FKIP UMSU Successfully Holds International Conference on English Teaching and Linguistics
The English Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (FKIP UMSU), successfully held an international conference. It was held in a hybrid manner, Thursday – Friday (7-8/9), at the UMSU Auditorium, Muchtar Basri Street No. 3 Medan.
The 1st International Conference on English Teaching and Linguistics (ICo-ETLin, 2023) carries the theme ‘Responding to Current Issues in ELT and Linguistics: Challenges, Innovation, and Strategies’. Organized in collaboration with the Association of English Language Education Study Programs throughout Indonesia (APSPBI), it was opened directly by the Chancellor of UMSU, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, represented by Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto, M.Si. This activity is an international conference and the Annual Business Meeting with APSPBI.
The conference’s opening presented international and national speakers such as Prof. Paul Matsuda, Ph.D. (Arizona State University, U.S.), who attended online Assoc. Prof. Graham Parr (Monash University, Australia) and Prof. Dr. Sri Minda Murni, M.S. (Medan State University) attended in person.
Based on a report from the Chairperson of the Committee and the Chairperson of the English Education Study Program at FKIP UMSU, Pirman Ginting, S.Pd., M.Hum said 400 participants from various universities in Indonesia participated in the international conference.
Then, at the opening, Vice Rector III said that this conference was significant and exciting to answer problems and provide ideas related to the challenges of learning English at this time.
“When we talk about English teaching, we realize it is significant for the generation profession. The problem is, currently, the younger generation does not only learn English from universities but from various platforms, media, and channels that are interesting, easy, and free, “said Rudianto.
Based on these conditions, Vice Rector III UMSU believes that if the younger generation can learn English from free platforms and media, why is there a university English study program? Therefore, he hopes that from this international conference, he will get answers or ideas and solutions that must be done to solve problems and challenges.
Meanwhile, Vice Dean III FKIP UMSU, Dr. Mandra Saragih, M.Hum, representing the Dean of FKIP UMSU, thanked UMSU, especially the Rector of UMSU, for supporting this activity in terms of funding and moral support for organizing the first international conference in the English language education study program.
“The topic of this conference is fascinating to discuss. There are two main topics discussed. The first is language teaching, and the second is linguistics. These two topics are interconnected. For example, in English teaching, linguistic expertise requires good communication between teachers and students,” said Dr. Mandra.
Finally, Pirman, as the chairman of the committee, said that this conference was held as a forum to present and discuss the dynamics of problems in implementing strategies and planning in the future. Then, it significantly impacts English education, ELT, and Lingustik on existing problems.
