Reminiscing about Chiang Mai 2018

Reminiscing about ThaiTESOL

My proposal was accepted for 2024 Thai TESOL, but I couldn't go. My body is still not ready for international travel. But here are my recollections from the 2018 event I attended. 

 The Thai TESOL International Conference took place on January 26th and 27th, 2018, in the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, hosted at The Empress Hotel. Amidst the picturesque setting of Chiang Mai, the conference offered a unique blend of professional development and cultural experiences, making it an enriching event for educators.

Souveniers from the gathering & market

Chiang Mai, known for its rich cultural heritage, is a city that embraces outdoor markets, delectable food, and exquisite artisan crafts. The conference venue at The Empress Hotel provided a fitting backdrop to the convergence of educators from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the lively and multicultural atmosphere of the event.

The conference agenda was teeming with engaging activities, including a pre-conference workshop titled "Empowering Learners and Teachers in the Digital Age." The theme of "Digital Literacy in English Language Learning and Teaching" was explored through three plenaries, with each speaker bringing a unique perspective to the forefront.

Cynthia White, in her opening plenary, delved into "Language Teacher Agency in the Digital Age," emphasizing the role of individuals and institutions in adapting to the changing digital environment. The focus on Thai tertiary institutions added a local touch to the discussion, reflecting the conference's connection to the host city.

Randall Davis, a renowned figure in ESL education, shared insights in his plenary, "Embracing and Celebrating Imperfection on the Road to Better Teaching." His reflections on the limitations and vulnerabilities inherent in navigating the digital age provided a balanced perspective to the discussions on technology in education.

Mike Levy, in the third plenary, offered a comprehensive exploration of "Digital Literacy" and its impact on language learning. Levy's insights into different literacies and cognitive capacities in the digital age resonated well with the conference's theme.

The cultural exchange extended beyond the plenaries, with KOTESOL members actively participating and presenting on various topics. Maria Lisak, as the KOTESOL representative to ThaiTESOL, conducted a workshop on "Electronic Teaching Journal," while Bryan Hale explored the use of "Online Google apps for painless, productive student collaboration."

The atmosphere at the conference was characterized by its active, thoughtful, and multicultural nature. Presentations from members of different professional organizations, such as MELTA, PELLTA, and PALT, added depth to the discussions, reflecting the diversity of perspectives within the English Language Teaching (ELT) community.

The conference layout, strategically designed to facilitate learning and networking, provided attendees with opportunities to explore exhibitors, enjoy Thai snacks, and engage in discussions. The inclusion of special Thai language sessions and a dedicated research forum for graduate students showcased the commitment to a holistic approach to English language education.

In conclusion, the collaboration between KOTESOL and ThaiTESOL in Chiang Mai exemplified the commitment to fostering professional development in a multicultural setting. Beyond the intellectual exchanges, attendees had the chance to immerse themselves in Chiang Mai's unique atmosphere, characterized by its outdoor markets, culinary delights, and artisan crafts. For educators seeking not only professional growth but also a rich cultural experience, the Thai TESOL International Conference in Chiang Mai offered a remarkable opportunity to expand networks and broaden horizons in the field of English language education.

Scarf/caftan in paisley from the outdoor market