Discover BBELT 2025 plenary sessions and their speakers!
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BBELT 2025 Plenary Sessions
Evolving Trends in English Language Teaching and Professional Practices
Presented by Susan Dawson
Using the results of an extensive review commissioned by the British Council into the changes in English language teaching and teacher education over the last 10 years, this presentation highlights some of the key changes and trends emerging from that review, and the implications for the Professional Practices. It begins by looking at the purposes for the review, the methodology used, and the key findings. It shows how these findings were used to revise the current CPD Framework and the rationale for the changes. It concludes with practical suggestions as to how the revised CPD Framework might be used by ELT practitioners.
Becoming, Belonging, and Beyond: Crafting Your Professional Identity as a Teacher
Presented by Gabriel Días Maggioli
In teaching, professional identity shapes every decision, from classroom practices to career pathways. This plenary offers insights into teachers’ career stages at both pre-service and in-service levels. We'll dive into the Teacher's Choice Model and a sociocultural perspective on identity formation, blending theory with practical strategies. Whether you're just starting or are a seasoned educator, you'll leave with concrete tools to reflect on, refine, and expand your professional identity. Join us to empower yourself as an agent of change in your professional journey!
AI and Digital Transformation in the EFL Classroom
Presented by Jennifer Verschoor
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping education, and the EFL classroom is no exception. As AI-driven tools and AI conversational tools revolutionize teaching and learning, educators must embrace this transformation to enhance student engagement, personalize instruction, and foster deeper language acquisition. In this plenary, we will explore how AI is not just a tool but a catalyst for redefining the teacher’s role—from knowledge transmitter to facilitator and mentor. We will discuss practical strategies for integrating AI while ensuring critical thinking, creativity, and ethical responsibility remain at the core of education. Through real-world examples and thought-provoking insights, this session will challenge educators to rethink traditional practices and harness AI’s potential to enrich language learning. The goal is not to replace teachers but to empower them with AI-driven solutions that enhance, rather than diminish, the human connection in education.
Are we holding back Latino learners?
Presented by Paul Seligson
Spanish and Portuguese speakers ought to learn English faster than most. Sadly, too often, they don’t. There are many reasons, but I’ll focus on our methodological choices. The universalist, ‘one-size fits all’ approach that international courses have ‘exported’ from the CEFR suggests an ‘idealised levelling’. This largely ignores facility for our learners: Romance language-speaking Latinos, in monolingual classes, learning ELF. Context and existing knowledge should underpin any good teaching. By not fully exploiting their linguistic advantages, we hold them back. I’ll offer multiple ways to use L1 effectively, before, during and after class, to accelerate English learning in Latin America.
Practical AI for ELT: Enhancing Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing
Presented by Joe Dale
Artificial Intelligence is transforming English language teaching, offering new ways to personalise learning while streamlining teachers’ workloads. This session explores practical AI tools that enhance listening, speaking, reading, and writing, helping educators create activities more efficiently. Discover how Suno generates songs in multiple languages to improve listening comprehension, how Mizou enables AI-driven conversation practice, and how Brisk Boost Tutor provides real-time feedback on writing. Learn how Google Translate supports pronunciation with personalised phrasebooks and how NotebookLM helps structure and summarise learning materials. Join us to explore how AI can empower teachers, engage learners, and shape the future of ELT.
Helping learners take control of their own language journey
Presented by Cecilia Nobre
Many learners struggle to take control of their own language learning, relying heavily on teachers for direction. But what if we could help them become more independent, confident, and motivated? This plenary explores the key factors that influence learner autonomy and provides practical strategies to foster independent learning habits. Through goal-setting, needs analysis, and reflective practice, we can support learners in developing the skills they need to continue learning beyond the classroom. Join us to discover ways to scaffold autonomy across different teaching contexts and empower your students to take charge of their own language journey.