Modern Languages Research and Teaching Forum

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Forum 7 - June 2025: Intercultural Communication & EDI in Language Education

7th Modern Languages Research and Teaching Forum: Intercultural Communication & EDI in Language Education

Programme:

10:00: Welcome

10:15-11:45 EDI: Inclusive assessment Practice and Adaptive Teaching

  • Theresa Federici (University of Cardiff). Inclusive Assessment Practices for a Neuroinclusive Curriculum
  • Marina Micke (University of Sheffield). Designing for Diversity: Universal Design for Learning in the Context of Language Assessment
  • Yvonne Cornejo (Loughborough University). Addressing the barriers to inclusive assessment in HE
  • David Stalley (Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School). Adaptive teaching and the role of asynchronous flipped learning

12-13: Intercultural Communication, EDI and Inclusivity

  • Antonella Giacosa, Paola Giorgis (University of Torino). Subverting otherness in L2 classes: a case study
  • Laura Bailey (University of Kent) and Andrew Nevins (University College London). Minoritised languages in Linguistics Teaching
  • Ramona Gonczol (University College London). Raising Aspirations in Heritage and Community Language Speakers of Romanian, Bulgarian and Albanian in three secondary schools, through showcasing two Outreach Projects

14-15:30: Intercultural Communication: Teaching and Technology

  • Margherita Laera (University of Kent). Performing International Plays: Teaching Theatre Translation in English Schools
  • Linda Torresin (University of Verona). Challenging the Intercultural Teaching in the RFL University Classroom
  • Rosangela Misciagna and Jingshi Jiang (University of Kent). ChatGPT as an Intelligent Tutoring System for intercultural learning: A case study on Italian and Chinese L2 across proficiency levels
  • Michela Prevedello (University of Edinburgh). Telecollaboration and Intercultural Competences

15:30-16:00: Asynchronous papers discussion and general discussion

16:00-16:15: concluding remarks

 

Asynchronous

  • Laura Jenkins (University of South Wales & Swansea University). Pinterest – A Content Curation Hub for Language Learners
  • Cristina Rodriguez Oitaven, Nour Bakir (University of Oxford). Teaching Through a Plurilingual Lens: Embracing the Multilingual Classroom
  • Marga Navarrete, Mazal Oaknín (University College London). Our journey through the ‘Tackling the BIPOC Awarding Gap’ project

Part 1: Bridging Cultures: The Role of Intercultural Communication in Language Education

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • The role of intercultural communication skills in enhancing language learning and teaching outcomes
  • Strategies for integrating intercultural communication theory and practice into language courses, with practical examples and case studies
  • Addressing cultural biases in language instruction and promoting awareness of global citizenship
  • The impact of digital communication tools (e.g., social media) on intercultural dialogue and language learning experiences

Part 2: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Language Education: Creating Inclusive and Accessible Learning Spaces

Topics for this section include:

  • Strategies for making language education more inclusive for students from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups
  • Practical approaches to ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities or learning challenges
  • The importance of culturally responsive teaching practices that honour students’ identities and experiences
  • Implementing inclusive assessment methods that accommodate diverse learning styles and needs
  • The role of language educators in promoting social justice, equity, and inclusivity both within and outside the classroom