Past Speakers
Presentation Title: “Increasing Exposure for Educators’ Knowledge & Ideas“
Dr. Jenny Grant Rankin has written 14 books and has two doctorates (a Ph.D. in Education and an L.H.D). She is a Fulbright Specialist for the U.S. Department of State who has lectured at such institutions as the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Columbia University, and federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Education, as well as mainstream venues like TED and International Comic-Con. This is following her time as an
award-winning school teacher, school administrator, school district administrator, and chief education & research officer. Dr. Rankin writes an ongoing education blog column for Psychology Today and has been honored by the U.S. White House for her dedication to students. In addition, she is a Mensan who volunteers for Mensa’s equity efforts and serves on multiple boards. Visit https://jennyrankin.com/bio for her full bio.
Presentation Title: “Examples of Kindergarten Teaching to a Future Listening Audience“
Dr. Smilena Smilkova is an associate professor of Music Education Methodology in Kindergarten and Primary School at “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov” University, Burgas, Bulgaria. Her scientific interests are in the field of music education methodology, piano methodology, psychology. She has published 3 books and many scientific articles in the field of music pedagogy. Her main research and interests are in the perception of classical instrumental music by children and students.
Prof. Anne-Dominique Salamin
Prof. Anne-Dominique Salamin is a full professor at HES-SO, Switzerland. She created the Enhanced students Laboratory (www.enslab.ch) which study the effeccts of innovative technologies, such as VR/AR, robot-student coupling, or conversational agents on learning. She holds a Master in education sciences and a DEA degree in distant learning. She teaches business communication at the undergraduate level and supervises master theses on data processing and e-learning in general. Her publications can be reached here : http://publications.hevs.ch/index.php/authors/show/277
Prof. Dr. Vimolan Mudaly
Prof Mudaly completed the Bachelor of Pedagogics (Sc), Bachelor of Education (Hons), Master of Education (Cum Laude) and a Doctor of Education degrees. In 2003 he joined the University of KwaZulu-Natal and currently holds the position of Full Professor. His research is currently focused on the teaching and learning of mathematics and more specifically in the field of visualization and proof. He has presented internationally in this field and in teacher education in general.
Prof. Dr. Ronicka Mudaly
Ronicka Mudaly is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. A quest for a science education that is socially just and more relevant, informs her pedagogy. Her current interests include humanist approaches in science education from a Freirean perspective, indigenising education, environmental education, and gender studies.
Prof. Dr. Natalya Burkle
Prof. Dr. Natalya Burkle has a PhD on professional education, Master on the methods of teaching foreign languages, MBA;
Her current position is the head of the research and design centre BGT; professor of VHS Heilbronn. Her areas of interest are didactics of English – the ways of increasing the efficiency of teaching, and monitoring the quality of professional education.
Awards: the medal for the development of professional English education from the Ministry of education (2017); the award certificate from the mayor for the input in the development of professional education (2015); the diploma of honour as a highly qualified expert in the sphere of international education (2011)
Ass. Prof. Dr.Tereza Sofková
Dr. Tereza Sofková, Ph.D. is engaged as an assistant professor of anthropology and somatology at the Department of Anthropology and Health Science, Faculty of Education, Palacký University in Olomouc. Her research and publishing activities are focused on the field of physical anthropology or more precisely somatic diagnostics in relation to the lifestyle, which includes the development of health literacy.
Assoc. prof. Mgr. Michaela Hřivnová
Assoc. prof. Mgr. Michaela Hřivnová, Ph.D. is the head of the Healthy Lifestyle Research Centre and is engaged as an assistant professor at the Department of Anthropology and Health Science at the Faculty of Education of the Palacký University in Olomouc. In her academic and research activities she focuses on the health education curriculum, and didactics of health education.
Assist. Prof. Pelin Derinalp
Assist. Prof. Pelin Derinalp is a lecturer at Gaziantep University, Turkey. She obtained her Master of Arts degree from the University of Southampton and her Ph.D. from the University of York. Her research focused on reflective practice, teacher training, continuous professional development, and lifelong learning. Her research interests also include learner autonomy, teaching and learning English for Academic Purposes, AIEd, and transcultural communication. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0537-2244
Dr. Jolyn Dahlvig
Jolyn Dahlvig, Ph.D. (she/her) conducts qualitative research in gender and higher education leadership and explores the experiences of minoritized people in particular organizational contexts. She’s passionate about positive psychology and positive organizational scholarship as a practical path forward in building effective leaders and cultures. Dr. Dahlvig teaches research methods, college teaching and instructional design, and organizational leadership.
Dr. Blandina Manditereza
Dr. Blandina Manditereza (PhD) is currently lecturing in Early Childhood Education at the University of the Free State in South Africa. Her fields of academic interest include AI and Education, Language and Early Childhood Education, and Teacher Education. She received the Vice Chancellor’s Award as an honours student. As well as received 3 awards for excellence in teaching.
Dr. Jonathan Stephen Mbwambo
As a Senior Lecturer at Sokoine University of agriculture, Dr. Jonathan Stephen Mbwambo has a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources Management and a PhD in Rural Development. Dr. Mbwambo has supervised more than 25 Masters and PhD students in areas related to poverty, climate change, food security and Agro-biodiversity. Dr. Mbwambo has published in both national and international Journals with a focus on natural resources management, food security, climate change, poverty and rural development.
Dr. Narucha Tanaiutchawoot
Dr.Ing. Narucha Tanaiutchawoot graduated with bachelor and master degrees in Biomedical Engineering at Mahidol University in Thailand. She graduated doctoral degree in Medical Engineering at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. Her current position is a lecturer at Industrial Engineering and assistance director of Technopolis in the division of Industry Competitiveness Support at Suranaree University of Technology. She was certified from UK Professional Standards framework to get the “Fellow level”. Her research interests include learning and teaching methods and technology, cognitive biases in decision making and design, product development processes and innovation management, and artificial intelligence and robotics.
Dr. Dhouha Kbaier
Dhouha Kbaier is currently a Senior Lecturer in Computing and Communications at the Open University, recognised for her outstanding contributions and multiple best paper awards. She holds a PhD with top honours from Telecom Bretagne and specialises in Space Communications Systems. Her research interests include signal processing applied to communications and oceanography, channel coding, information theory, misinformation, climate change. https://www.open.ac.uk/people/dk6467
Mrs. Klára Barancová
Klára Barancová has graduated in teaching specialized subjects for secondary medical schools. She is currently in her third year of a doctoral study program in Pedagogy at the Palacký University in Olomouc. In her dissertation, she deals with the implementation of the Highly Effective Teaching model in pedagogical practice.
Ms. Adriana Castro Camelo
She is a candidate for a PhD. in Regional Studies with an emphasis on educational problems, a Master’s degree in Communication – Education with an emphasis on Interactive Media and a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages. She is part of the group of teachers who redesign the curriculum in the Doctorate in Education at Unoversidad Nacional Abierta y a Distanicia UNAD Florida, and she is a consultant in pedagogical advice on curriculum and research. Her research interests are based on topics related to virtual education, ICT in learning environments, construction of meanings and learning strategies in virtual education.
Presentation Title: “The Role of Visuals on EFL Listening Comprehension“
Asst.Prof. Hümeyra Genç completed her BA degree in the English Language Teaching program at Uludağ University. She received her MSc degree in General Educational Studies and her post-graduate degree in Telecommunication for Multimedia and Internet-based Instruction from Johns Hopkins University, and her Ph.D. degree in English Language Education from Yeditepe University. She has worked as an English language instructor in different private primary, secondary, and high schools and has also served as a teacher trainer, language level coordinator, and testing and evaluation coordinator at the university level. Mrs. Genç is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of English Translation and Interpreting at Üsküdar University in Turkey.
Presentation Title: “Music, Movement, and Media for the Active Learner!“
Miss Patricia Shukla is an American singer, songwriter, musician and keynote speaker. She is an internationally recognized expert in early childhood curriculum based music. She began her children’s music career by making educational-interactive music videos on YouTube in 2009. Now her channel is watched by hundreds of millions of people worldwide http://www.youtube.com/pattyshukla. She developed her own music show called “Musical PE For You & Me” that is based on interactive development skills for early childhood curriculum. When Miss Patty is not performing or creating new songs, she enjoys being a keynote speaker for educational workshops nationally and internationally.
Dr. Smilena Smilkova
Dr. Smilena Smilkova is an associate professor of Music Education Methodology in Kindergarten and Primary School at "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" University, Burgas, Bulgaria. She received her doctorate at "St. Kliment Ohridski" University of Sofia. Her scientific interests are in the field of music education methodology, piano methodology, psychology.
Prof. Dr. María José Latorre-Medina
María José Latorre-Medina holds a Ph.D. in Pedagogy from the University of Granada, Spain. She is an Associate Professor of Teaching and School Organization. She is a member of the Research Group “Training, Development and Teaching Activity” (FYDAD). Her areas of research are professional knowledge, teacher training and quality education.
Dr. Ali MERÇ
Dr. Ali MERÇ is Associate Professor of ELT at Anadolu University. He received his BA (2000), MA (2004), and PhD (2010) from Anadolu University. He is currently teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels and supervising MA and PhD theses. He has published several articles and presented at international conferences.
Ms. Megi Plaku
Ms. Megi Plaku graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in EL and Master’s degree with a Gold Medal in Teaching English Language. She is an ESP lecturer at Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania. Ms. Plaku has participated in some conferences and trainings concerning Teaching and ESP.
Areas of Interest: Teaching and linguistics.
Mr. Kevin Fuchs
Kevin Fuchs is affiliated with the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor’s University, Malaysia. He was educated in Finland and Sweden and has developed a keen research interest in topics that revolve around technology-enhanced learning. He is ranked in the world’s top 25 researchers in Tourism Education in Google Scholar.
Ms. Konstantina Derveni
Konstantina Derveni is PhD student at Charles University, currently working as a researcher on literacy development through mobile learning technologies in primary education. An ambitiou and hard-working individual, able to accomplish high-volume work and provide high-quality projects. Passionate to deepen and broaden her knowledge for academic and professional career progression.
Ms. Chaimae Tnibar Harrus
Ms. Chaimae Tnibar Harrus is a student of Infant Education Degree from the Faculty of Education, Economy and Technology of Ceuta at University of Granada (Spain). In 2022 she has been a scholarship holder at the Didacts and Organization Department and in 2023 she received the Academic Excellence Award of Ceuta. Her main areas of interest are based on digital competence matters and linguistic phenomenons. Also she can speak four languages.
Ms. Nourhane Snani
She is an Algerian researcher and a PhD candidate at Eötvös Loránd University, faculty of education and psychology, Budapest; Hungary. Interested in cultural studies and their implication in education. Developing tolerance and cultural understanding in students and academia as a whole.
Dr. Borja Manzano Vázquez
Lecturer at the University of Granada (Spain)
Dr. Borja Manzano Vázquez (PhD) is a university lecturer in applied linguistics at the Department of English and German Philology, University of Granada (Spain). His research interests are learner and teacher autonomy in language education, pedagogy for autonomy, bilingual education, and foreign language teacher education. He has published papers and book chapters on these topics in journals like Estudios de Lingüística Inglesa Aplicada, Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, International Journal of English Studies, Jahrbuch Deutsch also Fremdsprache, and Porta Linguarum, and books published by Peter Lang and
Routledge.
Presentation Title: Rethinking teacher education in the face of the new challenges of education
Prof. Dr. Mirjana Lenček
Prof. Dr. Mirjana Lenček is a Full professor with tenure, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences University of Zagreb. She is Head of the Speech and Language Pathology Studies. Speech and language pathologist. Her especially interested in education of pupils with dyslexia. Published more than 70 articles in science journals. She is also co-author of the test for pre-reading and pre-writing skills.
Dr. Liat Biberman-Shalev
Dr. Liat Biberman-Shalev holds a Ph.D. in sociology of education. She headed the Department of Education at Levinsky College of Education. At present, she is a senior lecturer and researcher in the Research Authority at the college. Her research interests are integrating the idea of global education into teacher preparation.
Assistant Prof. Dr. Hümeyra Genç
Assistant Professor. Dr. Hümeyra Genç took her BA degree in the ELT program at Uludağ University, her MSc degree in Telecommunication for Multimedia and Internet-based Instruction at Johns Hopkins University, and her PhD degree in English Language Education at Yeditepe University. She has worked as an EFL instructor, a teacher trainer, a language level coordinator, and a testing coordinator at various institutions. Dr. Genç is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the English Translation and Interpreting Department at Üsküdar University in Turkey.
Prof. Dr. Μaria S. Poulou
Prof. Dr. Μaria S. Poulou, is an Associate professor in the Department of Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education, at the University of Patras, Greece. She has published over 100 articles and book chapters on classroom management, emotional and behavioral difficulties, teachers’ professional development and promoting mental health at schools. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the British Psychological Society (BPS), and the British Educational Research Association (BERA). She is a coordinator of European and International programs, a member of editorial board, and grant recipient of Salzburg scholar, International School Psychology Research Initiative, and Fulbright.
Prof. Dr. Hiroaki Watanabe
Prof. Dr. Hiroaki Watanabe is a professor at the Institute of Liberal Arts at Kyushu Institute of Technology in Fukuoka, Japan, and has investigated fluency, discourse analysis, e-learning, and educational policies of English. Acquired a Ph.D. in near eastern studies from the University of Arizona, he has memberships in five scholarly associations.
Prof Dr.Prakash Naidoo
Prof Dr.Prakash Naidoo is a DVC at the University of Free State in South Africa. He holds a PhD in Management Accounting. He is a professional accountant and an internationally certified fraud examiner specializing in university funding. He is part of a team that developed the university’s COVID19 vaccination policy.
Prof. Dr. Robert W. Long III
Prof.Dr. Robert W. Long III has published various EFL textbooks, and articles on fluency, dysfluency, pragmatics, gendered interactions, discourse analysis and EFL writing. He has written several EFL textbooks for developing oral communicative skills, fluency, and for technical English as well as many children’s books. He is a professor at Kyushu Institute of Technology.
Dr. Desire Chiwandire
Dr. Desire Chiwandire is a Post-Doctoral Research Associate with the Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), United States. He holds a Ph.D. in Political and International Studies from Rhodes University, South Africa and his doctoral thesis focused on Ubuntu and the social inclusion of students with disabilities at South African universities. His main research interests broadly focus on Disability Politics, specifically the intersectionality of race, class, gender, and disability in educational and workplace environments.
Ms. Zhu Yuanyuan
Ms. Zhu Yuanyuan is a master in Early Childhood Education, Beijing Normal University. Her current position is a teaching Researcher, The Affiliated Preschool of Shenzhen Longhair District Education Institute Early Childhood Education Group, Early Childhood Education Consultant，Shenzhen Education Equipment Industry Association. Her area of interests are Leadership, Teacher Development
Ms. Ameneh Taghvaei
Ms. Ameneh Taghvaei is a researcher on different aspects of teaching. She holds a BA in English Teaching. She has been a researcher at the University of Applied Science and Technology. She is focusing on the English schools in the city of Qom as well as the Iranian capital Tehran.
Mr. Jakub Adamczewski
Mr. Jakub Adamczewski (MPsych) is a doctoral student in comparative education at the Faculty of Educational Studies at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland. Currently also a guest PhD student researcher at Stockholm University in Sweden. His research interests are Nordic education, school architecture, teacher and outdoor education around the world. He has published papers and book chapters dedicated to these topics in prestigious journals, and books published by Peter Lang.