The use of modern pedagogical approaches, including interactive methods, in the process of teaching English in higher education significantly increases the effectiveness of students' language learning. Interactive methods are methods based on mutual activity and dialogue between the student and the teacher in the teaching and learning process. Such methods increase student engagement, help achieve solid learning outcomes, and are effective in developing general language skills.

Interactive methods, in pedagogy, are methods aimed at ensuring the active participation of students in the educational process. These methods encourage students to exchange ideas with them, conduct group work, solve problems, and apply their knowledge in practice, rather than just receiving information. Interactive teaching methods create opportunities for students to freely express their thoughts, communicate with others, and critically analyze their knowledge.

These methods, unlike traditional teaching methods, are based on active participation and consolidation of knowledge by the student, rather than playing a passive role in the learning process. Interactive methods create an opportunity for students not only to receive information, but also to analyze it and apply it to real-life situations (Klimova, 2019). These methods serve to develop higher-level thinking and decision-making skills in students. The development of interactive methods has a long history in pedagogy. They were formed in the middle of the 20th century, with the growing need to encourage active participation of students in the education system, rather than passive reception. Previously, the education system consisted mainly of memorizing and remembering information given by the teacher by students. However, in the 50s and 60s of the 20th century, new approaches to education appeared. During this period, teachers sought to encourage students to express their ideas freely, analyze issues, and communicate with others, rather than just learning.

The development of interactive methods led to a number of paradigm shifts in pedagogy. For example, methods that encouraged students to be active and think critically were more seriously shaped by the development of the critical pedagogy movement in the 1960s. Educators such as Paulo Freire called on students not only to acquire knowledge but also to actively participate in solving social problems in society. Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed emphasizes viewing the educational process as a two-way dialogue and encouraging students to make changes in society. These views had a great influence on the development of interactive methods, as they provided students with the opportunity to express their ideas and take an active role in implementing changes (Freire, 1970).

In the 1980s, a new stage in the development of interactive methods began. During this period, pedagogical approaches based more on group work and problem solving developed. In particular, methods that allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in practice began to be widely used in colleges and universities. During this period, methods such as case studies, role-playing games, and simulations became popular in pedagogy. These methods taught students to study real situations, analyze problems, and make decisions (Semykina, 2018).

In the 1990s, interactive methods began to be used more widely in the educational process. In particular, the widespread use of computer technologies in teaching, the development of distance learning and the introduction of the Internet into the educational system further expanded interactive methods. Through computers and the Internet, students have the opportunity not only to receive educational materials, but also to participate in online discussions, group work and collaborative learning processes. These changes have further increased student activity and further strengthened the effectiveness of interactive methods.

Interactive methods in education not only ensure student learning, but also play a major role in developing their social and professional skills. These methods increase students' abilities to communicate, work together, think critically, solve problems and make decisions. Students also develop self-awareness, express their thoughts clearly, exchange ideas and communicate with others (Budarina, 2017).

In addition, interactive methods help students apply their knowledge in practice. For example, case study and role-playing methods allow students to gain experience in studying real-life situations and solving problems. These methods help students apply their theoretical knowledge in practice and prepare them to effectively solve problems they encounter in life (Klimova, 2019).

Interactive methods also help develop students' creative and critical thinking skills. Students do not just receive information, but also have the opportunity to analyze, evaluate and draw new conclusions. This process develops students' critical thinking and creative approach skills, which will be important for them in life and professional activities (Zelenovskaya, 2015).

Interactive methods are widely used methods in the education system to activate students and actively involve them in the process of acquiring knowledge. These methods develop students' thinking skills, communication and collaboration skills. There are different types of interactive methods, which are aimed at encouraging students to exchange ideas, apply their knowledge in practice, and develop social skills. In this section, we will dwell in detail on some of the main types of interactive methods games and its features.

Role-playing games

Role-playing games are one of the most popular and effective methods among interactive methods. In this method, students play a certain situation or event, take on different roles and try to influence the course of events. Role-playing games allow students to play the roles of different characters, develop their skills in studying relationships, communicating, and making decisions. This method teaches students not only to obtain information, but also to solve problems in practice.

Features:

- Develops students' communication and teamwork.

- Helps to apply new knowledge in practice.

- Encourages students to try on different roles, develop empathy and make decisions.

Group work

Group work is a common method among interactive learning methods, in which students are divided into small groups and carry out a discussion or task on a specific topic. This method encourages students to work together, express their ideas freely, make collective decisions, and learn from each other. (Johnson, 1999).  Group work often develops creative thinking and problem-solving skills (Smith, Sheppard, Johnson & Johnson, 2005).

- Features:

- Encourages students to help each other and exchange ideas (Slavin, 1996).

- Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills (Gillies, 2004).

- Teaches teamwork through working in small groups (Vygotsky, 1978).

Case Study

In the case study method, students are given a specific situation or event and asked to analyze it and solve problems. Students study the situation, identify problems, and propose solutions (Yin, R. K.2018).  This method allows students to study and apply real-life situations (Kolb, 1984). In the case study method, students must express their ideas clearly and confidently (Prince & Felder, 2006).

Features:

Provides opportunities to study and apply real-life situations (Lundeberg, Levin & Harrington, 1999).

Develops critical thinking and decision-making skills (Herreid, 2011).

Encourages students to analyze problems and find effective solutions (Wood, 2003).

Brainstorming

Brainstorming allows students to generate new ideas and use them effectively. In this method, group members put forward different ideas to solve a problem or situation. Students develop new and creative ideas by correcting or updating each other's ideas (Osborn, 1953). Brainstorming activates the thinking process and teaches students to express their ideas clearly and positively (Paulus & Yang, 2000).

Features:

- Helps students develop creative thinking.

- Encourages students to generate new and innovative ideas.

- Develops positive communication among students.

Debates

Debates help students develop argumentative communication and critical thinking skills. In this method, students are divided into two groups and defend or refute opinions on a particular topic. Debates teach students to justify their opinions, express them logically and clearly. They also teach them to analyze their decisions from a different perspective.

Features:

- Teaches critical thinking and logical decision-making.

- Helps students justify and defend their opinions.

- Develops students' communication skills through discussion and dialogue.

Features of interactive methods

Interactive methods are methods that increase the activity of students in education and involve them in the learning process, and they have several unique features:

Increasing activity

Interactive methods activate students from passive participants. Students are forced to actively participate, express their opinions, participate in group work, and apply knowledge in practice. These methods ensure the active participation of students, making the learning process more effective and interesting.

Developing communication skills

Interactive methods allow students to share their thoughts with others, communicate, and develop social skills. In the process of communication, students learn to be clear, logical, and confident in expressing their thoughts.

Developing critical thinking

Interactive methods teach students to analyze problems, make decisions, and consider different points of view. Critical thinking helps students not only acquire knowledge, but also apply it in practice.

Developing creativity

Interactive methods help students develop creative thinking. Students try to generate new ideas and develop innovative approaches to solving various problems.

Teamwork

Interactive methods encourage teamwork. Through group work and role-playing, students learn to work together, help each other, exchange ideas, and make effective decisions. This process develops their social skills.

Interactive methods have a special place among modern teaching methods, as they allow students to focus their attention, develop all language skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking at the same time. One of the main advantages of using interactive methods in teaching is that it allows students to acquire knowledge not only by hearing, but also by active participation. For example, role-playing games, group discussions, debates and simulations give the teacher the opportunity to observe how students use the language in practice.

Another useful aspect of interactive methods in teaching English is taking into account the individual needs of students. The teacher organizes the lesson for each student based on his abilities and learning speed, which helps students to be more effective in self-assessment and mastery. Providing students with opportunities for independent thinking and problem-solving during the learning process develops their logical thinking and supports critical thinking.

Also, interactive methods require the use of various technological tools in learning English, including online platforms and multimedia resources. Modern technologies for interactive lessons, such as electronic learning resources, video materials, online tests and games, increase students' interest in the lesson and make the language learning process more interesting and makes it effective. Teaching through interactive methods not only replaces classical lessons, but also teaches students to work with technology, to use modern educational tools.

At the same time, the successful use of interactive methods requires a high level of pedagogical skills, creativity and flexibility to the needs of students from the teacher. The teacher plays an important role not only as a provider of knowledge, but also as an organizer of the educational process and an incentive for students to learn. Also, educational institutions should have the necessary infrastructure and resources to implement interactive methods, such as modern classrooms, computers and access to the Internet.

The future of interactive methods is expected to expand and change. In the future, especially with the development of new technologies and the further expansion of online education, interactive methods will allow students to express themselves more freely and creatively. In addition, interactive methods create opportunities for teachers to develop new pedagogical methods and adapt to the individual needs of students. At the same time, interactive methods, especially through the use of modern technologies, increase student participation in the learning process, develop their independent thinking and contribute to the development of new pedagogical approaches on a global scale.

In conclusion, interactive methods in teaching English in higher education are of great importance in making the learning process of students interesting, effective and useful. All this, in turn, serves to train highly qualified specialists in our country, improve the quality of education in society and strengthen the competitiveness of Uzbekistan in the international arena.