American Language Program (ALP) 2025 Winter Conference

Hosted by the American Language Program!

The American Language Program (ALP) Winter Conference is a professional development event for practicing language educators, researchers, and graduate and doctoral students aimed at enriching their pedagogical practice in teaching. Although the presentations are primarily focused on English as a second language (ESL/TESOL/ELT) education in academic settings, educators teaching other languages or in other educational contexts may find them relevant and applicable to their teaching.

The title and theme of the 2025 conference is Evolving English: Changes in Teaching and Learning.

The conference will begin with a plenary address by Dr. Martin Dewey, Reader in Applied Linguistics at King’s College London.

Plenary Title: The Value of Critical Thinking in a Changing Landscape: Resisting Normative Bias and Divisive Discourse in Support of Diversity and Multilingualism

Dr. Dewey’s research focuses on the globalization of English, English as a lingua franca, and multilingualism, particularly in the context of language teacher education. His work explores how shifting sociocultural and geopolitical landscapes influence language teaching and professional development.

In his plenary, Dr. Dewey will examine how English language teaching (ELT) practitioners can critically engage with changing conceptualizations of language competence and multilingualism. Drawing on research from higher education settings in the UK, Spain, and Türkiye, he will discuss the role of teacher education in fostering critical awareness of language, policy, and cultural practices. Read the full abstract here.

Previous conferences have focused on:

  • · Language Learning & Technology: Innovations/Implications (2024)
    Watch Larissa Goulart’s 2024 plenary address here.
  • · Assessment for Learning (2023)
  • · Learning and Teaching Grammar (2022)
  • · Professional Development: How Teachers Can Make the Most of PD Opportunities (2021)
  • · Curricula & Materials: Lessons, Units, Courses (2020)
  • · Teaching Learners How to Learn (2019)
  • · Vocabulary Learning / Vocabulary Teaching (2018)
  • · Pronunciation Pedagogy (2017)
  • · Critical Thinking in Language Teaching and Learning (2016)
  • · Critical Thinking in Writing Instruction (2015)

    The conference runs from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch is included with admission. A detailed schedule of presentations can be found here.

    Directions to Faculty House can be found here. This campus map may also be of assistance: https://visit.columbia.edu/content/maps-and-directions-update

    Please note that the 1 train subway will be running with limited service on Saturday, 2/22. Please allow for extra travel time to account for possible delays.

    For event-related questions, please contact Christopher Collins (cc3651 [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu) or Brittany Ober (bo2212 [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu).

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Registered guests must enter campus at WIEN GATE at 411 West 116th Street and allow additional time for campus access and event check-in. Guests who have not registered in advance and do not have an active Columbia University ID (CUID) will not be permitted on campus. Upon arrival at the gate, all registered guests must show:

  • Active CUID holders: a government-issued ID and active Columbia University ID
  • Non-CUID holders (including all Alumni): a government-issued ID and the QR code issued by CU Guest Access prior to the event. This QR code is valid only for this event and the name must match that on the guest’s government-issued ID.

    Please email sps-events [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu with questions regarding campus access for this event.

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Please note we do not permit the interruption of speakers or audience disruptions. All guests including students, staff, faculty, and alumni attending the event understand and agree to follow the responsibilities set forth in University policies, including the Rules of University Conduct and Standards and Discipline. Those found in violation will be asked to discontinue and may be asked to leave the venue.

For additional information about program offerings at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 212-854-9666 or inquire [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu.

Columbia University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Please notify the office at least 10 days in advance if you require closed captioning, sign-language interpretation or any other disability accommodations. Alternatively, Disability Services can be reached at 212.854.2388 and disability [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.

For questions about health and safety, please visit Columbia University’s Hub for Emergency Preparedness for the latest policies, as they are subject to change.