Inspiring Educational Conference on Emotions in Teaching

Wołomin Hosts an Inspiring Educational Conference on Emotions in Teaching

On October 25, 2024, the “Wołomin Educational and Methodological Inspirations” (WIEM) conference took place at the Wacław Nałkowski High School in Wołomin. This year’s event centered on a crucial topic in modern education: the role of emotions in teaching foreign languages.

The conference, held under the patronage of the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) and the Mazowieckie Local Teacher Development Center, featured a series of thought-provoking presentations by experts in psychology and language teaching methodology.

The event was opened by Professor Alicja Gałązka from the University of Silesia with her lecture, “The Emotional Abundance Backpack of a Teenager.” She emphasized the importance of understanding adolescents’ emotional states in the classroom and provided teachers with tools to manage challenging educational scenarios effectively.

A highlight of the conference was the presentation by Dr. Czesław Kiński and Dr. Jacek Łagun from the University of Warmia and Mazury, titled “Reducing Negative or Promoting Positive Emotions?” The researchers shared their findings on the emotions experienced by students during foreign language learning, focusing on how teacher-student relationships influence feelings such as satisfaction and language anxiety. Following the principles of positive psychology, they highlighted how fostering positive emotions and adopting supportive teacher behaviors can enhance students’ motivation, learning outcomes, and overall well-being. Attendees received practical advice on building a supportive educational environment conducive to both emotional and academic development.

The conference concluded with a session by Mr. Marcin Stanowski, a teacher and member of IATEFL Poland, who introduced the technique of systematic desensitization to alleviate students’ fear of public speaking. This method, rooted in behavioral research, equips students with the confidence to handle speaking situations both in academic settings and in their future careers.

Additionally, the event served as an opportunity to promote the IATEFL Poland association, highlighting its role in advancing language teaching standards. Teachers in attendance were also introduced to the Public Speaking Contest, learning about its structure, organizational aspects, and the benefits it offers to students.

WIEM 2024 proved to be an invaluable platform for sharing insights, gaining new knowledge, and understanding the vital role emotions play in the educational process. The conference reinforced the importance of creating an empathetic and motivating learning environment that supports students’ emotional and academic growth.