Reflecting on the Future of English Language Education at the 15th TESOL International Conference

In an era where advanced technology and global integration are transforming education, educators and researchers in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) strive to adapt and innovate to meet the needs of diverse learners. To explore and promote innovative pedagogical practices, future directions, and research findings, SEAMEO RETRAC, in collaboration with Curtin University, Australia, organized the 15th TESOL International Conference, titled “Emerging Trends in English Language Education,” held from November 14-15, 2024.

The conference received strong support and the esteemed attendance of Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huu, Director of the National Foreign Languages Project under Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, along with diplomatic representatives from the Australian Consulate General, the U.S. Consulate General, and the Royal Thai Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Serving as a learning and sharing forum, the event brought together over 90 educators, researchers, teachers, curriculum experts, administrators, and policymakers from the field.

Ms. Le Thi Thuy Duong, Director of SEAMEO RETRAC, poses with Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huu, Director of the National Foreign Languages Project; Ms. Natella Svistunova, Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in HCMC; Mr. Jonathan Saw, Consul (Commercial) at the Australian Consulate General in HCMC; Mr. Agustaviano Sofjan, Consul General of Indonesia in HCMC; and Mr. Tharanut Koonyotying,Consul at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in HCMC.

The dynamic program featured a range of sub-themes:

• Innovations in English language teaching methodology
• Creating Cutting-Edge Supplementary Materials for ELT
• New Technology and AI in ELT
• Diversity in classroom Assessment practices
• Community of Practice (COP) in Professional Development for English Language Teachers

Keynote addresses by leading scholars from the U.S.A set the stage for stimulating discussions. Prof. Anne Pomerantz from the University of Pennsylvania delivered a thought-provoking presentation on “Meet Your AI Assistant: Teaching English in and for a Tech-Enhanced World,” emphasizing the transformative role of technology in language education. Meanwhile, Prof. Shawn Loewen of Michigan State University explored the intersection of research and practice in his speech, “Exploring the Relationship between Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research and L2 Teaching.”

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Mai Huu emphasized the importance of technological tools, innovations in teaching methodologies, and the development of communities of practice in revolutionizing current English teaching practices. She remarked, “Sharing our experiences, successes, and challenges fosters collaboration and professional growth. By creating strong networks of support, we enable each other to enhance our teaching practices and provide our students with the best possible educational experiences. Professional development is not a destination; it is an ongoing journey that we embark on together.”

“Sharing our experiences, successes, and challenges fosters collaboration and professional growth. By creating strong networks of support, we enable each other to enhance our teaching practices and provide our students with the best possible educational experiences. Professional development is not a destination; it is an ongoing journey that we embark on together.”
Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huu, Director of the National Foreign Languages Project