1^st Call for Abstract Submissions

(Download the full CFP here)

Theme: Human–AI Partnership in ELT: Designing Human‑Centred, AI‑Enabled Pedagogy

Dates: 30–31 July 2026

Venue: Singapore (details about the venue will be announced soon)

 

Confirmed Speakers (to be updated)

Jirada Wudthayagorn, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Junju Wang, Shandong University, China

Lee Kooi Cheng, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Marie Alina Yeo, Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Language Centre

Mark Feng Teng, Macau Polytechnic University, China

 

Organising Committee

Kevin Xinghua Liu, Advisor (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

Wong Jock Onn, Chair (National University of Singapore)

Barry Lee Reynolds (University of Macau)

Mark Feng Teng (Macau Polytechnic University)

Shaquille Nazir Ahmad (National University of Singapore, Singapore University of Social Sciences)

Alexius Chia (National Institute of Education)

Daron Loo (Universiti Malaysia Sabah)

Sylvia Sim (National University of Singapore)

 

About ITU 2026

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how English is taught, learned, and assessed. In English Language Teaching (ELT), AI presents both unprecedented opportunities and critical challenges, prompting educators, researchers, and policymakers to rethink pedagogy, curriculum, teacher identity, learner agency, and ethical practice. While technological innovation continues to accelerate, the human dimensions of language education—communication, interaction, empathy, criticality, and cultural understanding—remain central to effective teaching and learning. Thus, the theme for The International TESOL Union Conference 2026 (ITU 2026) is “Human–AI Partnership in ELT: Designing Human‑Centred, AI‑Enabled Pedagogy.”

 

The ITU 2026 Organising Committee now invites educators and researchers to explore how human–AI partnerships can be thoughtfully designed to support meaningful, equitable, and human‑centred ELT. We seek contributions that critically examine the pedagogical, theoretical, and practical implications of AI‑enhanced language education, while also welcoming work that advances TESOL more broadly across diverse contexts and learner populations.

 

By bringing together diverse voices from across the TESOL community, ITU 2026 aims to foster critical dialogue on how AI can be harnessed—not as a replacement for human educators, but as a partner in designing ELT pedagogies that are ethically grounded, pedagogically sound, and responsive to the evolving needs of language learners worldwide.

 

We warmly invite you to submit your proposals and join this timely conversation on the use of AI in ELT.

 

Conference Sub-themes

Submissions related to the conference theme may address:

1. Human‑centred approaches to AI integration in ELT

2. Teacher–AI and learner–AI collaboration in language learning

3. AI‑supported development of communicative competence, critical thinking, and creativity

4. Ethical, inclusive, and responsible use of AI in ELT

5. AI and learner autonomy, agency, and motivation

6. Assessment, feedback, and evaluation in AI‑enabled environments

7. Teacher education and professional development for AI‑informed pedagogy

8. Curriculum and materials design in the age of generative AI

9. Other areas in ELT or TESOL

 

Submission Categories and Guidelines

ITU 2026 features three categories.

1. Paper Presentations

1.1 Format: 25‑minute presentation, inclusive of Q&A

1.2 Focus: Empirical research, conceptual/theoretical analyses, or reflective practice grounded in evidence

1.3 Abstract length: 250–300 words

1.4 What to include in the abstract: Title; author names and affiliations; email contacts; purpose and relevance; context and participants (if applicable); methodology or approach; key findings or arguments; implications for TESOL research or practice

 

2. Lightning Talks

2.1 Format: 10-minute presentation, inclusive of Q&A

2.2 Focus: Work in progress, small‑scale studies, innovative practices, or exploratory projects

2.3 Abstract length: 200–250 words

2.4 What to include in the abstract: Purpose and context; key ideas, findings, or innovations; significance for TESOL audiences

 

3. Symposia/Panels

3.1 Format: 55‑minute session consisting of 3–4 panelists

3.2 Focus: A coherent theme explored from multiple perspectives (e.g., research, pedagogy, policy)

3.3 Abstract length: Symposium overview: 250–300 words; individual presentation summaries: 150–200 words each

3.4 What to include in the abstract: Overall rationale and thematic coherence; brief description of each contribution; role of the discussant; planned interaction format

 

Abstract Submissions

Send abstracts to info@tesolunion.org with the subject line: ITU2026 – [Author’s Name].

Those who plan to attend without presenting can register when registration opens in early February 2026.

 

Important Dates

1. Abstract submission deadline: 15 March 2026

2. Notification of abstract acceptance: 30 March 2026

3. Registration opens: February 2026

 

Registration and Fees (include lunches and teas on both days)

1. Early-bird registration fee: USD300 (by 15 May 2026)

2. Regular registration fee: USD350 (after 15 May 2026)

 

Registration details will be announced on this webpage in April and in the abstract acceptance letter. Please watch this space.

 

Publication Opportunities

ITU 2026 provides full publication opportunities for all attendees.

1. All accepted abstracts will be included in the Proceedings of the International TESOL Union Conference 2026 (with ISBN), published by the International TESOL Union.

 

2. Full papers submitted after the conference will, following peer review and revisions, be included in one of the following publications:

(1) International Journal of TESOL Studies (Scopus‑indexed, conference special issue)

(2) TESOL Communications (conference special issue)

(3) Edited conference volumes (with ISBNs)

 

Contacts

Please stay updated on the conference by visiting the International TESOL Union website at https://www.tesolunion.org. All questions about submissions, registrations, and other conference‑related issues should be emailed to Kevin Liu (International TESOL Union) at info@tesolunion.org, or to Wong Jock Onn (National University of Singapore) at jock@nus.edu.sg.