Nur Arifah Drajati to Represent TEFLIN Teacher Professional Development at Online Workshop “Creative Problem Solving Pedagogy for Schools with Merdeka Curriculum”
Dr. Nur Arifah Drajati, the Head of Teacher Professional Development (TPD) at TEFLIN, demonstrated effective leadership alongside Hilda Rakerda, M.Pd., a dedicated member of TPD, in orchestrating a substantial webinar titled “Teachers as Researchers”.
Conducted online from July 15 to August 14, 2023, the event garnered active participation from 127 English teachers across diverse regions in Indonesia. The program not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also recognized participants who engaged in all sessions and fulfilled attendance and reflection requirements, awarding them certificates of participation—a tangible outcome highlighting the program’s impact.
The webinar featured distinguished speakers, including Assoc. Prof. Victor LimFei, Ph.D from NIE (National Institute of Education), Dr. Itje Chodidjah, M.A, from UPI (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia), and Dra. Dewi Rochsantiningsih, M. Ed, Ph.D from UNS (Universitas Sebelas Maret). The overarching goal was to empower English teachers with insights into Best Practice research, equipping them with the skills needed to articulate their findings through Best Practice papers.
The success of this noteworthy webinar is now documented on both the TEFLIN website and YouTube channel, ensuring continual access to its valuable content. TEFLIN’s commitment to sustained collaboration within the Teacher Professional Development division, aimed at future training and scientific publications, underscores its dedication to advancing teacher competency in Indonesia. By embracing a collaborative approach and leveraging digital platforms, TEFLIN positions itself as a guiding force in the realm of teacher professional development. The outcomes of the webinar serve as a best practice model for future initiatives, aligning seamlessly with TEFLIN’s overarching mission to foster national and international collaborations for the perpetual enhancement of English language education.
Ika Lestari Damayanti to Represent TEFLIN at the 62nd JACET International Convention
It was such an honour for me to be selected as an invited speaker for JACET conference in Tokyo, representing TEFLIN. In this session I talked about the policy around teaching English to young learners in Indonesia. This topic, which I together with Dr Diah Meisani from Univ Brawijaya have co-authored, will be published as a chapter in a forthcoming book. Thank you TEFLIN President, Prof Utami Widiati who gave me the chance to represent TEFLIN, ibu Itje Chodidjah and bapak Subhan Zein who always inspire me especially in the world of TEYL. Thank you Prof Masaki Oda who has been very generous hosting the conference 30 August 2023, Meiji University.
As for the conference itself, it was held as a collaboration between TEFLIN and JACET at Kyoto University under the theme Collaboration and Relativization in English Language Education. There participants discussed not only how to create collaborative relationships with colleagues in related fields such as educational technology and the teaching of foreign languages other than English, but also how to work together with colleagues in other English language education societies in Japan. Ten years have passed since then, and the circumstances surrounding research and practice in English education have changed much more than we could have imagined. We believe that to ensure we can surmount sudden changes in the field of English language education in the future, we must revisit the fundamentals of language education and consider anew the direction we think language education should take. In addition, to connect with future generations, we believe we must not only reaffirm our cooperation with those in the field of language education proper, but also with those in fields of study related to education. At this year’s conference, we wish to discuss new possibilities for the future of language education under the theme, Reconstruction and Development of Collaboration in Language Education.
Attending the 31st MELTA International Conference in Kuala Lumpur on 26 – 27 August 2023
My recent visit to Kuala Lumpur to attend the 31st MELTA International Conference took place at Universiti Malaya from 26th to 27th August 2023. The conference was an enriching experience that provided valuable insights into the field of English language teaching and learning. The conference featured a lineup of distinguished keynote speakers who shared their expertise on various topics related to English language education. The conference program included a diverse range of workshops, sessions, and panel discussions covering a wide spectrum of subjects. Attendees had the opportunity to choose sessions that aligned with their interests and professional development goals.
One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the networking opportunities it provided. I had the chance to connect with educators, researchers, and practitioners. These interactions facilitated the exchange of ideas and experiences, creating a platform for potential collaborations. Attending the 31st MELTA International Conference was an invaluable experience that provided deep insights into the everevolving landscape of English language teaching and learning. The knowledge gained, connections established, and ideas exchanged will undoubtedly contribute to my professional growth and teaching practices and TEFLIN long-lasting partnership with MELTA.
Yazid Basthomi to Represent TEFLIN’s Publication Division at the the 5th UNNES-TEFLIN National Conference
On Saturday, 15 July 2023, the current coordinator of TEFLIN publication division, Yazid Basthomi, had the opportunity and honour to make an online presentation at the 5th UNNES-TEFLIN National Conference organized by the Department of English, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Semarang, in collaboration with TEFLIN Central Java Chapter. In the conference, Yazid Basthomi made a panel together with Dr. Raqib Chowdhury (Monash University), Dr. Siti Zaidah Zainuddin (Universiti Malaya), and Prof. Lies Amin Lestari (Universitas Negeri Surabaya).
Addressing the challenges faced by teachers in teaching a second or foreign language, the conference was organized under the theme of Coping with Current Challenges in EFL Teaching. Aligned with the theme, Yazid Basthomi’s presentation centred around his experiences in handling a course designed to help doctoral students majoring in ELT to get prepared for article publications in reputed international journals. The presentation was focused on his conviction that pedagogical instruction in ELT doctoral program in the Indonesian context needs to be directed to the stimulation of the Indonesian doctoral students’ awareness of comparative outlook, the establishment of which leads to the tutelage of the students’ self-regulated learning leading to success in publications in international journals. In his experience, the propagated notion of comparative outlook can be highlighted by identifying the typical writing orientations of the Indonesian doctoral students and juxtaposing them with the typical expectations of international journal editors and/or reviewers.
The responses from the seminar audience led to the construal that his main messages hit the potentially entrenched writing orientations of the Indonesian audience. As such, the conference was a crucial a platform to share ideas for the purpose of instigating and entertaining on further ideas for the betterment second/foreign language teaching, particularly that in the Indonesian context.
Kurniawan to Represent TEFLIN at The 30th Korea TESOL International Conference & PAC 2023
The 30th Korea TESOL International Conference & PAC 2023 was conducted successfully on April 29-30, 2023, at Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul (Hybrid). The conference was opened by President Korea TESOL, Lindsay Herron. She gave her message on the importance of collaboration in teaching English at all levels. This conference was the first hybrid conference, after 3 years in Covid-19 situation. There are 430 participants in face to face, 130 participants online. This conference was attended by more than 30 countries. Kurniawan, the coordinator of TEFLIN Riau and Riau Island chapter and a lecturer at Universitas Lancang Kuning Pekanbaru was among the 560 worldwide participants to represent TEFLIN at this conference.
The theme of the 30th Korea TESOL International Conference, Advancing Collaboration: Exchanges Among Scholars, Instructors, & Students, seeks to enhance both the teaching and learning experience by encouraging the educational community to practically engage with and highlight collaboration in its various forms and the wider impact collaboration has for learning, teaching, and scholarship. This conference invites proposals on various topics related to collaboration in education and more disparate topics Such as:
- Expansion of our current understanding of the wider implications of collaboration. The such expansion allows us to better identify and engage in beneficial collaboration.
- Research the place and integration of collaboration into existing methodologies and pedagogical approaches.
- The benefits to education of exploring collaboration beyond the strict educational community.
This conference presented three Plenary Speakers:
- Thomas S.C. Farrell from Brock University, Canada
- Jack C. Richards from the University of Sydney, Australia
- Gabriel Diaz Maggioli from Universidad ORT Uruguay, Uruguay
The conference was also presenting some featured speakers, such as Boyoung Lee from Seoul, Korea, Raichle Farrelly from the University of Colorado Boulder, USA, Francisca Maria Ivone from Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia, George Jacobs & Chenghao Zhu from Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, Nikki Ashcraft from University of Missouri, USA, Judy Yin from Korea Natl. University of Education, Lindsay Herron from Gwangju Natl. University of Education, Korea.
Kurniawan presented his paper with the title Designing Listening Module Based on Malay Local Genius for Indonesian Higher Education: The Power of Collaboration. This title was in line with the KOTESOL theme. He presented his paper on Sunday, Apr 30, 13:30-13:55. Besides attending the conference, and special meeting and presenting his paper, Kurniawan also visited the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul and was welcome by Education and Culture Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, Mr. Gogot Suharwoto, Ph.D. He gave his high appreciation to TEFLIN for attending and giving some contributions to the KOTESOL International conference. He also would like to support the future TEFLIN’s useful agenda in Korea.
President Korea TESOL, Lindsay Herron, gave high appreciation to TEFLIN and TEFLIN’s representative for attending KOTESOL’s invitation and presenting the paper at this conference. Kurniawan, as TEFLIN representative was invited to attend some special events, such as
- President’s VIP dinner in La Lieto Italian restaurant, Sookmyung Women’s University on Friday, April 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m,
- Introduced to all attendees at the opening ceremony on Saturday, April 29
- PAC/International Partners Luncheon & Meeting on Saturday, April 29
- Pre-dinner reception (hors d’oeuvres & wine) KOTESOL 30th Anniversary Social on Saturday, April 29
Dr. Ikhsanudin as TEFLIN Representative at the 57th RELC International Conference
Invited by the Planning Committee, Dr Alvin pang, TEFLIN sent a representative to the 57th RELC International Conference. The conference took place on March 13, 2023 – March 15, 2023, at SEAMEO Regional Language Centre, 30 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258352. The conference theme was “Rethinking English Language Teaching and Learning for a COVID-19 Endemic World: Global, Glocal and Local Perspectives”. The TEFLIN representative was Ikhsanudin, the coordinator of TEFLIN Kalimantan Barat Chapter and a lecturer for Universitas Tanjungpura. His topic was “Delphi Made Easy: Teacher-Made ELT Evaluation as a Local Response to Global Culture”.
The conference was opened by the Minister for Education of Singapore, Mr Chan Chun Sing. In his opening speech, the minister told a story of how important educational administration across ASEAN is in understanding the challenges and opportunities of English language teaching faced by teachers. He also expressed his support to the conference and the teachers across ASEAN to share expertise and experience to overcome the more challenging age of education that is already at the doorstep. Over 300 offline speakers and participants attended the conference. The online speakers and participants from different parts of the globe presented and participated synchronously made this RELC hybrid conference rich in ideas, inventions, and shared experiences.
As the TEFLIN representative, besides performing as one of the featured speakers on the first day of the conference, Ikhsan also performed as a TEFLIN “diplomat” to strengthen and enlarge TEFLIN’s networking. To show his respect to the committee and other speakers, he attended other speakers’ presentations in plenary and parallel sessions. During the tea and meal times, he approached the organizer, sponsors, keynote speakers, featured speakers, and committee members to extend the TEFLIN board members’ sincere regards. Ikhsan also expressed TEFLIN’s gratitude to the organizer for inviting a TEFLIN delegate to the conference. The organizer and committee board members showed warm respect to the representatives of RELC partner organizations, particularly the TEFLIN presenter.
The Online CPD Training Series with British Council, The Hands Up Project and Universitas Negeri Malang
TEFLIN collaborated with the British Council Indonesia’s English Programme team to organize an online continuous professional development (CPD) training series. This series was in partnership with The Hands Up Project, aiming at developing English teachers’ capacity to use drama effectively in both face-to-face and hybrid/remote teaching environments. The training series targeted English teachers working in basic education in Indonesia and the ASEAN region, but it was open to in-service English teachers, ELT professionals, and researchers alike.
The series consisted of seven weekly webinars, held via Zoom from February 16 to March 16, 2023 with a focus on drama activities for language learning. TEFLIN President, Prof. Utami Widiati, opened the webinar on February 16, 2023 by emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development for English teachers. The webinar sessions were led by Nick Bilbrough, an experienced teacher, teacher trainer, and ELT author who also shared insights from The Hands Up Project, along with other speakers. Haneen Jadalla, an English teacher in Gaza, and Amal Mukhairez, a teacher of English at UNRWA schools for Palestinian refugees, also shared their experiences and knowledge with the participants. Each session was moderated by representatives from TEFLIN (Harumi Manik Ayu Yamin, Maria Hidayati, and Ika Lestari Damayanti), and also from Universitas Negeri Malang (Nabhan F. Choiron and Mirjam Anugerahwati).
The series covered a range of topics related to drama activities for language learning, such as creating a space for drama in the classroom, mime and physical theatre, roleplay and improvisation, working with scripts and dialogues, creating and devising theatre, setting up and running a drama club, and giving feeedback on drama and theatre.
The online CPD training series was a success, with participants showing great interest in the topic related to the use of drama as a tool for English language learning. The webinars were not only held on Zoom but also livestreamed on Facebook, and recordings of each session can be accessed through this link for repeat viewing. This training series was a valuable opportunity for English teachers to enhance their teaching skills and improve their students’ language learning experiences.
*Narrated by Maria Hidayati
Maria Hidayati to represent TEFLIN at the IMPACT Conference for the ELTT Program
The IMPACT Conference for the English Language Teacher Training (ELTT) program was held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Novotel Cikini Hotel, Jakarta, with attendees representing various institutions and associations, including TEFLIN. Ms. Maria Hidayati, the Secretary General of TEFLIN, represented the organization. The conference was aimed at giving insights about the research conducted by twelve (12) Master Trainers participating in the ELTT program, an initiative funded by the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and implemented by World Learning. The program seeks to enhance the English language teaching capacity of madrassah and pesantren educators across Indonesia through a scalable, multi-stage cascade training program model.
The conference was opened by Michael Quinlan, U.S. Embassy spokesperson who emphasized on the importance of the the program’s impact and the continued collaboration between the U.S. Embassy and educational institutions in Indonesia. Rick Rosenberg, a Regional English Language Office Director, also delivered his opening remarks, commending all parties involved in the ELTT program and thanking representatives from the institutions and associations attending the conference.
The conference was structured into four panel sessions, covering topics such as Researching English teaching in the context of Madrassahs; Using ELTeach program units to guide research: “Activities”, “Feedback”, and “Professional Knowledge”; Studying English teacher agency and confidence; and Focusing on classroom instructions and management. The panelists were 12 master trainers from various universities, including UIN Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu, IAIN Metro, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, UIN Sumatera Utara, IAIN Salatiga, IAIN Palangka Raya, UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, UIN Antasari Banjarmasin, IAIN Kendari, UIN Raden Fatah Palembang.
The conference concluded with a facilitated group discussion focusing on the sustainability of the research program and the ELTeach program. Some of the discussion led to the increasing awareness of the English language to madrassahs and also to the students. In addition, the conference participants agree to expand similar program not just limited to pesantrens and madrassahs but also to vocational high schools. The IMPACT conference was also livestreamed through the ELTT Programs YouTube Channel, and recordings of the conference’s two parts are available at youtube.com/watch?v=HWID5YAJUMw and youtube.com/watch?v=eSXBsE5nhUw.
Maria Hidayati provided this report.
Chairil Anwar Korompot to Represent TEFLIN at The 42nd Thailand TESOL International Conference 2023
Chairil Anwar Korompot, a TEFLIN Board member and faculty of the English Department of Universitas Negeri Makassar (UNM), was recently invited to attend the 42nd Thailand TESOL International Conference 2023 on behalf of TEFLIN.
The first Thailand TESOL international conference conducted offline post Covid-19 pandemic, the conference carried the main theme of “ELT for the Future: Navigating the Possibilities”. It was held at the Hotel Ambassador, Bangkok, Thailand, on January 27th – 28th, 2023.
During the conference, Dr Korompot delivered an invited speaker presentation entitled “Toward Closer Engagement with Nonformal and Informal English Language Learning Providers: Navigating the Possibilities”, based on his ongoing research project with his UNM colleagues, Mr Muhammad Miftah Fauzan and Ms Ryan Rayhana.
Dr Korompot made the most of his participation at the conference to network with various participants and reconnect with old friends, especially the other representatives from Thailand TESOL international affiliates. He also promoted TEFLIN’s next international conference which will be held by Universitas Syiah Kuala in Banda Aceh, Aceh Province, Indonesia, on September 22nd-24th, 2023.
The 75th Anniversary of the British Council in Indonesia
The British Council Indonesia celebrated its 75th anniversary in Indonesia on Wednesday evening, March 1, 2023 at Tugu Kunstkring Palace, a historical Indonesian restaurant located at Jl. Teuku Umar No 1, Menteng, Jakarta. The British Council Chief Executive, Mr. Scott McDonald, together with the British Council Indonesia Country Director, Mr. Summer Xia, expressed their appreciation to distinguished guests attending the celebration. The guests were mostly representatives of various institutions who had been the British Council Indonesia’s partners, including TEFLIN, which was represented by Ms. Harumi Manik Ayu Yamin, the Vice Secretary of TEFLIN.
Also attending the anniversary dinner and delivering opening remarks were Mr. Matt Downing, the Deputy Head of Mission and Consul-General to Indonesia and Timor Leste, and Mr. Sandiaga Uno, the Minister of Economy and Creative Tourism, Indonesia. Mr. Matt Downing mentioned that the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and the British Council had just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen RI-UK cooperation in creating world-class campuses, developing English language teaching and learning, as well as English-Indonesian cultural exchanges. He believed this signified the important role the British Council Indonesia would play and the ample opportunity Indonesia’s education sector would have.
In his speech, Mr. Sandiaga Uno congratulated the British Council Indonesia for its 75th anniversary in Indonesia and hoped that the British Council Indonesia could continue to thrive and make positive impacts in Indonesia. He also expected that an increasing level of English proficiency would help boost Indonesian economy and more British tourists would visit Indonesia in the near future.
As a token of appreciation for the cooperation between the Indonesian government and the British Council Indonesia, Mr. Scott McDonald and Mr. Sandiaga Uno exchanged gifts, which were a tea cup set from England and a set of traditional Javanese masks from Indonesia. The celebration was then continued with traditional and modern dance performances as the guests enjoyed the dinner provided. It was an anniversary to remember, and TEFLIN wished the British Council every success in the future.
