Page 6 - ELG2410 October Issue 492

NEWS .

Insights from ELT experts at the

International Publishers Exhibition

Aleksandra Popovski and Debra Suarez discuss the ELT profession
and teachers associations at IPE Athens.

ack in September, EL also urged for teachers to talk
Gazette attended the more openly about the technology,
International Publishers what it is, its ethical issues,
BExhibition (IPE), the and how to use it properly and
biggest Foreign Language Teaching effectively.
(FLT) materials exhibition in ‘Nobody talks about teachers’
Greece and Cyprus. and students’ AI literacy,’ she
As they celebrate 40 years said. ‘Why are we using AI tools?
of FLT promotion, Athens’ What is the purpose of AI in
Autumn IPE was bursting with education? We are no longer
game-changers and innovators dealing with traditional literacy,
in the ELT sector, and hosted a but also digital and multi-modal
cornucopia of publishers, exam literacy.’
boards and stakeholders. While discussing trends, Debra
What stood out at IPE was the and Aleksandra also brushed on
way the event puts teachers first; globalisation, talking about it in
IPE is free to attend, making it more detail as the speakers were
accessible to anyone looking for a asked about Global Citizenship.
chance to speak with some of the Aleksandra spoke candidly,
biggest names in ELT publishing touching on her experiences
with a chance to attend inspiring growing up.
talks and presentations from ‘As a refugee, my language of
international speakers. communication was English,’ she
The highlight of Athens’ said. ‘It opened doors for me and
Autumn IPE was the first was the only way I could make
evening’s round table discussion, friends and get an education. the world, rather than imposing but hundreds and thousands of
‘The Future of English Language English saved me.’ ourselves on others. voices.’
& The Sustainability of Teachers Aleksandra went on, describing Expanding upon experiences Aleksandra added: ‘We are
Associations’, featuring key English as a valuable tool that in the classroom, Aleksandra and bringing all of these teachers
speakers Aleksandra Popovski, can knock down borders, both Debra also broached the subject together from different parts of
President of IATEFL, and Debra physically and educationally. It of challenges facing teachers in the world. It is very important
Suarez, President of TESOL can foster understanding, empathy today’s world, including teacher to understand that associations
International. Moderating the talk and humility as a bridge between wellbeing and working conditions. can do so much because of the
was George Kormpas, President of different cultures, customs and Both speakers agreed power that we all bring to the
TESOL Gulf. languages. She concluded by teachers are unappreciated and community.’
pointing out that, in a room full unsupported, needing more than The round table discussion
Where do we go from here? of people of various nationalities, just a ‘lit candle and a yoga mat’ concluded with reluctance, the
The discussion kicked off with English was what connected them to address declining morale and room clearly entranced by the
the question of emerging trends all in that moment. mental health. They also agreed expertise of the speakers and
in the ELT profession. Perhaps From the other perspective, teachers need more support when ready to hear more. If not for time
unsurprisingly, a common thread Debra talked about focussing seeking professional development, constraints, it was clear Aleksandra,
was Artificial Intelligence, on ‘decolonising’ and creating allowing them the room to grow Debra and the audience could
however, the overall tone was ‘cultural humility’ with global and improve. have talked, with passion, for many
more hopeful and understanding citizenship. Support for educators could also more hours.
than negative. ‘We can’t talk about come from teaching associations; As the audience made their way
‘Debra, on the topic of globalisation without also as presidents of IATEFL from the room—some sticking
professional development in elevating the local context,’ she and TESOL International, behind to talk more with Debra
technology, suggested we said. ‘Globalisation could be seen Aleksandra and Debra moved and Aleksandra—there was a real
desperately need to address as a linguistic, imperialist spread the topic on to maintaining feeling that everyone walked away
teachers’ confidence with, and of English. So, how can we take members and engagement in with something to ruminate on,
willingness to use, AI: pedagogies and methodologies teaching associations. They both and more knowledge to bring back
‘We are the ones creating the brought in from other areas and agreed that the longevity of to their students or institutions.
field of ELT,’ she said. ‘AI is not make them our own based on our associations comes from listening Although IPE is now finished,
something that is happening to own students’ needs?’ to its members and maintaining a running a total of six events in
us, but it is something that we Debra suggests starting from strong leadership. Greece, Cyprus and Albania this
are creating, and it starts with within our own classrooms. She ‘Associations are made up of year alone, the Athens’ event
confidence.’ says teachers can show students all of us,’ said Debra. ‘We get has left its guests and the Gazette
Aleksandra, adding on to that global citizenship is how we community, we get advocacy; ready and waiting for what might
educators’ experiences with AI, are as individuals with the rest of we are no longer just one voice, be coming in 2025.
6 October 2024