Reflection on Attending the Fourth International Conference on Literacy, Culture, and Language Education (ICLCLE), 2024

 

I recently attended the Fourth International Conference on Literacy, Culture, and Language Education (ICLCLE), which is a multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary event that brings together researchers, educators, scholars, and practitioners in the field of language and literacy. Founded at Indiana University in 2018, this conference was hosted at Purdue University in 2024. The theme for the conference is "Literacy and Language Without Limits: Innovative Practices for Inclusive Education," emphasizing the importance of fostering inclusive educational environments. The conference began on the afternoon of the 25^th and ended on the afternoon of the 27^th of October 2024.

Key Takeaways:

During the conference, there are a few key takeaways that I have learned while attending the conference. One of which is innovative practices for inclusion. The conference highlighted a significant focus on developing teaching strategies that accommodate diverse learners, particularly in literacy and language education as presenters shared successful case studies demonstrating how inclusive practices can enhance student engagement and achievement. The second key takeaway is collaborative learning, talking about the importance of collaboration among educators, researchers, and practitioners, and how beneficial and essential it is for people in the field of education to work together to produce good work and make the education system or policies better to accommodate learners from diverse background or educational levels. For example, participants discussed how sharing experiences and strategies can lead to more effective teaching practices that meet the needs of all students. The last key takeaway is the research-to-practice connection. Many sessions emphasized the need for strong connections between research and classroom practices. There were discussions on how evidence-based research can inform teaching methods and help educators adapt to the changing landscape of education. This really helps new graduate students to learn new trends or practices in their field. They also can expand their interests and improve their understanding of certain techniques and strategies.

Impacts:

As a scholar, this conference has broadened my understanding of the complexities surrounding literacy and language education, particularly in fostering inclusive practices. The insights gained will inform my research and teaching, encouraging me to incorporate innovative strategies that support diverse learners. As I mentioned at the beginning of the blog, this is not related to my field of studies; however, some of the talks that I attended at the conference really helped me narrow down my research interests and made me realize that even though the conference is not about my field of studies, it is still helpful in terms of how I can incorporate some of those policies or understanding into gifted education.

Professionally, I feel inspired to collaborate more with colleagues and share effective practices. This event reinforced the value of community and dialogue among educators, motivating me to engage in partnerships that promote inclusive education. I also learn a lot about how to network and meet scholars from different fields. Also, social networking is important during conferences like this. I got to meet graduate students, professors, and experts from many different universities who attended the conference. I connected with several of them, and it makes me feel like I belong to the academic community, which is so important in my opinion since graduate school can sometimes be tough. Times like that surely help us remember why we are doing what we are doing despite the personal and academic struggles we might face.

On a personal level, the conference has deepened my appreciation for the cultural richness and diversity students bring to the classroom. It has encouraged me to be more mindful of how I can create a learning environment that respects and celebrates diversity, ultimately enhancing my approach to teaching and learning.

Overall, the ICLCLE was an enriching experience that provided valuable insights and practical strategies for fostering inclusive education. I look forward to applying these lessons in my future endeavors.