AUA’s CRAL Teachers Shine at Teaching for Success 2024 Conference

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YEREVAN, Armenia — English teachers from the Center for Research in Applied Linguistics (CRAL) at the American University of Armenia (AUA) made a significant impact at the “Teaching for Success 2024” conference, organized by the British Council Armenia in collaboration with the Republic of Armenia (RA) Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (MoESCS). Held on March 2-3, 2024, the conference attracted over 800 English language educators from diverse backgrounds, both online and offline.

The event commenced with speeches by esteemed speakers, including the RA Minister and Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, who laid the foundation for dynamic discussions. Guest speakers followed with opening remarks, leading into plenary sessions, concurrent workshops, and engaging English language teaching (ELT) voices.

English as a Foreign Language Instructor Margarit Gevorgyan (MATEFL ’18) was notably selected as an ELT voice, exemplifying the expertise present among the ELT community.

Among the other CRAL teachers who presented at the conference were Naira Stepanyan (MATEFL ’09) and Lena Simonyan (MATEFL ’09). Their session focused on “Improving Reading Skills Through Effective Methods and Different Modes,” highlighting interactive reading activities aimed at enhancing comprehension and enjoyment in the reading process.

Anna Avetisyan, instructor in AUA’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, led a session on the “Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS),” emphasizing the importance of smooth intercultural communication in diverse classrooms. Avetisyan’s workshop provided insights into the various stages of DMIS and offered collaborative linguistic tools to support students facing cultural communication challenges.

Venera Melkonyan (MATEFL ’16) and Gevorgyan also presented on the “Integrated Approach in ELT,” showcasing the benefits of merging receptive and productive language skills to foster natural learning and student motivation.

The CRAL teachers’ participation underscored AUA’s commitment to excellence in English language education and research. Their contributions further enriched the conference’s discourse and provided valuable insights for educators striving to enhance their teaching practices.

The “Teaching for Success 2024” conference served as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and professional development, leaving a lasting impact on the English language education community in Armenia and beyond.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values. AUA’s Office of Development stewards the University’s philanthropic efforts exclusively for educational purposes.