syllables

During a conversation with a Chinese English Teacher she stated that her long ago Univ. prof had taught her that consonant blends can form vowel sounds. I suggested that a consonant blend can not be a vowel sound. She replied that in "any" dictionary consonant blends are used in those editions as pronunciation guides to help indicate where the syllable lies. I agree with this point but I suggested that a consonant blend -- i.e. motorcycle -- cle -- the final e is silent and therefore does not practically make a vowel sound to indicate where the syllable is. Then I suggested that the vowel sound is "hidden" between the letters of the consonant blend. Thus although one cannot see the "hidden" vowel sound one can still 'hear' the vowel sound. Thus the general rule of thumb for finding syllables still applies -- every syllable contains a vowel sound --- ; )
She would like to know from a technical perspective whether this is correct or not.... I have no idea since I am not a expert in these matters. Any feedback appreciated