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58th IATEFL International Conference and Exhibiton 07-11 April 2025, Edinburgh, U.K.
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During the 2025 IATEFL Conference in Edinburgh, the Research Special Interest Group (ReSIG) hosted two main events: a Joint Pre-Conference Event (PCE) organised with Global Issues (GI) and Young Learners & Teenegers (YLT) SIGs, scheduled for Monday, April 07, 2025, and a Showcase Day on Wednesday, April 09 2025.
Joint RESIG, GISIG & YLTSIG PCE: Researching Social Justice in Young Learner Classrooms
Event's Coordinators: Dr Ernesto Vargas-Gil (QMUL/ReSIG), Varinder Unlu (GISIG), Leticia Moraes and Leandro Paldino (YLTSIG)
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Dr Harry Kuchah, IATEFL Past President, reflecting on the importance of epistemological justice in researching social justice in young learner classrooms during the closing reflections session.
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This year’s PCE brought together members of the Research, Global Issues, and Young Learners and Teenagers SIGs to examine how social justice is being addressed in young learner classrooms around the world. The day began with a welcome coffee and introductions for in-person and online attendees.
The first plenary, delivered by Prof Annamaria Pinter, explored her research into social justice in young learner classrooms, with particular attention to how children can be positioned as active participants in the research process. This was followed by a poster session featuring presentations from Abigail Ekangouo, Awanga, Judy Boyle, Meifang Zhuo, and Vanita Chopra, each highlighting classroom-based initiatives that reflected diverse educational contexts and global perspectives on social justice in young learner settings. After lunch, the second plenary was given by Dr Erik Ekembe, who encouraged attendees to reflect on how knowledge is constructed in applied linguistics. His talk addressed methodological questions and raised critical issues around whose voices are included in research and how. The final plenary, led by Judy Boyle, focused on student-led initiatives addressing human trafficking and modern slavery, drawing on examples from The NO Project to illustrate how young learners can engage meaningfully with complex global issues. A panel discussion with all plenary speakers and a final reflection session encouraged participants to consider how they might engage with research and integrate social justice themes into their own practice. The event provided both conceptual insights and practical strategies, making it particularly relevant for teachers interested in linking research with classroom-based social justice work. |
ReSIG Showcase Day
Event's Coordinator: Dr Ernesto Vargas-Gil (QMUL/ReSIG)
The ReSIG Showcase Day, held on Wednesday, 09 April, featured a series of research-informed presentations examining diverse dimensions of teacher-research across a range of contexts. Topics included current developments, mentoring approaches, working with pre-service teachers, understanding migrant interactions, learner engagement, and the integration of AI into research practices.
The day also included an Open Forum, where SIG members shared key developments from the past year and discussed ongoing initiatives.
The day also included an Open Forum, where SIG members shared key developments from the past year and discussed ongoing initiatives.
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Programme highlights:
Many thanks to all presenters, participants, and the ReSIG team for their valuable contributions to a productive and reflective day centred on teacher-research. |