LaoTESOL 2026 – International Conference

ກອງປະຊຸມການສອນພາສາອັງກິດສຳລັບຄູທົ່ວປະເທດ ຄັ້ງທີ 20

ຫົວຂໍ້: ການສອນພາສາອັງກິດໃນຍຸກດິຈິຕອລ: ເສີມສ້າງສັກກະຍະພາບຄູ ແລະ ການມີສ່ວນຮ່ວມຂອງຜູ້ຮຽນ

ວັນທີ 26-27 ກຸມພາ 2026

ທີ່ ມະຫາວິທະຍາໄລສຸພານຸວົງ, ຫຼວງພະບາງ

Welcome Message from the Conference Chair

The 20th LaoTESOL International Conference

On behalf of the 20th LaoTESOL Executive Committee and the Conference Organizing Team, it is my great honor and pleasure to warmly welcome you to the 20th LaoTESOL International Conference, held on 26–27 February 2026 at Souphanouvong University, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.

This milestone conference is organized under the theme “ELT in the Digital Age: Empowering Teachers and Engaging Learners.” The theme reflects the growing importance of digital technologies in English language teaching and learning, as well as the need to support teachers and learners in adapting to rapidly changing educational contexts. In an era where technology continues to reshape classrooms, this conference provides a valuable platform to explore innovative practices, share research findings, and exchange professional experiences.

The 20th LaoTESOL Conference has long served as a forum for educators, researchers, teacher trainers, policymakers, and practitioners from Laos, the ASEAN region, and beyond to come together and engage in meaningful academic and professional dialogue. This year’s conference features keynote addresses, research paper presentations, workshops, and panel discussions that aim to promote quality English language education and professional development.

We are especially honored to host this conference in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its rich cultural heritage and academic significance. I sincerely hope that, alongside fruitful academic discussions, you will enjoy the unique culture, history, and hospitality of this beautiful city.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our keynote speakers, presenters, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and all participants whose support and contributions have made this conference possible. Your commitment to English language education continues to strengthen the LaoTESOL community and advance ELT in Laos and the region.

I wish you a productive, inspiring, and memorable conference.

With my warmest regards,

Conference Chair

The 20th LaoTESOL International Conference

Plenary Speakers

Dr. Dieter Bruhn

Bio Data

Dieter Bruhn

President of One World Training

A U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist

Dr. Dieter Bruhn is a dynamic educator, trainer, and keynote speaker with over three decades of experience leading teacher training and professional development programs worldwide. As President of One World Training and a U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist, he has empowered thousands of educators to enhance learner engagement, strengthen instructional practice, and improve student outcomes. A longtime leader in the TESOL community, Dieter served on the Colorado TESOL Executive Board from 2005 to 2024, including two terms as President. He is widely recognized for his creative, learner-centered approaches to English language education, including the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence to support teaching and learning.

Abstract

Asst. Prof. Dr. Say Phonekeo

Bio Data

Asst. Prof. Dr. Say Phonekeo

Vice Dean of Faculty of Education

National University of Laos

Asst. Prof. Dr. Say PHONEKEO is a lecturer of English at the Faculty of Education, National University of Laos. He completed his Master’s degree in TESOL from Canberra University, Australia and his PhD in Applied Linguistics and Language Studies from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. His PhD thesis explored how critical reading skills were fostered in one of the teacher education programs in Laos. His special interests include Interactive Teaching Strategies, Curriculum Development, Authentic Assessment, Digital Integration in ELT, and Class room based action research.

Abstract

Digital Transformation in English Language Teaching in Lao PDR: From Policy to Practice

Digital transformation has become a key driver of educational reform worldwide, reshaping how languages are taught and learned in the 21st century. In Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), the integration of digital technologies into English Language Teaching (ELT) has gained increasing attention as part of national education reform and digital education strategies. This presentation examines digital transformation in ELT from both theoretical and practical perspectives, highlighting how pedagogical theories, policy frameworks, and classroom practices intersect in the Lao context.

Drawing on contemporary learning theories such as constructivism, connectivism, and learner-centered approaches, the presentation explores how digital tools and platforms support interactive, communicative, and blended learning in ELT. It further discusses national initiatives, including the Ministry of Education and Sports’ digital education strategies and the development of platforms such aim to expand access to quality English learning resources for teachers and learners across diverse settings.

The presentation also illustrates practical classroom applications, including blended learning, mobile-assisted language learning, and digital content use in teacher education and school contexts. Key challenges such as limited infrastructure, uneven digital literacy among teachers, and content localization are critically examined. The presentation concludes by identifying opportunities and recommendations for strengthening sustainable digital transformation in ELT in Lao PDR, emphasizing teacher professional development, pedagogically meaningful technology use, and inclusive access to digital learning.

Conference Venue - Souphanouvong University

The LaoTESOL 2026 conference will be held at Souphanouvong University in Luang Prabang, providing an excellent opportunity to engage with scholars, educators, and language professionals in a inspiring environment surrounded by Laos’ cultural and natural beauty.

Souphanouvong University, located in Luang Prabang, is an important educational institution named after Prince Souphanouvong, a prominent figure in Lao history. It serves as a center for higher education and research, contributing to the country’s development and academic growth.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a charming city in northern Laos known for its well-preserved architecture, rich history, and serene atmosphere. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its historic temples such as Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai. The city sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, offering stunning scenic views. Its blend of Buddhist spiritual traditions, colonial French architecture, vibrant night markets, and beautiful natural surroundings make it a unique and captivating destination. Visitors enjoy exploring its temples, participating in alms giving ceremonies, and experiencing the tranquil ambiance along with lush waterfalls and lush green landscapes nearby.