ข่าววิชาการ-วิจัย-สัมมนา

Walailak University, through its Research Center for Language Teaching and Learning, will host the 2nd International Research Conference on Language Teaching and Learning on 26–27 March 2026. The on-site conference will be held as part of the Walailak Research Convention 2026, celebrating the 34th anniversary of the University, scheduled from 25–28 March.

Organized for the second consecutive year, the conference highlights the growing role of the Center in advancing research, pedagogy, and professional development in language education at both national and international levels.

This year’s theme, “Empowering educators and learners: Advancing quality education through language, pedagogy, and teacher development,” reflects the essential role of language education in strengthening educational quality and supporting sustainable development, in line with the broader theme of the Convention. 

Associate Professor Dr. Mark Bedoya Ulla, Head of the Research Center for Language Teaching and Learning, explained that empowering educators and learners through effective language teaching contributes directly to quality education, a key component of sustainable development.

The conference will feature two distinguished experts in language education. The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Roby Marlina, Editor of the RELC Journal and Senior Language Specialist, will present on “Researching the Inclusion of Lingua-cultural Diversity in English Language Education Materials.” The Plenary Speaker, Asst. Prof. Dr. Denchai Prabjandee from Burapha University, Thailand, will speak on “Reforming Teacher Education for Global Englishes Language Teaching.”

The one-and-a-half-day conference will begin on the afternoon of 26 March, following the official opening ceremony of the Walailak Research Convention. Sessions will run in parallel with the convention program. On 27 March, parallel sessions will feature presentations from approximately 80 international presenters.

According to Dr. Ulla, participation has increased significantly since the inaugural event.

“Last year, we welcomed around 60 to 70 participants. This year, we expect approximately 100 participants, making the conference larger and more engaging.”

The conference is designed for language teachers in Thailand and across the ASEAN region, as well as graduate students in language education and applied linguistics.

Participants will gain exposure to innovative research and teaching methodologies, practical approaches to classroom language teaching, opportunities to network with regional and international scholars, potential research collaborations and academic partnerships, and direct engagement with experts in areas such as English Medium Instruction (EMI), applied linguistics, and language pedagogy.

Graduate students will also have the opportunity to seek advice and exchange ideas with experts relevant to their research interests.

“It is going to be a very enriching and engaging language teaching and research conference. We invite everyone who can attend to register and be part of this academic event,” said Associate Professor Dr. Mark Bedoya Ulla.

Interested educators, researchers, and students are invited to participate in this enriching academic event. Registration is open until 26 February 2026 via the QR code on the conference poster. For more details, visit the Research Center for Language Teaching and Learning Facebook page, Walailak University.



News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication