CLTANT 2025 – Fourth Professional Development Session for Language Teachers

On Sunday, 30 November 2025, the Confucius Institute at Charles Darwin University’s Casuarina Campus welcomed educators from across Australia for the fourth session in the CLTANT Professional Development series. This event provided a vibrant forum for exploring innovative approaches to language teaching and cultural engagement.

The programme focused on two timely and thought-provoking themes: advancing language and cultural learning through artificial intelligence and virtual reality, and reflecting on insights from the Guilin Conference 2024 under the question, “What can we teach as language educators?” From nine o’clock in the morning until midday, participants engaged in stimulating discussions and shared practical strategies aimed at enriching classroom practice and inspiring new pedagogical directions.

Jian Wu offered a compelling account of his observations in Guilin, illustrating how authentic cultural and tourism experiences can be woven into classroom teaching to create lessons that are both dynamic and meaningful. He emphasised the importance of connecting language learning with cultural narratives, enabling students to develop a deeper emotional bond with the language and to view their studies as a gateway to broader aspirations. His reflections highlighted the transformative potential of immersive outdoor classes and the critical role of field research in shaping innovative curricula.

Hua Tong addressed the challenges currently faced in language classrooms and guided participants through collaborative exchanges of ideas. Teachers shared their experiences openly, working together to identify practical solutions and new strategies for enhancing learner engagement. This spirit of collegiality and creativity was a defining feature of the session, reinforcing the value of professional dialogue in driving educational progress.

In line with CLTANT’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, the event was delivered in two formats: a face-to-face session at CDU’s Casuarina Campus and a simultaneous online live stream, ensuring that educators nationwide could participate. Teachers from across the country were warmly invited to join this enriching opportunity to connect, learn, and lead the way in shaping the future of language education.