With its theme “Pedagogical Change: New Approaches to Teaching and Learning”, the 8th Aii Teaching Conference is done online to accommodate more teachers across Phnom Penh with more focus on methodologies that can be applied to face-to-face classes, online learning, or blended learning set-ups. Aii with the support of Mengly J. Quach Education has its bigger vision and goals to extend the conference to all teachers across Cambodia in an initiative to support the teachers with new ideas, techniques, strategies, and up-to-date practical approaches in teaching.

 

In the plenary session, Dr. Joan Kang Shin delivers interesting theories and models them to be applied by teachers in a more practical approach. In her session entitled “Breaking Through the Screen: Engaging Students in Cambodia through Online English Language Learning”, she provides a series of educational approaches and contexts especially in the ‘new normal’ educational setting by exploring useful frameworks for guiding effective online and blended instruction that will help teachers engage diverse learners through interactive and creative uses of technology. All these can be applied to the classroom whether face-to-face, online, or blended.

 

The breakout sessions with 26 presentations from ELT teachers from Aii provide several areas of interest. Many of the participants have attended sessions related to teaching young learners and adults, Edtech, and well-being of both students and teachers. The sessions give opportunities for teachers to share and collaborate with the participants to make an impact to the development of Cambodian education in an active professional development. Mr. Michael Jake Arcilla, the Director of Studies at Aii and also the conference host, has consistently presented platforms and avenues for teachers to establish solid foundations and activities to support the teachers’ professional development via training, lectures, workshops, and conferences.

 

As the event moves to a close, Mr. Mark Steven Reardon introduces Quantum Learning as a new methodology that can change how students learn. He emphasized that Quantum Learning, a research-based educational methodology, integrates best practices in the way teachers teach and the way students learn. Quantum Learning taps into the brain’s natural ways of learning to maximize students’ participation, comprehension, competency, reflection and self-assessment. Mr. Reardon also co-authored books about Quantum Learning and is passionate to share this methodology to the teachers attending the event.

 

Aii Language Center is consistent with these professional development activities as it continues to expand and build more campuses across Cambodia. With its six campuses in Mao Tse Tong, Toul Kork, Chak Angre, Choam Chao, Phsar Thmey, and Chroy Chongva, Aii Language Center will open its first Siem Reap campus in July and many more Aii Language Centers will be established in the following locations in the province: Takeo, Ratanakiri, Kampong Cham, Banteay Meanchey, and Stung Treng.

 

Aii Language Center, along with its sister company American Intercon School, is a Mengly J. Quach Education (MJQE) subsidiary.