Vol 30, No 5 (2025)

Importance. Contests in various disciplines, termed in the Russian educational discourse as the Olympic Movement or Olympiads, exert a significant influence on discovering gifted students and assisting the development of their giftedness. The Federal School Olympiad held in a number of school subjects including English plays an especially important role here. Achievements in such contests frequently enable school leavers to be admitted to leading selective universities of Russia. The Olympic Movement successfully developing and a plethora of preparation materials available, we single out a number of the so-called black swans – factors that affect negatively the organization, preparation and implementation of the Olympiads. The aim of the study is to identify and analyze the so-called “black swans”, that is, negative stimuli that had a significant impact on the further evolution of didactic and methodological thought in preparation for competitions.

Materials and Methods. Our research employs the concept of black swans introduced by N. Taleb. In the context of education, black swans are uncertainties and accidents that pose existential risks for preparing school students for the English Olympiad. The relevant literature was selected through the medium of the PRISMA method and then subjected to content analysis to discover key thematic clusters of research directions in the field. To obtain empirical data, semistuctured interviews were conducted with students of leading Moscow universities who have the experience of participating in the English Olympiad.

Results and Discussion. The key contradictions which are black swans for the English Olympiad have been identified. Those are: a considerable gap between proficiency requirements stated in the Federal School Educational Standards and the one targeted by the Olympiad; ambiguity of task instructions; giving zero points for insignificant imperfections; poor construct, content and face validity of a number of tasks; introduction of new, unannounced task formats; poorly formulated assessment criteria and scales; unclear principles of selecting assessment panel members. We formulated a number of recommendations which, in our opinion, may contribute to effectively addressing and eliminating those contradictions.

Conclusion. With all the evident strengths, the English Olympic Movement is experiencing quite a crisis and needs transformation. Formulated recommendations may well result in quite effective reformative measures that will eliminate the black swans and improve the content, organization and reputation of the Olympiad contributing to a unified yet reasonably flexible framework of the contest design and implementation.

Importance. The active development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and their integration into education is creating a gap between the potential of AI and the actual readiness of teachers to apply these tools effectively and critically in their professional practice. The study presents a comprehensive analysis and the stages of forming AI competence in foreign language teachers.

Materials and Methods. The research is based on an interdisciplinary approach and an analysis of Russian and international scientific sources. The empirical base consisted of survey (60 participants) and reflexive questionnaire (50 participants) results received from foreign language teachers who completed a professional development course at the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Area Studies of Lomonosov Moscow State University from May to June 2025. The survey was aimed at diagnosing the level of awareness, readiness, and practical use of AI technologies, as well as identifying professional needs. A reflexive questionnaire method is used to collect qualitative data, allowing to obtain teachers’ subjective assessment.

Results and Discussion. The study presents and substantiates the structure of AI competence for foreign language teachers, outlines the stages of its formation, and refines the concept and structure of neurolinguodidactic competence. A comparative analysis of international and Russian approaches to forming the structure of AI competence is provided, along with a practice-tested model of professional development for foreign language teachers in the field of artificial intelligence.he obtained data indicate that the course contributed to the development of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for teaching foreign languages with AI support.

Conclusion. The practical significance of the study lies in the development of a ready-toimplement professional development model. However, key aspects requiring further attention and refinement were identified: the volume of information, technical difficulties with the distance learning platform, and the need to expand the language support of AI tools. Research prospects are associated with the adaptation of the proposed model for various pedagogical contexts and its further optimisation considering the identified difficulties.

Importance. In light of the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in both practical and research applications, the formulation of queries assumes a pivotal role in human–machine interaction strategies. This article delves into the realm of Large Language Models (LLMs) and systematically explores effective prompting principles, highlighting their significance in enhancing the accuracy, consistency, and controllability of AI-generated outputs. Our objective is to construct a comprehensive taxonomy of query types within the framework of interaction strategies.

Materials and Methods. To accomplish this, we employ methods of analysis and synthesis of existing theoretical and practical materials related to this subject. These materials are drawn from studies conducted over the past three years, exploring various approaches to optimizing human–machine communication.

Results and Discussion. The findings of the investigation reveal that there exist several types of inquiries at the initial phase of engagement with the model. Following these queries, a dialogue ensues to validate the accuracy of the provided responses. The algorithm for effective interaction with the machine necessitates specific skills that can be evaluated based on specific criteria and the metrics of the obtained response.

Conclusion. Establishing standardization for query generation processes is crucial for ensuring the secure and responsible utilization of AI in large-scale applications. Consequently, the development of interdisciplinary programs focused on crafting strategies for interacting with AI should be prioritized in future research endeavors.

Importance. An urgent problem related to the application of an ethnocultural approach to teaching a foreign language, which meets modern Russian socio-cultural realities, taking into account the interests of ethnic groups inhabiting the regions of Russia is considered. The ethno-cultural approach in foreign language education promotes the development of students' self-awareness as cultural and historical figures, as carriers of individual and collective ethno-cultural traits. The systematic familiarization of children with ethnocultural realities, which is carried out in foreign language lessons based on the application of an ethnocultural approach, contributes to the formation of a positive ethnic identity and readiness for interethnic communication based on respect for representatives of other ethnic groups. For Russia, as a multinational and multi-confessional country, the formation of ideas about other nationalities and the development of favorable interethnic relations among the younger generation is an extremely urgent task of the education system. This problem is particularly acute in the North Caucasus region, as one of the most multinational territories in our country. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the application of an ethnocultural

approach in foreign language lessons as a factor contributing to the formation of ethnocultural and general cultural knowledge, the development of students’ self-awareness as subjects of cultural dialogue and carriers of unique ethnocultural traits, the harmonization of interethnic relations, and therefore to the consolidation of the all-Russian nation, the preservation of peace and the integrity of Russia.

Research Methods. Main research methods: critical analysis of modern scientific research in the field of ethnocultural foreign language education, study of scientific and methodological literature on research issues, analysis, generalization and classification of information.

Results and Discussion. The actualization of the use of ethnocultural foreign language education in a multinational region is revealed, the ethnic composition of the North Caucasus Federal District is studied, the use of an ethnocultural approach to form a positive ethnic identity and successful interethnic communication is justified, the ethnopsychological characteristics of North Caucasian schoolchildren as representatives of a particular region of residence are identified.

Conclusion. Conclusions are drawn about the need to apply an ethnocultural approach in the system of foreign language teaching, since the use of this approach contributes to achieving more effective results in mastering a foreign language by increasing motivation to study it. The ethnocultural approach is one of the most important directions in teaching a foreign language, which contributes to the formation of ethnocultural and general cultural knowledge and the development of ethnic identity and a culturally appropriate attitude to the world.

Importance. In the context of digital transformation of education, the need for effective tools to develop spelling literacy among international students is becoming increasingly urgent. The problem lies in the fact that in teaching Russian as a foreign language, spelling is traditionally addressed only fragmentarily, while the didactic potential of digital resources in this area remains insufficiently explored. The aim of the study is to identify the didactic opportunities of digital tools for teaching spelling in Russian as a foreign language (RFL).

Materials and Methods. The research is based on system-analytical and descriptive methods. A selection and analysis of digital educational platforms (Moodle, Quizlet, LearningApps, Wordwall, Kahoot, Google Forms, YaKlass, Uchi.ru) was carried out, as well as a survey and interviews with RFL teachers. Theoretical foundations included contemporary works in linguodidactics and methodology.

Results and Discussion. The study established that digital resources possess considerable didactic potential, as they provide interactivity, visualization of rules, personalization of learning, rapid assessment, and act as an additional stimulus for students’ independent work. The most effective tools were identified as Moodle (learning management), Quizlet (reinforcement of rules through flashcards), Wordwall and Kahoot (game-based formats). At the same time, certain challenges were revealed, including insufficient digital competence of teachers and a lack of specialized methodological materials.

Conclusion. The use of digital resources for teaching spelling in RFL can significantly improve learning outcomes, provided that such tools are systematically integrated into the educational process. A promising direction is the development and implementation of specialized exercises, digital trainers, and teacher training programs within the framework of applying digital resources in teaching practice.

Importance. A study of the methodology of comprehensive training of para-athletes with damage to the with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is presented. Bullet shooting serves as an affordable adaptive sports discipline for people with disabilities, which also creates conditions for effective integration into society and socialization of athletes. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of special physical exercises on endurance, coordination and strength used during the integral training of рare-shooters.

Materials and Methods. Para-athletes with MSD (foot amputations, lower legs) are divided into two groups. In the process of implementation of the methodology of differentiated physical training of athletes with MSD, the dynamics of indicators of their physical fitness before the beginning and at the end of the experiment is monitored. Methods of studying and analyzing scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observation, pedagogical control, pedagogical experiment, methods of mathematical statistics, generalization of research results are used.

Results and Discussion. The results of physical fitness of para shooters with MSD during the procedure implementation are analyzed; revealed differences in the manifestation of a number of physical abilities. The presented results of the dynamics of physical fitness show the effectiveness of the method of differentiated physical fitness, based on the features of the manifestation of the physical qualities of para-athletes in shooting.

Conclusion. The presented results of the dynamics of physical fitness, identified in the experimental group of para-shooters, showed the effectiveness of the method of differentiated physical ofitness, based on taking into account the features of the manifestation of the physical qualities of para-shooters with MSD.

Importance. The development processes of the Upper Don region in the first half of the 17th century are considered. Despite the adjacent location of the territories under consideration, the processes taking place in them were not homogeneous. This fact testified to the differences in the approaches to conducting the census among the scribes. The influence of the military factor plays a major role in this issue. The increase in the number of odnodvorets was a consequence of the impossibility of creating a peasant farm in conditions of constant threat from the Tatars. The purpose of the research is to study the dynamics of rural settlement development, as well as the sociodemographic structure of Yelets and Voronezh counties based on the materials of the watch and census books of 1615 and 1646, respectively.

Research Methods. The main results of the study are obtained using statistical and comparative historical methods.

Results and Discussion. The positive and negative features common to Yelets and Voronezh counties are considered. The connection of foreign policy factors with the slowdown in the development of the territories under consideration has been established. The general trends typical for each region are revealed. One of the main differences was the fixation of different categories of residents in the counties. In the sources of the Yelets district, great importance was attached to the recording of minor children and minors. In Voronezh, there are peasant and bobylsky populations. There was also a greater variety of names of settlements. The main area of concentration of rural settlements is considered. The local groups created at the stage of colonization had not undergone drastic changes relative to their borders by the middle of the 17th century. The processes of founding new settlements accompanied the entire period under review, which, however, did not affect the expansion of the area of settlement of residents of the southern counties. In this regard, it is concluded that it is more profitable to live in those territories that were originally chosen by the first landlords.

Conclusion. The main result of the study is that a pattern has been established between the specificity of living conditions for a medieval person and the social composition of the southern regions of the Russian state in the first half of the 17th century.

Importance. The post-war industrial recovery in new regions of the USSR, such as the Kaliningrad region, is a complex and controversial process, where formal successes often masked deep systemic problems. The pulp and paper industry, identified as a key branch of the oblast's economy, faced a complex of interrelated crises between 1946 and 1953. The study of this period makes it possible to identify the fundamental contradictions of Soviet economic policy and to understand the long-term causes of the region's structural problems. The purpose of the study is to prove that the restoration of the Kaliningrad pulp and paper industry was of a crisis nature, rather than a successful reconstruction, and to identify the key factors of this systemic crisis.

Materials and Methods. The methodology is based on a systematic approach, which made it possible to consider the restoration of the Central Bank as a multicomponent process in which production, personnel, managerial and social factors are closely interrelated. The historical and genetic method made it possible to trace the development of crisis phenomena in dynamics. The comparative historical method is used to correlate the specifics of the Kaliningrad case with general trends in the USSR. A comprehensive analysis of unpublished archival materials of the State Archive of Kaliningrad region, regional periodicals and oral histories ensured the reliability and representativeness of the conclusions.

Results and Discussion. It has been established that the development of the Central Business District of the Kaliningrad region was hindered by the catastrophic devastation of the war, the acute shortage of qualified personnel, the most difficult social and living conditions, inefficient management and technological dependence on imports. It has been proven that, despite the partial restoration of capacity by 1951 (77 % for pulp, 69 % for paper), the industry faced insurmountable difficulties: high staff turnover, chronic failure to meet plans, frequent accidents and corruption.

Conclusion. It is concluded about the crisis-like nature of the post-war recovery of the pulp and paper industry in the Kaliningrad region, in which formal successes masked deep structural problems. The experience of the Kaliningrad Central Bank is an indicative example of the contradictions of the Soviet post-war economic policy, the consequences of which affected the development of the region over the following decades.

Importance. The purpose of the study is to examine the Chiang Kai-shek government’s concept of using changes in the European environment to secure China’s strategic interests during the period from March 1939 (German occupation of Czechoslovakia) to October 1939 (full control of Poland by the USSR and Germany). The study includes an analysis of the decision-making process of Chiang Kai-shek and members of the government, as well as the impact of changes in the international environment on the implementation of their foreign policy strategy. The study of this topic contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of changes in the European environment in the early period of World War II on the situation in the Far East, as well as a comprehensive analysis of the development, transformation, and influencing factors of China’s relations with other countries during the entire period of the Japan-China War.

Materials and Methods. The study is based on published or introduced into scientific circulation archival materials of China and Russia, as well as memoirs and diaries of key figures of the Chinese government of that period. These sources are analyzed using the methods of historical and documentary analysis.

Results and Discussion. The results of the study indicate that the USSR’s actions towards Poland were the root cause why Chiang Kai-shek’s government was unable to realize the originally defined foreign policy strategy of promptly joining the “anti-aggressive bloc” led by Britain and France in order to quickly establish a link between the Japanese-Chinese War and the European military conflict. The results of the study demonstrate that the key role of the USSR in China’s foreign policy concept of that period, as well as the difficulties in defining relations between the USSR, Great Britain, France and Germany in the current international situation forced Chiang Kai-shek’s government to abandon the initial plans for forced joining the Anglo-French “antiaggressive bloc” in order to avoid provocations to the USSR.

Conclusion. Chiang Kai-shek’s government failed to fully implement the foreign policy strategy conceived at this stage to achieve its goal of “quickly linking the Japan-China war to the European military conflict”, which caused a revival in government circles of the concept of “the need for early recourse to U.S. mediation in the Japan-China War”.

Importance. Сomprehensive study of the problems of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey in the period from 1991 to 2025 is conducted. The historical background, foreign policy strategies and key events shaping the dynamics of Armenian-Turkish relations are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the role of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh as central factors hindering the normalization of bilateral relations. The work reveals the contradictory foreign policy approaches of Armenia and Turkey, due to historical memory, national interests and regional ambitions. The influence of external players, such as Russia, the United States and the EU, on the conflict resolution process is considered.

Materials and Methods. Based on a systematic and interdisciplinary approach, a model of normalization prospects is proposed, including recognition of historical truth and strategic compromises.

Results and Discussion. It is shown that in Armenian-Turkish relations, the historical contradictions related to the Armenian Genocide and its denial by Turkey remain the main barrier to normalization, while Erdogan’s policy of aggressively supporting Azerbaijan and expanding influence in the region led to Armenia’s loss of control over Nagorno-Karabakh. There are also differences in the approaches of Armenia, which, disappointed by the limited assistance of the West, is strengthening cooperation with Russia while maintaining ties with the EU and NATO, and the assessments of external actors, from the weakening of Moscow’s position to the balancing efforts of the United States, the EU and Iran. The prospects for a peace treaty promise economic benefits, but they come with risks to Armenia’s sovereignty, including territorial concessions and lack of guarantees for prisoners, reflecting the imbalance of forces and the complexity of resolving the conflict.

Conclusion. The Armenian-Turkish relations reflect the breakdown of the former system in the South Caucasus, where Turkey and Azerbaijan dominate, strengthening their positions through military support and projects like the Middle Corridor, while Russia is losing influence. Turkey’s approach is more aggressive and systematic than the balancing course of Armenia, which is faced with internal conflicts and US/EU caution over NATO. Forecasts point to normalization with risks of concessions, including the Zangezur Corridor, without guarantees. Armenia’s stability requires reforms, strengthening ties with Russia, and international guarantees from the United States, the EU, and Moscow.