The 20th LaoTESOL International Conference
“ELT in the Digital Age: Empowering Teachers and Engaging Learners”
Souphanouvong University, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
DAY 1 26 February 2026
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08:00–08:30 08:30–09:05
09:05–09:30
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Registration – LaoTESOL History Video – Song and traditional dance performed by the students of Faculty of Letters, NUOL – Keynote Remark: ………, Regional English Language Officer, US Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam – Welcoming & Opening Remark: Vice President of National University of Laos, the Chair of the 20th LaoTESOL International Conference 2026 |
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09:30–09:45 |
Group Photo Session |
Coffee Break & Poster Presentation
10:20–11:05 (45 minutes) PLENARY SESSION 01
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Room 01 |
Beyond Copy and Paste: Guiding Students Toward Deeper Learning With AI Dr. Dieter BruhnPresident of One World Training U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist |
11:10–11:40 (30 minutes) PARALLEL SESSION 01
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ROOM |
TITLE |
SPEAKER |
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01 |
A Roadmap to Personalized Vocabulary Instruction Using Collocations |
Professor Bill Snyder1, Yanqing Guo2 (THT JALT SIG) 1, 2Soka University, Hachioji, Japan |
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02 |
Online Tools for Promoting Students’ Learning Motivation and Engagement |
Khonesak Keomaneevong Savannakhet Teacher Training College, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR |
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03 |
Exploring Non-English Major Students’ Engagement in Learning Listening Skills through the Use of AI-Generated Tools at a University in Vietnam |
Pham Thi Thu Trang University of Economics – Technology for Industries, Hanoi, Vietnam |
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04 |
Textbook Creation for English and Tourism Education |
Kazumi Kato (THT JALT SIG) Tokai University, Shizuoka, Japan |
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05 |
Faculty Attitudes Toward the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Insights for English Language Teaching |
Esther Smidt1, David Bolton2 1,2West Chester University, West Chester, USA |
Lunch Break
13:00–13:30 (30 minutes) PARALLEL SESSION 02
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ROOM |
TITLE |
SPEAKER |
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01 |
Teaching English with AI: Opportunities and Challenges in Tertiary Education (A Japanese Case Study) |
Thatcher Spero (THT JALT SIG) Musashino University, Tokyo, Japan |
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02 |
The Use of AI Tools in English Language Learning: Benefits, Challenges and Expectations |
Nawamin Prachanant Buriram Rajabhat University, Buriram, Thailand |
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03 |
Implementing Kahoot! as a Game-Based Learning Platform to Engage Vietnamese College Students in English Learning Vocabulary |
Nhat Tay Tran FPT Polyschool Ba Ria Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
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04 |
Localising Global Frameworks: A Teacher Educator Development Programme for Cambodia with Regional Transferability |
Mark Desmaele Teacher Development Support Organization (TDSO), Siem Reap, Cambodia |
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05 |
Process of Developing the Standardized Test of English Proficiency |
Chanthajorn Chanthapanya1, Manivone Phongsa2, Ladomchanh Khantry3 1, 2, 3National University of Laos, Vientiane, Lao PDR 1c.chanthapanya@nuol.edu.la, 2phongsamani@yahoo.com, 3lad_khantry@yahoo.com.au |
13:35–14:35 (60 minutes) WORKSHOP 01
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ROOM |
TITLE |
FACILITATOR |
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01 |
Low Prep, Low Stress Strategies to Promote Conversational Fluency |
Sharon Torkelson1, Phonesavanh Luangrath2 1English Language Programs of the U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C., USA 1Souphanouvong University, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR 2Rattana Institute of Business Administration, Vientiane, Lao PDR |
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02 |
AI in the Classroom: Smarter Differentiation |
Joseph Mancuso National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia English Language Fellows Program, Washington DC, USA |
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03 |
Effective Ed-Tech Ideas for Low-Resource Classrooms |
Sour Sokly1, Houk Thoeurn2 1, 2Teacher Development Support Organization (TDSO), Siem Reap, Cambodia |
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04 |
Process Drama in the classroom: Featuring ChatGPT as the Bogeyman |
Eucharia Donnery (THT JALT SIG) Soka University, Tokyo, Japan |
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05 |
Strengthening Student Confidence with Non-Verbal Strategies in English Learning: Insights from a Pilot with First-Year Students at the University of Health Sciences in Vientiane |
Phouvy Sayyalath1, Julie Dean2, Ethan Phan3 1, 3University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao PDR 2Institute of Foreign Affairs, Vientiane, Lao PDR 1phouvykop@gmail.com, 2julie.dean@englishclasses.com, 3ethannphann@gmail.com |
Coffee Break
14:50–15:20 (30 minutes) PARALLEL SESSION 03
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ROOM |
TITLE |
SPEAKER |
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01 |
Inclusion by Design: Sociocultural Digital Storytelling for Diverse EFL Learners |
Gabriel Fryar Fulbright, Vientiane, Lao PDR |
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02 |
Digital Feedback to Students’ Pronunciation with an AI Chatbot from the Perspective of Non-English Majors |
Thuy Pham Thi Thanh1, Huyen Chu Thi Thu2 1, 2Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi, Vietnam |
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03 |
Using AI-generated mentor texts for genre-based pedagogy in EFL writing classrooms |
Dr. Lan Nguyen1, Le To Huong2, Dr. Bui Thi Oanh3 1Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi, Vietnam 2Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Vietnam 3Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam 1lannth@hnue.edu.vn, 2bibau2007@gmail.com, 3btoanh@hunre.edu.vn |
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04 |
The Role of In-Class Free Writing as a Reflective and Expressive Practice in First-Year University Composition Courses |
Geoffrey Miller American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE |
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05 |
Simulation Teaching Techniques
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Soutta Inthavong1, Vongmani Sitha2, Vatsana Vongsila3 1Faculty of Education, NUOL, Vientiane, Lao PDR 2Research Institute of Educational Sciences, Vientiane, Lao PDR 3Faculty of Letters, NUOL, Vientiane, Lao PDR 1 supansa6@yahoo.com, 2vongmani95@gmail.com, 3vatsanavongsila@yahoo.com
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15:25–16:25 (60 minutes) WORKSHOP 02
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ROOM |
TITLE |
FACILITATOR |
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01 |
10 Principles for Language Education Today and Its Policies of Tomorrow |
Gregory Rouault (THT JALT SIG) Hiroshima Shudo University, Hiroshima, Japan |
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02 |
Boosting confidence and language use: Practical drama conventions for the English classroom |
Barry Bai (THT JALT SIG) Chinese University of Hong Kong, China |
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03 |
A toolkit of top Internet resources for every EFL teacher
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Le Cong Tuan1, Dr. Huynh Thanh Binh2 1, 2Can Tho University, Can Tho, Vietnam |
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04 |
Transformative Curriculum towards Outcome-Based Education (OBE) with Technology Integration |
Sokchamnan Hab1, David Tedone2 1,2Svay Rieng University, Svay Rieng, Cambodia |
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05 |
Driving Active Participation in Large Lao ELT Classes with Plickers
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Lanta Ketoukham1, Inthavy Chanthavong2, Khanthanaly Panvilaysone3, Pakaysit Keomanyvanh4 1, 2, 3, 4Savannakhet University, Savannakhet, Lao PDR 1k.lanta@sku.edu.la, 2c.inthavy@sku.edu.la; 3p.khanthanaly@sku.edu.la; 4k.pakaysit@sku.edu.la |
DAY 2 27 February 2026
8:15–8:45 (30 minutes) PARALLEL SESSION 04
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ROOM |
TITLE |
PRESENTER |
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01 |
Using AI to Create Level-appropriate Materials |
Anthony C. Torbert (THT JALT SIG) Kobe Gakuin University, Japan |
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02 |
Living Values Education |
Chris Ruddenklau (THT JALT SIG President) Kobe University, Japan |
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03 |
Digital Literacy for the AI Era: Training Pre-service English Teachers to Write AI Chatbot Prompts for Effective Lesson Planning and Delivery |
Trang Ngo Quynh1, Huong Nguyen2 1, 2Faculty of English, Hanoi National University of Education, Ha Noi, Vietnam |
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04 |
A Needs Assessment of Foreign Language Education for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Northern Lao PDR |
Dr. Thongthiane Vathanavong1, Kalaphath Kounlaxay2, Thitirat Chirathitipom3, Kinnaly Thipphaphone4, Saiphone Khotsaigno5 1, 2, 4, 5Faculty of Education, Souphanouvong University, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR 3International House Vientiane, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR 1vathanavong@su.edu.la, 2kk_koun@hotmail.com, 3thitirat@classyeducation.com, 4kinnaky8888@gmail.com, 5saiphone@su.edu.la |
8:50–9:50 (60 minutes) WORKSHOP 03
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ROOM |
TITLE |
SPEAKER |
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01 |
Turning Textbook Exercises into Speaking Practice, With and Without Artificial Intelligence
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Shidaun Campbell Office of English Language Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC, USA Lào Cai College, Lào Cai, Vietnam |
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02 |
Adventures in Advertising: A Creative Approach to English
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Julie Dean1, Sharon Torkelson2 1Institute of Foreign Affairs, Vientiane, Lao PDR 2Souphanouvong University, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR 1julie.dean@englishclasses.com, 2sharontorkelson016@gmail.com |
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03 |
Leveraging Digital Social Media Platforms to Enhance English Speaking Confidence
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Annabelle Sukin1, Damone Singngam2 1Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, USA 1Savannakhet University, Savannakhet, Lao PDR 2LuangPrabang Teacher Training College, Lao PDR |
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04 |
Enhancing Meaningful Learning through PBL & TELL
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Ray Kimset1, Song Thida2 1, 2Teacher Development Support Organisation, Siem Reap, Cambodia |
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05 |
Applying Active Learning in ELT Classrooms: Tips and Techniques for EFL Teachers
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Phoxay Thepvilayvong1, Latsanyphone Soulignavong1, Ladomchanh Khantry1, Manivone Phongsa1, Hongkham Vongxay1, Buagneun Souvannasy1, Onsee Khamphouvong1 1Faculty of Letters, National University of Laos |
Coffee Break & Poster Presentation
10:20–11:05 (45 minutes) PLENARY SESSION 02
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Room 01 |
Digital Transformation in English Language Teaching in Lao PDR: From Policy to PracticeAsst. Prof. Dr. Say PHONEKEOVice Dean of the Faculty of Education, National University of Laos |
11:10–11:40 (30 minutes) PARALLEL SESSION 05
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ROOM |
TITLE |
SPEAKER |
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01 |
Developing Language Proficiency Through Project-Based Learning |
Thereza Vahlstrom English Language Fellow at the National University of Battambang (NUBB), Cambodia |
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02 |
Phoneme frames – the game changer in low-resource classrooms |
My Nguyen Thi Ha Freelance teacher, Ha Noi, Vietnam |
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03 |
University EFL Teachers’ Autonomy-Supportive and Controlling Teaching Behaviors in Japan |
Anh Tran Thuy Tuyet (THT JALT SIG) Soka University, Tokyo, Japan |
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04 |
From Oral Stories to Digital Stories: Practical Storytelling Ideas for Elementary and Secondary EFL Classrooms |
Herman Bartelen (THT JALT SIG) Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages, Ryutsu Keizai University, Daito Bunka University, JAPAN |
Lunch Break
13:00–13:30 (30 minutes) PARALLEL SESSION 06
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ROOM |
TITLE |
SPEAKER |
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01 |
RELO/ECA Resources |
Regional English Language Office, Hanoi, Vietnam |
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02 |
The twenty principles of language teaching in the digital space |
Dr. Nikhat Shameem Vientiane College, Vientiane, Laos |
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03 |
Students’ Satisfaction Towards Learning English Language with Native Teachers at Faculty of Languages Souphanouvong University |
Bounthieng Vongsouangtham1, Palitha Douangchack2, Bouaphan Bandasack3 1,2,3Souphanouvong University, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR 1bounthieng.su@gmail.com, 2palitha.su@gmail.com, 3bouaphanh.bds@gmail.com |
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04 |
From Sounds to Sense: Teachers Making AI Feedback Teach-Ready, Not Tech-Heavy |
Truong Thi Thu Trang HEW Education & Consulting Hub, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
13:35–14:35 (60 minutes) WORKSHOP 04
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ROOM |
TITLE |
SPEAKER |
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01 |
Teaching Negotiation—Supercharge Speaking and Communication Skills |
David Tedone Svay Rieng University, Svay Rieng, Cambodia |
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02 |
Using Canva-Based Project Design to Boost Student Motivation and 21st-Century Skills |
Uyên Ngô Thảo Professionalism English Center, Đồng Nai, Vietnam |
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03 |
Learn, Design, Build: A Design First Framework for Meaningful Projects |
Garrett Cromwell English Language Fellow Program, U.S. Department of State, Trang, Thailand |
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04 |
Beyond “Prompt and Pray”: Designing AI-Supported Tasks for Low-Proficiency Learners That Work |
Vũ Trọng Hiếu Smartcom English, Hanoi, Vietnam |
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05 |
Singing English Songs – YouTube |
Phonesukha Insisiengmai Savannakhet Teacher Training College, Savannakhet, Lao PDR |
Coffee Break
14:50-15:50 (60 minutes) PANEL DISCUSSION
(Room 01)
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Topic: Exploring the possibilities of an English Medium B. Ed. TEFL program taught entirely in English Panel chair: Esther Smidt, PhD. Professor of TESOL West Chester University, West Chester, USA Panelists: 1. Asst. Prof. Dr. Say PHONEKEO Vice Dean of the Faculty of Education, National University of Laos 2. Asst. Prof. Dr. Latsanyphone Soulignavong Faculty of Letters, National University of Laos 3. Dr. Lanta Ketoukham Faculty of Education, Savannakhet University, Savannakhet, Lao PDR 4. Dr. Thongthiane Vathanavong Faculty of Education, Souphanouvong University, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR |
15:55–16:00 Overall Remarks: Asst. Prof. Thongsouk Keomany, Dean of Faculty of Letters, National University of Laos
16:00–16:15 Closing Remarks: ………….., English Language Officer, US Embassy, Vientiane, Lao PDR
16:15–16:30 Group Photo Session