Casablanca Hosts Landmark Conference on English Language Teaching Innovation
Casablanca recently became the vibrant hub for a pivotal gathering of educators, researchers, and training institutions from Morocco and across the globe. The Ertiqaa International Conference 2026, marking its inaugural presence in the country, convened to delve into the pressing need for innovation in English Language Teaching (ELT) and to address the evolving demands of classrooms in an increasingly dynamic educational landscape.
The conference served as a crucial platform for teachers, academics, trainers, and education-focused organizations to exchange invaluable experiences, present groundbreaking research, and discuss practical, forward-thinking approaches to teaching English. Discussions spanned a wide array of topics, from fostering teacher wellbeing and critical thinking to mastering public speaking, enhancing early learning methodologies, and strategically integrating technology into education.
A Confluence of Minds: Charting the Future of ELT
Adapting to a Dynamic Educational Landscape
Ahmed Chalabi, Vice President of Ertiqaa International Academy, emphasized the conference’s reflection of broader shifts within education. In an interview with Morocco World News, Chalabi highlighted Morocco’s ambitious 2030 vision and the burgeoning role of English in public education, underscoring the imperative for educators to adapt swiftly. “The world is changing consistently, and the speed at which the world moves should actually alert us to act quickly,” he stated, referencing the profound transition from traditional classrooms to remote learning and the escalating presence of artificial intelligence in educational paradigms.
Bridging Theory and Practice: Innovation in Action
A recurring theme throughout the event was the critical importance of grounding innovation firmly in real-world classroom practice. Noureddine Khizani, co-founder of English Castle in Bouskoura, articulated this sentiment to MWN, asserting that innovation must transcend mere theory. “We are organizing workshops to show other teachers how we can bring innovation and how innovation can be practical in classrooms, and how impact should be seen and visible in teachers and learners,” Khizani explained, highlighting the conference’s commitment to actionable strategies.
Addressing Educator Challenges and Enhancing Wellbeing
Research presented at the conference also shed light on significant challenges faced by educators. Mohammed Abouria, who presented a qualitative study on teacher wellbeing in private schools in the UAE, revealed to MWN that excessive administrative burdens can directly compromise instructional quality. His research, he noted, illuminates “how teachers are burdened with the administrative tasks and how we need leaders to be trained to mitigate the effects of these burdens,” suggesting that these findings could inform broader dialogues on institutional support for teachers.
Holistic Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The conference also benefited from the insights of international educators. Anna Machura, an esteemed educator and consultant from Ireland, captivated attendees with her discourse on integrating therapeutic techniques, neuroscience, and cyber psychology into daily teaching practices. She conveyed to MWN that such innovative approaches can be “easily translated into everyday practice, every classroom,” yielding substantial benefits for both students and teachers alike.
Empowering the Next Generation: Student Voices Take the Stage
Beyond the professional discussions, the conference proudly showcased student participation through dynamic public speaking sessions. Led by English Castle trainees, under the guidance of Noureddine Khizani and public speaking trainer Zakaria ElHariri, teenage students eloquently addressed a range of pertinent topics, including kindness, confidence, overcoming failure, and navigating social issues. These sessions powerfully underscored the indispensable role of robust communication skills in modern education.
Public speaking trainer Zakaria ElHariri articulated the core objective to MWN: to empower learners to “stand on stage, convey messages, and make impact.”
Sami, a representative of Ertiqaa, expressed satisfaction with the strong turnout and enthusiastic engagement in Casablanca, affirming the organization’s decision to host the conference in Morocco. “Our goal at Ertiqaa is to bring together teachers from different countries so they can exchange experiences and share knowledge among themselves,” he shared with MWN, hinting at future plans for the organization’s return.
The Ertiqaa International Conference concluded with enriching panel discussions and invaluable networking sessions, solidifying its focus on fostering collaboration, facilitating practical exchange, and charting a progressive course for the future of English language teaching in Morocco and beyond.
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