Eaquals Member Event Fund:

Reflecting on the First National A-Z ELT Conference

Between 24th and 25th May, 2024, Bahcesehir Cyprus University (BAU Cyprus) hosted the First National A-Z ELT Conference, “Mastery from Foundation to Summit: Navigating A to Z in ELT.” Supported by Eaquals through the Member Event Fund, Eaquals Associate Members Macmillan Education, and BAU Cyprus, this event united educators, scholars, and students from Cyprus and Türkiye to explore best practices in English Language Teaching (ELT).

Pre-Conference Event: Addressing Multilingual and Multicultural Education

The conference kicked off with a pre-conference session focused on the multilingual and multicultural educational landscape of North Cyprus. Key stakeholders, including school principals, head teachers, directors of English Preparatory Schools, deans from Faculties of Education, and representatives from the National Education Ministry of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), came together to share their experiences and insights.

During this three-hour session, attendees tackled the challenges and opportunities of diverse linguistic and cultural classrooms. The consensus was clear: through strategic efforts and collaboration, a supportive educational framework can be developed for both national and international students across K12 and higher education institutions.

Main Conference: A Blend of Insightful Presentations and Workshops

The main conference extended over two days, featuring a variety of presentations, workshops, and

plenary sessions designed to support the professional development of novice teachers and ELT students.

Day 1 Highlights:

• Plenary Speech: Assist. Prof. Dr. Bahar Gün opened the conference with an insightful plenary on effective lesson planning and classroom decision-making processes.
• Afternoon Workshops: Sessions covered teaching reading strategies, the role of generative AI in language learning, and innovative classroom activities. Notable workshops included:
  • “Effective Strategies in Teaching Reading” by Assist. Prof. Dr. Fatoş U. Eskiçirak
  • “Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI for Enhanced Language Learning Experience” by Dr. Hakan Tarhan

Day 2 Highlights:

• Morning Plenary: Sinem Atamsoy Koşar delivered an inspiring talk, “Be the Hero of Your Own Story: Flourishing as a Teacher,” emphasizing the importance of soft skills and a growth mindset.
• Workshops and Sessions: Topics included effective lesson planning, inquiry-based instruction, and integrating Society 5.0 into ELT. Highlights included:
  • “Flipped Learning Approach: BAU Cyprus EPS Experience” by Eda Aşılmaz
  • “Integrating Society 5.0 into ELT” by Ozan İnamlık
• Closing Plenary: Beril Yücel concluded the conference with “Igniting Student Motivation: The Power of Growth Mindset,” focusing on fostering resilience and academic achievement.

Participant Feedback: Positive and Enthusiastic

Attendees appreciated the high-quality sessions and the opportunity to network with peers and experts. The diverse range of topics and in-depth discussions provided valuable insights and practical strategies for their teaching practices.

Looking Ahead: Setting a Standard for Future Events

The First National A-Z ELT Conference at BAU Cyprus successfully addressed the diverse educational needs and cultural contexts within ELT. It highlighted the importance of continuous professional development and innovative teaching strategies in North Cyprus.

The support from Eaquals, Macmillan Education, and BAU Cyprus made this event a valuable experience for all participants, contributing to future efforts to foster growth and excellence in English Language Teaching.