NARGIZA MAKHUMDOVA (UZBEKISTAN STATE WORLD LANGUAGES UNIVERSITY )
SVETLANA KHAN (Uzbekistan State World Languages University)
MUKHAYYOKHON FAYZULLAEVA (Uzbekistan State World Languages University)
DILNOZA KHADJIMETOVA (Secondary school 6, Tashkent, Uzbekistan)

PROMOTING EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: VOICES FROM THE GLOBAL SOUTH : EQUITY AND LEARNER DIVERSITY

At this workshop, we will share our findings from the international research project "English as a School Subject: Learning Effective Practices from Low Level Primary English Language Teachers" funded by the British Council (project website: https://ess.stir.ac.uk/). It investigates perceptions of effective teaching of English in primary schools in Bangladesh, Malawi, Mexico, and Uzbekistan. In recent years, the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) has witnessed a significant shift towards fostering equity, diversity, and inclusivity within educational settings. The aim of the workshop is to raise awareness on the importance of promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in language teaching classes; introduce strategies to support equality and inclusion in classroom; review understanding on equity in the classroom. Participants will explore inclusive pedagogical practices that cater to diverse learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and linguistic abilities. Through interactive discussions and case studies, attendees will develop a deeper awareness of their own implicit biases and explore strategies to mitigate their effects. They will discover effective strategies for creating inclusive materials, designing culturally responsive curricula, and fostering collaborative learning environments that celebrate diversity. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusivity in ELT. They will be prepared to create inclusive learning environment that celebrate diversity, empower students, and foster intercultural understanding. Through this transformative workshop, educators will be inspired to embrace the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, ultimately leading to more equitable and enriching language learning experiences for all learners.

Dr. Nargiza Makhmudova is an Associate Professor (PhD) at the Uzbekistan State World Languages University. Her research interest includes World literature, technology and ELT. She has 19 years of experience in teacher education and research. She was a CI of the project «English as a school subject» supported by British Council.

Dr. Svetlana Khan (PhD), Hornby scholar, holds a M.Ed in Trainer Development (English Language teaching) from University of Exeter. Her fields of interest include development of educational curricular and syllabi, teacher training and material design for learners at all levels and sectors of educational system. She has a rich experience in teaching English at various levels from primary to post graduate. She is a co-author of national English textbooks for primary, secondary school children as well as teacher training syllabi and courses.

Mukhayyokhon Fayzullaeva is an English teacher, PhD at the Uzbekistan State World Languages University. She has 8 years of teaching experience and her research interest includes Linguistics and Foreign Language Teaching Methodology. She was a research assistant in the International project “English as a school subject” supported by the BC.

Dilnoza Khadjimetova is an English Teacher at State secondary school in Tashkent, Uzbekistan She has 12 years of experience in teaching. She is known for her innovative teaching methods, incorporating technology and real-world examples to make lessons come alive. Dilnoza and her students participated in the project «English as a school subject» supported by BC.