INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING (ICOLLT) 4.0 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, 20 May 2024 - The 4th International Conference on Language Learning and Teaching (ICoLLT 4.0) which was held at Perdana Kuala Lumpur City Centre represented a significant step forward in language education. The two-day hybrid conference that was organised by the Centre for Modern Languages, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) in collaboration with Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUTE) attracted presenters and participants around the globe, especially from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and China.
With the theme “Embracing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Teaching and Learning of Languages,” the conference provided a platform for vibrant discussions and innovative presentations.
The event began at 8.30 a.m. with a plenary session titled “Fostering Intercultural Competence: Leveraging Language Diversity for Sustainable Development,” that featured distinguished speakers, namely Dr. Nguyen Vu Thuy Tien from HCMUTE, Dr. Ikmi Nur Oktavianti from UAD, and Associate Professor Dr. Nik Aloesnita Nik Mohd Alwi from UMPSA. This session focused on designing language education programmes to promote intercultural competence and sustainable development goals, as well as successful examples of fostering intercultural understanding, breaking down language barriers, and the role of digital tools and technology. It also highlighted how policymakers and educators can work together to develop linguistic diversity and intercultural competence.
The morning continued with parallel sessions in a hybrid format that allowed for both in-person and virtual presentations. In addition, this format offered a more inclusive and accessible event which enabled a wide range of perspectives and insights, enriching the discourse on language learning and teaching. These sessions highlighted collaborative efforts and innovative approaches to language education, demonstrating the potential of technology to improve global knowledge sharing.
In her keynote speech, Professor Dr. Faizah Abd Majid of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam emphasised the integration of SDGs into language classrooms, while concurrently highlighting universal literacy and addressing the diversity of learners. The conference proceeded with the officiating ceremony, officiated by the UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin. His speech foregrounded the importance of knowledge sharing to enhance teaching and learning approaches, setting the tone for the subsequent sessions and discussions.
The afternoon continued with insightful parallel sessions, allowing attendees to delve deeper into specialised topics and share their research findings. These sessions further emphasised the collaborative spirit of the conference, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and methodologies in language education.
The second day of the conference featured two workshops. The first one was conducted by Dr. Ikmi Nur Oktavianti titled “Working with Corpus and Data-Driven Learning to Teach Vocabulary and Grammar,” offering participants practical techniques for effective usage of words and phrases. Then, Dr. Nguyen Vu Thuy Tien continued with another workshop on “Exploring Effective Language Teaching Strategies for Learners with Diverse Cultural Backgrounds,” highlighting inclusive and culturally responsive teaching methods.
In conclusion, ICoLLT 4.0 successfully highlighted the intersection of language education and sustainable development goals, promoting a holistic and inclusive approach to teaching and learning. The conference not only provided a platform for academic exchange, but also fostered international collaboration, setting a precedent for future initiatives in language education.
Prepared by: Hanisah Bon (Kasbon), Dr. Nor Yazi Khamis and Nurul Nadia Muhammad
