LEVERAGING DESIGN COMPETENCIES TO CREATE EFFECTIVE ENGLISH TEACHING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Komila Timurovna Abdullaeva

doi:10.5281/zenodo.10044458

Komila Timurovna Abdullaeva

Abstract. This article discusses how design competencies can inform the creation of productive educational environments for English teaching and learning. Key design abilities including human-centeredness, creativity, systems thinking, and prototyping are linked to elements of an effective language learning ecosystem. The article proposes applying design processes to collaboratively develop English curricula, classroom layouts, and language exposure opportunities tailored to learners' needs and contexts. Grounded in second language acquisition theories and research, a framework is presented on utilizing design competencies such as user empathy, ideation, and iterative refinement to craft English teaching environments that support meaningful input, interaction, and authentic practice. Developing educators' design skills is critical for optimizing English education and enhancing linguistic outcomes.

Keywords: English language teaching, learning environment design, design competencies, design thinking, creativity, human-centeredness, systems thinking

References:

1. Christakis, N. A., & Fowler, J. H. (2009). Connected: How your friends' friends' friends affect everything you feel, think, and do. Back Bay Books. 2. Dam, R. F., & Siang, T. Y. (2022). 5 stages in the design thinking process. Interaction Design Foundation. https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/5-stages-in-the-design-thinking-process 3. Dunne, D., & Martin, R. (2006). Design thinking and how it will change management education: An interview and discussion. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 5(4), 512-523. https://doi.org/10.5465/amle.2006.23473212 4. Henriksen, D., Richardson, C., & Mehta, R. (2017). Design thinking: A creative approach to educational problems of practice. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 26, 140-153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2017.10.001 5. Krashen, S. D. (1982). Principles and practice in second language acquisition. Pergamon. 6. Long, M. H. (1996). The role of the linguistic environment in second language acquisition. In W. C. Ritchie & T. K. Bhatia (Eds.), The Handbook of second language acquisition (pp. 413–468). Academic Press. 7. Michalko, M. (2006). Thinkertoys: A handbook of creative-thinking techniques (2nd ed.). Ten Speed Press. 8. Papert, S., & Harel, I. (1991). Situating constructionism. Constructionism, 36(2), 1-11. 9. Patnaik, D., & Becker, R. (1999). Needfinding: The why and how of uncovering people's needs. Design Management Journal, 10(2), 37-43. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1948-7169.1999.tb00251.x 10. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.