XVII CercleS International Conference 2022

Cercles – the European Confederation of Language Centres in Higher Education – is pleased to invite you to the XVII CercleS International Conference 2022, “The Future of Language Education in an Increasingly Digital World: Embracing Change”, which will take place on 15-17 September 2022. The event is hosted by ReCLes.pt, the Association of Language Centres in Higher Education, in Portugal, at ISCAP – The Porto Accounting and Business School, Porto, Portugal.

In 2020 we met at a crossroads, which reflect the dynamic and challenging times we live(d) in. Now, there is a need to embrace the change we have all encountered and tailor it to meet the needs of teachers, students, and all relevant stakeholders. It is no longer about exploring new directions, but rather forging new sustainable paths for language learning, integrating technology into our teaching and learning environments and experiences.

At a time when the literature acknowledges that the effective integration of new technologies improves learners’ language learning skills, as it enables the creation of numerous alternatives, the chosen path is clear. However, for teachers and managerial staff, facing up to the disruption this has caused and the changes this may then require still raises many questions. As technology continues to grow in its importance, and by encouraging the learner to become the centre of the teaching and learning experience, teachers’ roles inevitably change. How might teachers be ready to assume their new role as facilitators of the teaching and learning process? How should teachers embrace the uncertainty that it entails?

On the other hand, are students prepared to assume the stage? Are they fully aware of the responsibility that they have assumed – greater autonomy and self-regulation?

Finally, are Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Language Centres prepared for the disruption that the full integration of digital technologies requires from them and will they accept the implications?

Embracing technology resources does not guarantee teaching or learning success, however the possibilities and opportunities lead us into unprecedented times and situations for which we all need to be prepared.

The conference, with its diversity of strands, will enable teachers, researchers, and managerial staff in HEIs to discuss a spectrum of cultural and linguistically challenging contexts.

Over three full days, we hope to engage in sharing best practices for teaching and learning to inspire and identify areas of opportunity and enhancement. We aim to contribute to the dialogue on the possible futures of language education, while duly recognising the impact of the digital world.

Learn more: https://paol.iscap.ipp.pt/recles/index.php/eventos/cercles2022