III Symposium on Teaching as a Foreign Language 2027
The School of English at Universidad Americana is pleased to inform that UAM’s Third TEFL Symposium will take place on March 10, 11, and 12, 2027
This event brings together voices from across the globe to share innovations, research findings, and best practices that are shaping the future of English language teaching.
To offer a space where English teachers and researchers can share their experiences and good practices, exchange ideas and proposals, and promote discussion about the challenges and new trends in teaching English as a foreign language.
We invite educators, researchers, and teacher trainers in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) to submit proposals for UAM’s Third TEFL Symposium.
We welcome submissions from both seasoned professionals and emerging scholars.
Presentations can be based on research findings or theoretical perspectives. Presentations should last from 10 to 15 minutes, with an 8 to 10 minute period for Q&A.
We welcome proposals addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
Technology & Innovation in EFL
- AI-powered tools and their role in language learning.
- Designing effective hybrid and online EFL courses.
- Apps, gamification, and digital engagement strategies.
Learner-Centered Approaches
- Motivation, affect, and engagement in EFL contexts.
- Culturally responsive pedagogy/andragogy.
- Differentiated instruction for diverse learners.
- Supporting low-literacy and special-needs learners.
Assessment & Feedback
- Formative and summative assessment in EFL classrooms.
- Portfolio-based and alternative assessments.
- Peer and self-assessment practices.
- Washback effects of standardized testing.
English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
- Business English, academic writing, and professional communication.
- English for medical, legal, and technical contexts.
- Needs analysis and curriculum design for ESP.
Teacher Development & Training
- Reflective practice and teacher identity.
- Pre-service and in-service training models.
- Mentorship, peer coaching, and professional learning communities.
- Teacher well-being and resilience.
All proposals must be submitted in English and include the following:
- Title of the presentation, maximum 15 words.
- Abstract of 250 to 300 words clearly outlining the study, following IMRaD format.
- 3 to 5 keywords.
- Name(s), institutional affiliation(s), and brief bio of presenter(s).
- Any technical requirements or special requests.
Submissions must be made through the e-mail: escueladeingles@uam.cr
All submissions will undergo review by the coordinating committee.
Presenters are limited to one submission, with a maximum of one lead author who will be the presenter.
Submission dates: September 1st, 2026 to December 19th, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: February 1st, 2027
Final Program Published: February 10th, 2027
Symposium Dates: March 10th, 11th & 12th, 2027
Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Relevance to the symposium themes and the TEFL field.
- Clarity and quality of the abstract.
- Originality and significance of the topic.
- Practical applicability or research rigor.
- Graciela Ferreiro Santamaría.
- Miriam Cordero Retana.
- Franklin Meléndez Piedra.
Universidad Americana UAM was authorized by Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP), in session No 326-97 on June 1997. UAM offers several programs including licenciaturas and masters degrees.
The English Teaching major has the validation of SINAES (Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior) since 2018.
Franklin Mauricio Meléndez Piedra
Head of the English Department at UAM
Professor Melendez brings over a decade of distinguished teaching experience in English as a Foreign Language (EFL), spanning elementary, high school, and college levels since 2004. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English Teaching and a Licenciatura in English Studies from the University of Costa Rica (UCR), complemented by a Licenciatura in English Teaching from Universidad Americana (UAM).
Additionally, he earned his Master's degree in Education and Family Counseling from the prestigious Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain. His comprehensive academic background and extensive classroom experience have established him as a respected educator in the field.
Graciela Ferreiro Santamaría
College professor and researcher
Master Ferreiro is a distinguished English professor with over two decades of experience in higher education. Her academic career includes prestigious roles as a lecturer in the Master's in Education program at Universidad Latina and serving as Head of the English Department at two private universities in Costa Rica. Her expertise extends to research competencies and curricular design, where she has made significant contributions to academic program development.
Currently, Master Ferreiro serves as a full-time researcher at the English Department of Universidad Americana, and is in charge of approving topics for Capstone projects.
Master Ferreiro has presented at international conferences, published numerous articles on English teaching methodologies and research competencies, and serves as a peer reviewer for respected international journals.
Miriam Cordero
College professor
Professor Cordero not only teaches subjects specific to the English Teaching Major but also belongs to the research department of the English School. She holds a Bachelor's degree and a Licenciatura degree in English Teaching. Besides, she also has diplomas in science teaching, graphic design, and Costa Rican Sign Language (LESCO).
Currently, she is expanding her knowledge in educational research by pursuing a Master's Degree in Research Methods in Education at Universidad La Rioja.
Professor Cordero has taught in different contexts, including face-to-face teaching in socially vulnerable areas, online tutoring for institutions with international students whose native languages were varied, and hybrid higher education. Her diverse academic background and experience allow her to design creative, dynamic, and inclusive learning experiences for her students.