a dream for someone,

It is a medicine that heals the heart of those who suffer.

We remember the one we love every moment,

Disloyal people forget this moment.

Jonborieva Mukhlisa Rakhmon’s daughter is a 10th grade student of school 16, Muzrabot district, Surkhandarya region. She was born on September 6, 2007 in Muzrabot district, Surkhandarya region. Her nationality is Uzbek.

Currently, she is a 10th-grade student of the 16th general school of Muzrabot district. She is the winner of the 3rd place in the Muzrabot district district stage of the 2023 “Surkhan youth” science Olympiad for the regional governor’s prize. She is the holder of a certificate for her active participation in the festival held in cooperation with Uzbekistan’s government under the project “One country, one language” where her poem also earned a place.

(Central Asian teen girl with long brown hair, brown eyes, and a light orange speckled top)

Daddy, I miss you, I miss you

He fills the fireplace without stopping because of his family.

I can’t stop being a child.

My dear father, my heaven is mine.

Daddy, I miss you, I miss you.

My mother burned her hands when she baked bread.

We were arguing by the side of the oven.

We all walked together, feeling his love.

Daddy, I miss you, I miss you.

His hands are full of hard work.

White in his restless hair.

I look at the picture and miss every moment.

Daddy, I miss you, I miss you

Alimbayeva Diana Anvar’s daughter was born on August 28, 2009 in the Ellikkala district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. Her father, Allaberganov Anvar, is a doctor, and her mother, Ayitbayeva Rayhon, is a housewife. In 2016, she went to the 1st grade of general secondary school No. 43. She is interested in mother tongue and literature, history. Favorite activity is creating poems. Our great poets Muhammad Yusuf, Alisher Navoi and Zulfiya Khanim were awarded with certificates by philologists for their effective works at the parties dedicated to their births. In the future, she dreams of becoming a follower of Zulfiyakhanim.

Book

People say the book

Knowledge, the lamp of the mind.

If someone doesn’t like a book,

Crystal is his motto.

A boy who reads a book

Forget loneliness.

Your secrets of friendship to him,

The book is slow.

Welcome to the book.

They share happiness and joy.

Therefore, the book

They sing with interest.

My life without books

I can’t imagine.

If I don’t read a book,

I do not know the secret of the world.

Changed my life

The themes of this book.

The book really gives,

Wonders of the world.

My advice to my friends,

Read more books.

If you read a lot of books,

You will get a lot of shouts!

A Father and Mother are the kindest in this world. You can find many friends, but you cannot find another father and mother. Father and mother are the only ones. If we get sick, they come out at night to see us. They don’t wear fancy clothes but spend their resources on us and even provide the water we drink. There is no such thing as enough love for a mother and father. No matter how much I do to honor my parents, it is not enough. They wash us clean and comb us as children.

God willing, father. I will send your mother on Hajj and Umrah trips, and you too, if you take your parents on Umrah trips, your parents will enter heaven inshaallah. And if he recites the Qur’an, Allah will go to the Angels on the Day of Resurrections, and if Allah does not want, the parents of those who read the Qur’an will come on foot, and he will enter Paradise with his parents.

Akmalova Zilolakhan Akobirkhan is a student at 17-Idum specialized state general education school 5.