tilzone

Who (first and last name) is the Team Lead for your application and LEAP Project?

Dinara Bakalaeva

Describe the role the Team Lead plays in your organization. [100-200 words recommended]

Dinara, the founder of Tilzone, holds the Team Leading position and inspires our team. Her role encompasses strategic leadership, team building, and numerous responsibilities. Dinara's key responsibilities include defining the organization's long-term goals, developing strategies to achieve them, and overseeing the management team.

She plays a crucial role in driving business development efforts by identifying partnerships and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders. Dinara also ensures the financial health of Tilzone by managing the budget, monitoring financial performance, and making informed decisions with the co-founder and financial expert, Zhyldyz.

In the rapidly evolving field of online language learning, Dinara, along with co-founder and CTO Anton, ensures the organization stays at the forefront of technology and innovation. 

Dinara oversees Tilzone's marketing and branding efforts, working with the Marketing team to drive user acquisition, retention, and customer satisfaction. She also represents Tilzone in external engagements, conferences, and industry events, promoting the organization's mission, values, and achievements.

Furthermore, Dinara focuses on fostering collaboration, and working with methodologists to develop new courses and implement innovative approaches. By collaborating with these experts, she ensures that Tilzone's courses are up-to-date and provide an enhanced learning experience.

Explain how your Team Lead and supporting team members are well-positioned to effectively support the LEAP Project, given other priorities within your organization. [200-500 words - recommended]

Dinara, the founder of Tilzone, holds the Team Lead position and serves as the driving force behind the organization's success. Her visionary leadership inspires and guides each department and team member, ensuring alignment and progress towards Tilzone's goals:

1. Financial manager and co-founder- CAP certified financial expert Zhyldyz with more than 15- years of experience in finances, holding a degree in Finances from Kyrgyz-Turkish University Manas. Zhyldyz brings a deep understanding of financial management and expertise to the organization. Together, Dinara and Zhyldyz develop and manage Tilzone's budget, ensuring that financial resources are allocated effectively and in line with the organization's goals. They collaborate to identify potential financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring the long-term financial stability of Tilzone.
2. Tilzone's team of methodologists, including Janat, Aleksandra, and Muhabat, holding TESOL and TEFL certifications, specialize in language learning pedagogy and instructional design. They collaborate to create comprehensive and structured learning materials, integrating interactive features and multimedia elements to enhance the learning experience. They conduct trainings for freelance teachers to ensure that they are are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality lessons on the platform. The methodologists coordinate with the freelance teachers, providing them with guidance and support to ensure a seamless teaching experience for Tilzone's students.
3. In addition to the methodologists, freelance teachers play a vital role in Tilzone's language learning platform. These teachers bring their expertise and instructional skills to deliver engaging and effective lessons to Tilzone's students. Keeping them motivated is essential for ensuring the quality and consistency of the teaching experience. Here's how we accomplish that:
   • -We provide comprehensive support to freelance teachers, including clear guidelines, resources, and training materials. Regular communication channels are established to address any queries or concerns they may have, ensuring they feel valued and supported.
   • -We prioritize the professional growth of our freelance teachers. We offer continuous training and development opportunities to enhance their teaching skills, introduce new methodologies, and keep them up-to-date with the latest language learning trends.  We have a feedback system in place that allows students to provide input on their learning experience with the freelance teachers. Positive feedback and recognition for their efforts are shared with the teachers, highlighting their impact on students' progress.

1. Innovation and Technology: Dinara, along with co-founder Anton, the Chief Technical Office, holdingensures Tilzone remains at the forefront of technology and innovation. Anton oversees the Development Department, where developers Erkin (back-end) and Dana (front-end) work under his guidance to integrate emerging technologies. Anton holds a degree in Software Support of Computing Machinery and Automated Systems from Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University an has more than 15-years of experience in his field. 
2. Marketing and Branding: Dinara oversees Tilzone's marketing and branding efforts, collaborating closely with the Marketing Department. Gulzat, the Marketing Manager, works alongside Dinara to develop and implement effective marketing strategies. Akylai, the Social Media Manager, and Nurshat, the Customer Relations Specialist, contribute to driving user acquisition, retention, and customer satisfaction.

One-line solution summary: In 20 words or less, summarize your organization's product or program that is the focus of your LEAP Project.

Tilzone, offers real-time classes, while integrating project and research-based learning methodologies to foster critical thinking and creativity skills

Define the problem that your solution seeks to solve. [200-500 words recommended]

1. Our solution aims to address the pressing issues stemming from the lack of resources and the insufficient focus on education and creativity in the Kyrgyz Republic. In our country, girls have long been marginalized from leadership roles due to deeply ingrained patriarchal views on gender roles. One concerning practice that persists is bridal kidnapping, also known as "ala kachuu," where women and girls are forcibly abducted and coerced into marriage.

1. Bridal kidnapping perpetuates the harmful belief that a girl's primary purpose is to become a wife and caretaker for her husband and his family. This practice reinforces traditional gender norms, limiting girls' aspirations, educational opportunities, and career prospects. Many girls grow up with the notion that marriage is their ultimate goal, often at the expense of their own dreams and ambitions.
2. Women in our region face significant challenges in terms of employment opportunities and fair wages. Gender inequality is widespread, and women often encounter barriers when seeking decent work and fair compensation. The participation of women in the labor market is lower compared to men, and they are often confined to gendered roles that offer limited room for growth and lower salaries.
3. Education standards in our region, including the study of foreign languages, still reflect the legacy of the Soviet Union. Overall, our country struggles to provide quality education and foster critical thinking skills due to the historical lack of emphasis on these abilities during the Soviet era.
4. Results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2006 and 2009, as well as the National Assessment of Educational Achievements (NOODU) in 2007, 2009, 2014, and 2017, have revealed the persisting challenge of ensuring quality education. A significant portion of students demonstrated knowledge and skills below the established standards.
5. Moreover, unequal access to additional education opportunities for children living in different regions remains a crucial aspect of the inequality problem, manifesting at various levels such as regional, urban, rural, school, and family. This is one of the reasons of internal migration to urban areas.
6. Furthermore, it is important to note that most courses and programs focused on empowering girls in our region are typically offered through subscription-based models or group sessions. However, studies have shown that the completion rate for subscription-based learning programs is generally less than 10%. This indicates a significant challenge in maintaining long-term engagement and commitment from participants.
7. Additionally, measuring the effectiveness of group sessions can be challenging. While group sessions provide opportunities for peer interaction and support, it can be difficult to accurately assess the individual progress and impact of such sessions. This makes it crucial to explore alternative approaches that can ensure higher completion rates and effectively measure the outcomes of educational initiatives targeting girls' empowerment.
8. Analysts from KG Analytics have highlighted the adverse impact of low salaries in the education sector, increased workload on teachers, who are burdened with extensive paperwork and reporting duties alongside their teaching responsibilities.

Describe your solution and how it works in simple terms. [200-500 words recommended]

Tilzone recognizes that education and creativity are key drivers of societal progress. By offering online language classes using the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) method, Tilzone aims to bridge the educational gap and provide a unique learning experience for individuals in the Kyrgyz Republic.

In a country with limited resources, digital education becomes a powerful tool for reaching a broader population and democratizing access to quality language learning. By leveraging technology, Tilzone makes language classes more accessible to individuals who may not have access to traditional educational resources. The platform offers real-time peer-to-peer classes conducted by professional teachers and utilizes various interactive tools and resources to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. 

Furthermore, Tilzone recognizes the importance of developing critical thinking and creativity skills in language learners. By integrating project-based learning, students can gain proficiency in English and AI tools, engagein hands-on projects and conducting topic-related research, students develop their analytical and problem-solving abilities. This approach not only enhances their language proficiency but also cultivates a mindset of innovation and entrepreneurship, essential for the country's development.

Moreover, Tilzone acknowledges the importance of empowering girls and promoting their leadership potential. Traditionally, girls in the Kyrgyz Republic have been disadvantaged in terms of opportunities to become leaders. By implementing a pilot program for girls leaders from schools, Tilzone aims to provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel academically and develop leadership abilities. These girls can then serve as role models and agents of change within their communities, spreading the knowledge they acquire and inspiring others.

With the support of the LEAP project, we will organize Olympiads to identify 20 promising female leaders from rural areas. These selected girls will receive individual lessons conducted by our team of freelance teachers. Each teacher will be assigned 5 students and provide 2 hours of instruction per week, focusing on English language skills and utilizing AI tools such as Mid Journey, Sound Wave, WordPress, and ChatGPT to help them create projects.

The projects developed by the students will be showcased on our social media platforms, highlighting their achievements and promoting their work. To foster a sense of community and facilitate idea exchange, the students will be grouped together on a Telegram platform, allowing them to support and learn from one another.

Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to empower these rural girls by enhancing their English language proficiency, equipping them with valuable AI skills, fostering creativity through project-based learning, and providing a supportive network for collaboration and encouragement.

Select the key characteristics of your target population. Select all that apply.

• Women & Girls
• Primary school children (ages 5-12)
• Peri-Urban
• Poor
• Low-Income
• Persons with Disabilities

In which country or countries does your solution currently operate?

Kyrgyz Republic

Upload your solution's Theory of Change or Logic Model.

Where would you place your solution on Nesta's Standards of Evidence?

To date, what research/studies has your organization conducted that have helped demonstrate the effectiveness of your solution? [200-500 words recommended]

Tilzone has conducted various research studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of its solution:

1. Foundational research: Tilzone has conducted literature reviews and desktop research to establish a strong theoretical foundation for its approach. This research involved reviewing existing studies, educational frameworks, and best practices in language learning, project-based learning, and the integration of AI tools in education. By synthesizing this knowledge, Tilzone has developed a comprehensive understanding of the field and identified key factors that contribute to effective language education and the development of critical thinking and creativity skills.

2. Formative research: Tilzone has conducted several formative research studies to assess the usability, feasibility, and impact of its solution. This includes usability studies, where users interacted with the online platform and provided feedback on its functionality and user experience. Feasibility studies were also conducted to evaluate the practicality and viability of implementing the individual lessons and project-based learning components. Additionally, case studies and user interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data on the experiences and perceptions of students who participated in Tilzone's programs. Implementation studies were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the instructional methods used by freelance teachers and their impact on students' language learning outcomes. Pre-post or multi-measure research designs were employed to measure the progress and growth of students' language skills, critical thinking abilities, and creativity throughout their participation in Tilzone's programs. Correlational studies were conducted to explore the relationships between variables such as language proficiency, project outcomes, and leadership development.

By conducting these research studies, Tilzone has gathered empirical evidence to support the effectiveness of its solution. The findings from these studies have helped refine and improve the program, ensuring that it aligns with the needs and expectations of the target audience and maximizes the impact on language learning, critical thinking, creativity, and leadership development.

What has the research/studies you have conducted revealed about your solution and how did it inform your work moving forward? [200-500 words recommended]

The research and studies conducted by Tilzone have revealed several insights about the effectiveness of its solution and informed its work moving forward:

1. Effectiveness of the CLT method: The research has shown that the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) method employed by Tilzone is effective in improving language proficiency among students. The interactive and communicative approach of CLT helps students develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a practical and meaningful way. This finding has reinforced Tilzone's commitment to utilizing CLT as the primary teaching methodology in its language classes.

2. Impact of project-based learning: The research studies have demonstrated the positive impact of project-based learning on students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills. Students who engaged in hands-on projects and conducted topic-related research showed significant improvements in their analytical abilities and ability to apply language skills in real-world contexts. This finding has influenced Tilzone to further integrate project-based learning into its curriculum, fostering a holistic learning experience for students.

3. Value of AI tools in language learning: The research has highlighted the benefits of integrating AI tools, such as Mid Journey, Sound Wave, WordPress, and ChatGPT, in language education. Students who utilized these tools demonstrated enhanced engagement, increased language proficiency, and the ability to leverage AI technologies for innovative projects. This insight has reinforced Tilzone's decision to incorporate AI tools as part of its curriculum, ensuring students are equipped with relevant and future-oriented skills.

4. Importance of individualized instruction: The research findings have emphasized the significance of individualized instruction in promoting effective learning outcomes. The personalized lessons conducted by freelance teachers have proven to be instrumental in addressing the unique needs and learning styles of students. This insight has guided Tilzone to prioritize the provision of individual lessons to maximize student engagement, progress, and success.

5. Empowerment through community and social media: The research has revealed the empowering effects of creating a supportive community through platforms like Telegram and showcasing students' projects on social media. Students who were part of a community and had their work recognized experienced increased motivation, a sense of belonging, and a platform to share their achievements with a wider audience. These findings have reinforced Tilzone's commitment to building a strong community of learners and utilizing social media as a means of promoting students' work and inspiring others.

Overall, the research and studies conducted by Tilzone have provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of its solution and informed its work moving forward. These findings have influenced curriculum design, instructional approaches, and the utilization of technology, ensuring that Tilzone continues to provide a high-quality and impactful learning experience for its students.

Describe your organization's need to strengthen the evidence base of your solution. [200-500 words recommended]

Tilzone recognizes the need to strengthen the evidence base of its solution to further enhance the credibility and effectiveness of its educational programs. While the organization has conducted research and studies that have yielded valuable insights, there is a continuous need to build a robust evidence base to support its approach. Strengthening the evidence base is crucial for the following reasons:

1. Rigorous evaluation: Conducting rigorous evaluations will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact and outcomes of Tilzone's language learning programs. By employing robust research methodologies and collecting reliable data, the organization can assess the effectiveness of its solution and identify areas for improvement. This evaluation process will involve gathering feedback from students, teachers, and other stakeholders to obtain a holistic view of the program's strengths and weaknesses.

2. Scaling and replication: As Tilzone aims to expand its reach and replicate its successful model in different contexts, a strong evidence base becomes essential. By establishing a solid foundation of evidence, including quantitative and qualitative data, the organization can demonstrate the scalability and replicability of its solution. This will facilitate partnerships with educational institutions, donors, and policymakers who seek evidence-based interventions to support language learning and educational initiatives.

3. Stakeholder confidence: Strengthening the evidence base will enhance stakeholder confidence in Tilzone's solution. When potential partners, funders, and collaborators have access to robust evidence showcasing the impact and effectiveness of Tilzone's programs, they are more likely to invest their resources and support the organization's mission. Demonstrating the evidence base will instill trust and credibility, attracting key stakeholders who value evidence-based practices in education.

4. Continuous improvement: A strong evidence base enables Tilzone to continuously improve its programs and adapt to evolving educational needs. By systematically collecting and analyzing data, the organization can identify areas of success and areas that require refinement. Evidence-based decision-making allows Tilzone to make informed adjustments to its curriculum, instructional strategies, and support systems, ensuring that its programs remain responsive to the needs of its students and the educational landscape.

5. Advocacy and knowledge sharing: Strengthening the evidence base also empowers Tilzone to advocate for educational reforms, policies, and investments that prioritize language learning and digital education. With a robust evidence base, the organization can contribute to discussions at the national and international levels, sharing best practices, insights, and data-driven recommendations. This advocacy can lead to systemic changes that benefit not only Tilzone's target population but also the broader educational ecosystem.

What are 2-3 research questions that you would like your LEAP Project to help you answer? [100 words recommended]

1. What is the long-term impact of Tilzone's online language classes and project-based learning approach on the language proficiency, critical thinking skills, and entrepreneurial mindset of students in the Kyrgyz Republic?

2. How does the integration of AI tools, such as Mid Journey, Sound Wave, WordPress, and ChatGPT, enhance the language learning experience and contribute to students' ability to create innovative projects?

3. What are the key factors that contribute to the success and scalability of Tilzone's model, particularly in reaching and empowering girls in rural areas, and how can these insights inform the organization's future expansion and replication efforts?

What type of research/studies do you think will help answer your stated questions? Select all that apply.

• Formative research (e.g. usability studies; feasibility studies; case studies; user interviews; implementation studies; pre-post or multi-measure research; correlational studies)

Please elaborate on your selection above by describing your desired outputs of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint. [200 - 500 words recommended]

During the 12-week LEAP Project sprint, our desired outputs are:

1. Data Collection and Analysis: We aim to collect relevant data on the impact of Tilzone's online language classes and project-based learning approach. This includes gathering information on students' language proficiency levels, critical thinking skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and their ability to utilize AI tools for project creation. The data collected will be analyzed to assess the effectiveness of our solution in achieving the desired outcomes.

2. Research Findings: Based on the data collected and analyzed, we seek to generate research findings that provide insights into the efficacy of Tilzone's approach. These findings will help us understand the strengths and weaknesses of our solution, identify areas for improvement, and determine the factors that contribute to successful outcomes.

3. Evaluation of AI Tools: We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the AI tools utilized in our language classes, such as Mid Journey, Sound Wave, WordPress, and ChatGPT. This evaluation will provide valuable insights into how these tools enhance the learning experience, support project creation, and contribute to students' language proficiency and creative thinking skills.

4. Best Practices and Recommendations: Based on the research findings and evaluation results, we will develop a set of best practices and recommendations for implementing similar online language learning programs with a project-based approach. These guidelines will serve as a resource for other organizations or institutions interested in adopting similar approaches to enhance language learning and foster critical thinking skills.

5. Documentation and Reporting: Throughout the sprint, we will maintain thorough documentation of the research process, including data collection methods, analysis techniques, and evaluation results. This documentation will ensure transparency and accountability, and it will serve as a foundation for the final project report that outlines the key findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for future implementation.

Overall, the outputs of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint will provide valuable insights into the impact and effectiveness of Tilzone's solution, inform our ongoing work, and contribute to the evidence base for online language learning programs with a focus on project-based learning and the integration of AI tools.

How will your organization put these outputs into action? [200-500 words recommended]

Once the outputs of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint are obtained, our organization will put them into action in the following ways:

1. Program Refinement: The research findings and evaluation results will be used to refine and enhance our online language learning program. We will identify areas of improvement based on the data collected and implement necessary adjustments to optimize the learning experience, project-based approach, and integration of AI tools. This iterative process will ensure that our program continues to evolve and effectively address the needs of our target audience.

2. Training and Capacity Building: The best practices and recommendations derived from the research findings will be incorporated into our training and capacity-building initiatives. We will provide professional development opportunities for our freelance teachers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the refined program effectively. The guidelines and recommendations will also be shared with other organizations or institutions interested in implementing similar programs, contributing to knowledge sharing and capacity building within the field.

3. Advocacy and Scaling: The documentation and reporting of the project outcomes will be utilized for advocacy purposes. We will disseminate the findings, lessons learned, and recommendations through various channels, including reports, presentations, conferences, and workshops. By sharing our successes and insights, we aim to raise awareness about the effectiveness of online language learning with project-based approaches and the integration of AI tools. This advocacy effort will contribute to scaling our program and encouraging the adoption of similar approaches by other organizations and educational institutions.

4. Collaboration and Partnerships: The outputs of the LEAP Project sprint will serve as a foundation for establishing collaborations and partnerships with relevant stakeholders. We will engage with policymakers, educational institutions, and other organizations working in the education sector to share our findings and collaborate on initiatives that promote digital education, project-based learning, and the use of AI tools. By joining forces with like-minded partners, we can amplify the impact of our program and drive systemic change in the education landscape.

Overall, our organization will actively utilize the outputs of the LEAP Project sprint to drive continuous improvement, build capacity, advocate for innovative approaches, and foster collaborations. By translating the research findings into action, we aim to create a lasting impact on language learning, critical thinking skills development, and the empowerment of students in our region and beyond.

Describe your desired short-term and long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for both your organization and solution. [200-500 words recommended]

Short-term outcomes for the organization:

1. Enhanced Program Effectiveness: The short-term outcome for our organization is to have a refined and improved online language learning program. The insights gained from the LEAP Project sprint will enable us to make necessary adjustments and optimizations to our program, leading to increased effectiveness in delivering language classes, integrating AI tools, and implementing project-based learning.

2. Strengthened Capacity: Through the LEAP Project sprint, our organization will enhance its capacity in research and evaluation methodologies. We will develop expertise in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, enabling us to generate evidence-based insights and make informed decisions about our program. This will contribute to our organization's ability to monitor and evaluate its activities effectively

Short-term outcomes for the solution:

1. Improved Learning Experience: The LEAP Project sprint will lead to an improved learning experience for students enrolled in our online language classes. The research findings and evaluation results will inform adjustments to the curriculum, teaching methodologies, and use of AI tools, resulting in a more engaging, interactive, and effective learning environment.

2. Enhanced Language Proficiency: By integrating project-based learning and AI tools into our language classes, the LEAP Project sprint will contribute to improved language proficiency among students. The hands-on projects, research activities, and use of AI technologies will enable students to apply their language skills in practical contexts, fostering deeper understanding and fluency.

Long-term outcomes for the organization:

1. Program Expansion and Sustainability: The long-term outcome for our organization is to expand the reach and impact of our online language learning program. The insights and lessons learned from the LEAP Project sprint will guide us in scaling up our activities, reaching a larger audience, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our program through partnerships, funding opportunities, and continuous improvement.

2. Recognition as a Leader in Digital Education: Through the successful implementation of the LEAP Project sprint and the resulting program improvements, our organization aims to establish itself as a leader in digital education, specifically in the field of online language learning. We aspire to be recognized for our innovative approaches, evidence-based practices, and the positive impact we create in empowering language learners.

Long-term outcomes for the solution:

1. Increased Language Literacy: The long-term outcome of the LEAP Project sprint for our solution is to contribute to increased language literacy in the Kyrgyz Republic and beyond. By providing accessible and effective language classes, integrating AI tools, and promoting project-based learning, we aim to empower individuals with the language skills necessary for personal, academic, and professional success.

2. Empowered and Skilled Individuals: Through our solution, we envision long-term outcomes of empowering individuals with critical thinking skills, creativity, and digital literacy. By nurturing these skills through project-based learning and the use of AI tools, we aim to equip students with the competencies needed to excel in the digital age, contribute to innovation, and become active participants in shaping their communities and society.