TESOL Hungary Conference – To Infinity and Beyond, Siófok, 2024

TESOL Hungary Conference – To Infinity and Beyond, Siófok, 2024

The TESOL Hungary 2024 Conference held in Siófok was a fantastic event, notable for both the quality of the academic content and the seamless organization. The conference attracted a diverse group of presenters, combining fresh perspectives with the seasoned expertise of many well-known figures in the TESOL community. The young and dynamic board, supported by an experienced advisory team, ensured a well-coordinated event that offered rich learning opportunities for all attendees.

As the IATEFL Poland representative, it was a privilege to attend. It was an enriching experience to reconnect with long-time colleagues and forge new relationships. The event was a strong reflection of the value of international cooperation in education.

One of the highlights was the opening plenary by Nóra Tartsay-Németh. As expected, her session was technically flawless, offering participants insightful reflections on the current challenges in language teaching. The depth of her knowledge was matched by the high quality of the multimedia elements, making the presentation engaging and informative.

Jamie Keddy’s presentation, focusing on storytelling and the role of curiosity in learning, brought a refreshing angle to a familiar topic. Despite his experience, Keddy’s energy and ability to captivate the audience made it feel like a new approach, leaving a lasting impression on participants.

The presentation by János Ujlaki on updated regulations regarding digital literacy was another highlight. His talk provided practical tips on how educators can integrate tech-based learning into their classrooms, helping them navigate the fast-evolving digital landscape in education. The session was practical, offering real-world solutions for teachers facing challenges in this area.

In another plenary, Sandra Vida from IATEFL Slovenia delivered a down-to-earth, classroom-focused session. Her talk addressed the often chaotic nature of modern teaching, helping participants feel grounded and offering strategies to manage the everyday challenges that teachers face.

Finally, Jen MacArthur’s presentation, “From Here to Infinity,” was both thought-provoking and practical. She emphasized the importance of starting small by utilizing local environments and materials in language teaching before exploring more distant or complex resources. Her focus on contextual learning resonated deeply with the audience.

Overall, the TESOL Hungary 2024 Conference was an inspiring event, filled with high-quality sessions, meaningful discussions, and practical takeaways. Each speaker brought something unique to the table, ensuring that attendees left with fresh ideas and motivation to implement them in their classrooms.

Thank you IATEFL Poland and TESOL Hungary!

Marta Bujakowska, Liasion Officer IATEFL Poland