A total of 350 English Language Teaching (ELT) professionals working in private language schools and the mainstream educational sector, attended the fourth edition of the annual ELT Malta Conference organised by the English Language Teaching Council.
During the four-day event participants attended talks by renowned ELT experts, including Alan Maley, Michael McCarthy, Jeanne McCarten, J.J. Wilson, Luke Meddings, Nicky Hockly and Chaz Pugliese.
Senior manager Sue Falzon said “it is very encouraging to see the conference growing year after year. This shows that ELT practitioners take their professional development seriously and always respond positively to continuing professional development events organised for their benefit. School owners and management offered their staff various incentives to attend. The success of this conference is a result of the industry’s faith in the Council’s work.”
ELT Council chairman Daniel Xerri said the conference was geared to further develop teachers’ knowledge, skills, beliefs and attitudes. He said this year’s theme, ‘Creativity in ELT’, was meant “to encourage teachers to position themselves as creative practitioners in the classroom as a means of fostering learners’ creativity”.
The conference consisted of six plenary talks and 29 workshops. One of the talks was delivered by Alan Marsh who won the first Inspiring ELT Professional award last year. Two nominees won the second such award this year – Rosabel Azzopardi and Michela Formosa. Both of them work as directors of studies in ELT schools. The award recognises the achievement of ELT professionals who inspire their peers.
Education Minister Evarist Bartolo welcomed the initiative and emphasised the importance of high English standards in Malta to retain a competitive edge internationally.