Authors

  • Kuysintosh Abdieva
    Tashkent University of Applied Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71337/inlibrary.uz.ijai.79412

Abstract

This article explores effective methods for enhancing the methodological training of future primary school teachers to foster the development of 4K skills—critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration—within the teaching of native language and reading. As education systems worldwide shift toward competency-based learning, equipping teacher candidates with pedagogical tools to integrate 4K into early literacy instruction becomes essential. The paper outlines the theoretical foundation of 4K education, examines didactic strategies, and presents practical activities for primary literacy classes. It also offers a model of interdisciplinary integration that enables future teachers to create dynamic, student-centered environments that promote 21st-century skills through native language learning.


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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23

American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025

Journal:

https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai

page 90

METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE METHODOLOGICAL PREPARATION OF

FUTURE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF 4K

SKILLS IN THEIR NATIVE LANGUAGE AND READING METHODOLOGY

Abdieva Kuysintosh Azadovna

Senior lecturer at Tashkent University of Applied Sciences

Abstract:

This article explores effective methods for enhancing the methodological training of

future primary school teachers to foster the development of 4K skills—critical thinking,

creativity, communication, and collaboration—within the teaching of native language and

reading. As education systems worldwide shift toward competency-based learning, equipping

teacher candidates with pedagogical tools to integrate 4K into early literacy instruction becomes

essential. The paper outlines the theoretical foundation of 4K education, examines didactic

strategies, and presents practical activities for primary literacy classes. It also offers a model of

interdisciplinary integration that enables future teachers to create dynamic, student-centered

environments that promote 21st-century skills through native language learning.

Kеywоrds:

4K skills, primary education, native language, reading instruction, methodological

preparation, critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, teacher training.

INTRОDUСTIОN

The rapid evolution of education in the 21st century calls for a shift from traditional

content-centered instruction to skill-based, competency-oriented approaches. Among the most

emphasized competencies are the so-called 4K skills—Critical thinking, Creativity,

Communication, and Collaboration. These skills are especially crucial in early education, where

foundational literacy and cognitive habits are formed.

For future primary school teachers, the challenge lies not only in mastering these

competencies themselves but in learning how to teach them effectively through the subject of

native language and reading. Reading is not only about decoding words but also about

developing comprehension, interpretation, and reflective thinking—all of which align with 4K

development.

This article focuses on methods to improve the methodological preparation of teacher

candidates so that they can integrate 4K skill development into their native language instruction

in primary classrooms.

MАTЕRIАLS АND MЕTHОDS

The 4K framework aligns closely with modern literacy goals:

Critical Thinking in reading enables learners to question texts, analyze meaning, and

evaluate perspectives.

Creativity allows students to express ideas through writing, storytelling, and interpreting

texts in diverse ways.

Communication is developed through oral reading, discussions, and sharing

interpretations.

Collaboration occurs in group reading activities, literature circles, and peer-based projects.

Teacher education programs must reflect this alignment by embedding 4K-related

competencies into subject-specific methodology courses [1].

RЕSULTS АND DISСUSSIОN


background image

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23

American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025

Journal:

https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai

page 91

Some of the major obstacles include:

Over-reliance on traditional, rote-based literacy instruction

Lack of exposure to active, student-centered methodologies

Limited practice in designing integrated language-skills activities

Fragmentation between content knowledge and pedagogy in teacher education curricula

These challenges necessitate a systematic rethinking of how future teachers are trained in

reading instruction.

To address these issues, the following approaches are proposed:

Case-based Learning

Future teachers analyze real or simulated classroom situations involving reading tasks

and 4K objectives. This fosters decision-making and reflective practice [2].

Micro-teaching Sessions

Teacher candidates practice conducting mini-lessons with 4K components and receive

peer and mentor feedback.

Project-based Learning

Future teachers design interdisciplinary reading projects (e.g., story creation, class

newspapers, book-based inquiry tasks) that require collaboration and creativity.

Methodology Workshops

Interactive workshops on reading strategies (e.g., guided reading, reciprocal teaching) are

linked with communication and critical thinking outcomes.

Reflective Portfolios

Students maintain portfolios of their lesson plans, reading activities, and reflective

analysis of how 4K elements were implemented or could be improved.

Model for Integrating 4K Skills into Reading Methodology Courses [3]

4K Skill

Example Activity in Reading Instruction

Methodological Approach

Critical

Thinking

Compare characters’ decisions in a story;

justify personal interpretations

Guided

questioning,

Socratic dialogue

Creativity

Rewrite the story ending; illustrate scenes

Creative writing, visual

expression

Communication Read aloud with peer discussion; role-play

dialogue from the text

Pair work, literature circles

Collaboration

Group storytelling or book-based projects

Cooperative

learning,

project work

This model provides a basis for constructing lessons where reading serves not only as a

literacy tool but as a platform for skill development.

Future teachers should also be trained in interdisciplinary methods, where reading is

linked with science, art, or social studies. For example:

Reading a folktale → Mapping locations (geography)

Reading a poem → Creating multimedia responses (ICT + art)

Digital tools such as Padlet, Book Creator, and Google Docs support the collaborative

and creative aspects of 4K within reading classes.

One of the most effective ways to integrate 4K skills into native language and reading

instruction is through differentiation. Not all learners acquire reading and thinking skills at the

same pace or in the same way. Future teachers must be prepared to [4]:

Offer multiple levels of reading material

Design tiered tasks based on learners’ readiness


background image

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23

American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025

Journal:

https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai

page 92

Group students by interest or learning profiles for collaborative reading projects

Use choice boards that allow learners to select how they demonstrate understanding (e.g.,

a poster, a podcast, a role-play)

Differentiation not only supports inclusive education but also promotes ownership and

motivation—both key factors in developing creativity and collaboration.

In addition to planning and delivering lessons that include 4K components, future

teachers need to be trained in assessing these skills. Unlike traditional literacy assessments,

evaluating 4K requires:

Rubrics with clear descriptors for creativity, communication, and critical thinking

Anecdotal records during group work or class discussions

Peer- and self-assessment tools to promote metacognition

Performance tasks that integrate reading comprehension with real-life applications

Such assessments help teachers recognize growth beyond academic achievement and

tailor instruction to further develop soft skills [5].

Since native language instruction is deeply embedded in culture and identity, future

teachers should also be aware of how cultural narratives, local traditions, and linguistic diversity

can enrich 4K learning.

For example:

Using folklore or proverbs to stimulate critical thinking and discussion

Encouraging creative retellings of traditional stories

Comparing texts from different ethnic or regional backgrounds to promote collaborative

dialogue

By contextualizing reading materials, teachers can connect literacy with learners’ lived

experiences, fostering not only academic growth but also intercultural awareness.

Modern literacy pedagogy acknowledges the central role of emotional intelligence (EQ)

in communication and collaboration. For future primary teachers, understanding and fostering

EQ is key to:

Building safe and inclusive classroom environments

Promoting empathy during literary analysis (e.g., understanding characters’ feelings)

Supporting peer collaboration in group reading tasks

Managing classroom dynamics during communicative activities

Training modules for teacher candidates can include emotion-based reading discussions,

storytelling through emotion charts, and group reflection sessions to link reading with emotional

awareness.

СОNСLUSIОN

Developing 4K skills in primary school learners begins with the methodological

competence of their teachers. Future educators must be equipped not only with knowledge of

native language and reading instruction, but with an integrated skillset that allows them to foster

creativity, critical thought, communication, and collaboration in their classrooms.

Reforming teacher training to prioritize these skills through targeted strategies—such as

project-based learning, reflective practice, and interdisciplinary integration—will prepare future

teachers to meet the demands of 21st-century education and to guide their students in becoming

thoughtful, expressive, and cooperative learners.


background image

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23

American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 04,2025

Journal:

https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai

page 93

RЕFЕRЕNСЕS:

1. Binkley, M. et al. (2012). Defining Twenty-First Century Skills. Assessment and Teaching

of 21st Century Skills. Springer.

2. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological

Processes. Harvard University Press.

3. Tompkins, G. E. (2010). Literacy for the 21st Century: A Balanced Approach. Pearson.

4. OECD. (2018). The Future of Education and Skills: Education 2030 Framework.

5. Darling-Hammond, L., & Bransford, J. (2005). Preparing Teachers for a Changing World.

Jossey-Bass.

6. Musurmonova, O. (1999). Family spirituality-national pride. Tashkent: Teacher.

7. Najmutdinova, D. K., & Kudratova, N. A. (2015). The application of insulin analogues in

the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the focus on the cardio protection. Bulletin of the

Karaganda University “Biology medicine geography Series”, 78(2), 70-77.

8. Мусурманова, А. (2011). Формирование духовных основ социальной защиты

молодежи в процессе профессионального образования. Образование через всю жизнь:

непрерывное образование в интересах устойчивого развития, (9), 282-284.

References

Binkley, M. et al. (2012). Defining Twenty-First Century Skills. Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills. Springer.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.

Tompkins, G. E. (2010). Literacy for the 21st Century: A Balanced Approach. Pearson.

OECD. (2018). The Future of Education and Skills: Education 2030 Framework.

Darling-Hammond, L., & Bransford, J. (2005). Preparing Teachers for a Changing World. Jossey-Bass.

Musurmonova, O. (1999). Family spirituality-national pride. Tashkent: Teacher.

Najmutdinova, D. K., & Kudratova, N. A. (2015). The application of insulin analogues in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the focus on the cardio protection. Bulletin of the Karaganda University “Biology medicine geography Series”, 78(2), 70-77.

Мусурманова, А. (2011). Формирование духовных основ социальной защиты молодежи в процессе профессионального образования. Образование через всю жизнь: непрерывное образование в интересах устойчивого развития, (9), 282-284.