The world is globalizing. Populations are on the move. Digital technologies are linking us all. The challenge for all societies is to embrace pluralism. In the long run, this challenge will be met only through an education that equips everyone to participate in a multicultural and multilingual society.
Embracing plurality is currently made all the more difficult by the uniform prescriptions of education systems. There is a growing emphasis on performance against standardized assessment outcomes, rather than an appreciation of diversity and learning in context. This obscures holistic views of the needs of learners in language and literacy, which we know are vital for successful learning.
At the 2014 ACTA International TESOL Conference, experts from around the world will gather to celebrate the ways practitioners meet this great challenge of our times. We will explore how theory, research and practice can continue to contribute to leading, enhancing and transforming the educational experiences of learners of English as an additional language and contribute to a more genuinely intercultural world.
TESOL professionals have always been concerned with empowering learners through education and by actively supporting diversity. This we have done very successfully in many contexts. We know that linguistic and cultural diversity in classrooms enhances the education of all by opening minds to new perspectives. This transforms our schools, communities and societies.
Melbourne is one of the world’s great multicultural cities. Visitors will see this every day in the streets and cafes. Conference goers will also be able to join tours of institutions, such as museums and discussion centres, that celebrate Melbourne’s history and the reality of multiculturalism.
Come to Melbourne 2014 ACTA-VicTESOL International TESOL Conference to be informed and transformed.
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