Innovative pedagogical approaches to teaching parts of speech in primary education: Enhancing linguistic competence, cognitive development, and communicative skills in Azerbaijani language instruction

Abstract

The teaching of parts of speech represents a fundamental component of mother tongue education, as it forms the basis for linguistic competence, cognitive development, and effective communication skills. In primary education, the mastery of grammatical categories plays a crucial role in vocabulary expansion, the formation of correct language usage, and the development of reading, writing, and oral expression. However, traditional approaches to grammar instruction often rely on memorization and teacher-centered practices, which may limit students’ engagement, conceptual understanding, and long-term retention. In the context of contemporary educational reforms in the Republic of Azerbaijan and the transition toward competence-based curricula, there is an increasing need for innovative, student-centered pedagogical strategies that integrate interactive methods, digital technologies, and practical language use. This study aims to examine innovative pedagogical approaches to teaching parts of speech in primary education and to analyze their impact on students’ linguistic competence, cognitive abilities, and communicative skills in Azerbaijani language instruction. The research explores the pedagogical significance of interactive learning environments, collaborative group work, problem-based learning, project-based activities, and the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT). Particular attention is given to the use of digital platforms, visual organizers, educational games, and contextual language tasks that transform grammar learning into an active and meaningful process.