SPELT Conference
To celebrate 35 years of excellence in the growth of English Language Teachers, UCP in collaboration with Society of Pakistan English Language Teachers (SPELT) organized the 35th SPELT International Conference. The Conference opened on 2nd November and was attended by 250 participants representing 50 educational institutions from Punjab.
The Conference Coordinator and Director ELT, Ms. Nadra Huma Quraishi welcomed the presenters and participants on behalf of SPELT Lahore and the Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Fehmida talked about the importance of Language and extended her thanks to the presenters and the participants on behalf of UCP.
The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Lucilla Lopriore and plenary sessions by Mr. Hywel Coleman, Dr. Tazanfal Tehseem, and Dr. Peter De Costa. Professor Zakia Sarwar, Dr. Judy Sharkey, Dr. Abaida Qurban, and Ms. Hemanthi Hidellaarachi. Over 45 other interactive sessions and workshops were also facilitated by ELT resources.
In her keynote address, Dr. Lucilla explored the concepts of English as Lingua Franca (ELF), multimedia literacy, and the importance of interpreting messages in our environment. Mr. Hywel Coleman pointed out that English is used in various contexts around us. Professor Zakia Sarwar briefly described the mission and vision of SPELT
Day 2 started with a plenary by Dr. Tazanfal Tehseem on the topic of Reading to Lead and Leading to Read, asking teachers to become role-models for their students. Dr.Peter De Costa delivered his closing plenary on the paradigm shift in the Emotional Identity of Second Language Teacher Education. The Conference closed with shields being presented to the keynote, plenary and featured speakers, followed by a vote of thanks from the Conference Coordinator.
The event provided a rich learning experience and a platform for the English Language Teachers to explore the innovations in the ELT field and the pedagogical skill set required for Generation Z, Alpha and beyond. It also gave them a chance to engage in active discussions about how to bring to life the promise and power of technology to empower their students.
Event dates: 1-3rd November, 2019
