Recently, doctoral candidate of Applied Linguistics Vannessa Quintana Sarria had the privilege of attending a conference ISCAR held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from 27 – 30 August 2024 centered around the theme of “Inclusiveness as a Future Challenge.” The event brought together researchers and practitioners from various fields to discuss the importance of diversity and cultural-historical perspectives in addressing contemporary issues. Vannessa reflects about the event: “As a multilingual English teacher, I was particularly interested in the potential of CHAT to inform my practice.”

Also, Vannessa shared her key takeaways for those who are thinking about attending this conference and being part of CHAT theory.

One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to explore the intersection of CHAT and developmental education. The Netherlands has a long history of research in this area, and the conference provided valuable insights into the ways in which theory and practice can be aligned to create meaningful learning experiences for diverse student populations.

My own presentation, titled “Multilingual English Language Teaching: Challenges and Possibilities in the Secondary Classroom,” focused on the results of my dissertation research. I discussed the tensions that multilingual English teachers face in SEI secondary programs and the contradictions that emerge in different discursive moments. The presentation was well-attended, and I had the opportunity to engage in stimulating discussions with colleagues from around the world.

Overall, the conference was a valuable experience that has deepened my understanding of the role of diversity and cultural-historical perspectives in education. As a multilingual English teacher, I am committed to using CHAT to inform my practice and create inclusive learning environments for all students.