“
Global lingvistika: yangi yondashuvlar va tadqiqotlar”
mavzusidagi xalqaro ilmiy-amaliy anjuman
~ 156 ~
DEVELOPING OF SECONDARY SCHOOL LEARNER'S COMMUNICATIVE
SKILLS BY MEANS OF WIKI TECHNOLOGY
Mashrapova Donoxon
O‘zDJTU 4-kurs talabasi
Annotation:
This article looks at how wiki technology can be used in teaching
English to help secondary school students in Uzbekistan improve their
communication skills. Learning through wikis encourages teamwork, writing skills,
digital skills, and independence in learning—all of which are important for effective
communication. The study talks about the theory behind this approach, practical uses,
and the challenges of using wikis. It also gives suggestions based on local
experiences and global research.
Keywords:
Wiki technology, communicative skills, secondary school, English
language teaching, Uzbekistan, collaborative learning, digital tools.
Uzbekistan is focusing on educational reforms that emphasize the importance of
communicative skills in learning foreign languages, especially English. Following the
Presidential Decree No. PD–5117 aimed at improving foreign language teaching,
teachers are increasingly looking into using innovative ICT tools like wiki platforms
in their classrooms. Communicative skills—such as speaking, listening, reading, and
writing—require students to take part actively in social interactions, and collaborative
technologies support this process well. Wiki technology allows learners to create and
edit content, making it a strong tool for developing these skills in secondary schools.
Communicative competence is more than just using correct grammar; it’s also
about being able to effectively use language in different situations. For secondary
students in Uzbekistan, developing communicative skills means expressing ideas,
taking part in discussions, understanding texts, and responding correctly in both
spoken and written English.
According to Hymes' theory of communicative competence from 1972, learning
a language should go beyond just knowing the rules and include social and practical
skills too. This change calls for teaching methods that encourage interaction,
creativity, and real-life learning, which is what wiki platforms can naturally promote.
Wiki technology encourages collaborative writing, editing, and sharing in a joint
online space. Various well-known platforms like Wikispaces, PBworks, and Google
Sites have been used in education around the world. Wikis help students become
more independent and responsible while also supporting peer learning. Students can
work together to create articles, give feedback on each other’s work, and make
revisions, which promotes active engagement. This approach matches well with the
“
Global lingvistika: yangi yondashuvlar va tadqiqotlar”
mavzusidagi xalqaro ilmiy-amaliy anjuman
~ 157 ~
communicative language teaching (CLT) style currently being adopted in Uzbekistan.
For instance, if a class works together to make an English travel guide about
Uzbekistan, it helps improve their vocabulary and writing structure while also
boosting their reading and interpersonal skills through collaboration.
Although wiki practices are still in the early stages, some schools in Tashkent
and Samarkand have started using them. For example, a group of 9th graders in
Namangan created a wiki page about traditional Uzbek dishes, involving research,
translation, writing, and peer reviewing. As a result, there was a noticeable
improvement in their writing fluency, vocabulary, and confidence in communicating
with real readers.
Teachers observed that students were more eager to write correctly and
meaningfully when their work could be seen publicly and assessed by peers. Such
real writing experiences motivate students much more than typical essays or
workbook tasks.
Being good at communication requires more than just practicing speaking or
grammar; it involves working together, solving problems, and getting feedback. Wiki
platforms create a space where students can work together to understand meanings,
clarify language, and make decisions. They also help develop important 21st-century
skills like digital teamwork, critical thinking, and appropriate online behavior. For
example, when students edit a peer's wiki page, they have to give feedback
respectfully, which helps build their social and practical skills. This is particularly
important in Uzbekistan’s diverse classrooms where collaboration is key.
However, using wiki technology in secondary schools faces some challenges in
Uzbekistan. Not all schools, especially in rural areas, have good internet or enough
devices for everyone. Many teachers also don’t know how to use wiki tools or how to
fit them into their lessons. Assessing group work and individual contributions can
also be tricky.
Despite these issues, efforts are being made through ongoing ICT training
programs for teachers, organized by the Ministry of Preschool and School Education,
along with initiatives like the Digital Education Strategy 2030.
To make wiki projects work well in Uzbek secondary schools, some strategies
can be helpful. Starting with small projects like shared vocabulary lists or short blogs
can ease the transition. It’s important to connect wiki activities with what is being
taught in textbooks and exams. Offering training workshops for teachers and students
on using wikis will also make a big difference. Projects that focus on Uzbek culture,
history, or traditions in English can make language learning more relevant. Finally,
teachers should provide clear instructions and support to help students succeed in
their collaborative work.
“
Global lingvistika: yangi yondashuvlar va tadqiqotlar”
mavzusidagi xalqaro ilmiy-amaliy anjuman
~ 158 ~
In conclusion, wiki technology offers a valuable way to improve communicative
skills among secondary school students in Uzbekistan. By promoting collaboration,
creativity, and learning in context, wikis align well with the goals of modern English
education. Even though there are concerns about resources and teacher readiness,
gradually using wiki platforms—with support from national education programs—
can create more engaging and effective language learning experiences. As Uzbekistan
continues to modernize its education, tools like wikis will become increasingly vital
for developing communication skills for global opportunities.
References:
1.
Hymes, Dell. “Communicative Competence”. Philadelphia: University of
Pennsylvania Press, 1972.
2.
Islomova, M. “Enhancing English Writing Skills through Wikis in Uzbek
Classrooms.” Journal of Digital Pedagogy in Central Asia, vol. 2, no. 1, 2023, pp.
55–62.
3.
Richards, Jack C. “Teaching and Learning in the Language Classroom”.
Oxford University Press, 2006.
4.
Niyazova, Dilrabo. “Integrating ICT in English Lessons in Uzbekistan.”
Uzbek TESOL Journal, vol. 5, no. 2, 2022, pp. 34–41.
5.
Lund, Andreas, and Torlaug Løkensgard Hoel. “Collaboration in Teacher
Education through Shared Writing: Students’ Experiences with Wiki Technology.”
Technology, Pedagogy and Education, vol. 21, no. 3, 2012, pp. 363–381.
6.
Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
“Digital Education Strategy 2030”, Tashkent, 2021.
7.
Warschauer, Mark. “Learning with Technology: Prospects and Pitfalls.”
Education Week, vol. 20, no. 5, 2010, pp. 44–46.
