The IATEFL TEASIG and ESPSIG are pleased to announce a two-day joint conference in Winterthur, Switzerland on the 6th and 7th of September, 2024. Our theme will bring together a diverse range of researchers and practitioners in ELT to share their views and practices on current global trends concerning language assessment and ESP. The main focus of the conference will be on the assessment of ESP. We are also inviting papers on change, challenges and innovation in other areas of assessment and in teaching ESP, for example with the following types of focus:
- Use of AI in assessment
- Critical thinking as a 21st century skill
- Methods for assessing language proficiency in specific contexts
- Innovative approaches for teaching language skills specific to particular domains
- New assessment tools, rubrics, and criteria, and creative thinking in assessment
- Syllabus development and alignment with learners’ needs
- Essential competencies for teaching ESP/EAP
- Unique challenges faced by ESP testers
- The conference will also focus on further practice and research trends identified through contributions of the presenters and delegates.
Format of the TEASIG & ESPSIG Joint Conference:
Participants have the opportunity to interact and share their ideas and experience throughout the event, which is reflected in the format:
- Talks: 20 minutes followed by a 10-minute discussion
- Workshops: 50 minutes followed by a 10-minute discussion
- Forum of 3 presenters: 15-minute presentation each, followed by a combined 15-minute discussion
Registration
IATEFL members need to login before registering for this event in order to receive the member discount.
Non members wishing to register for this event must hold a user account with us. If you don’t already have a user account then create one by clicking ‘Login’ at the top left of the screen, then select “create new account”. This is free and is quick and easy to do.
To view the IATEFL event terms and conditions please click here
Plenary Speakers
Conference fees
Online booking fee until 1 September 2024
£85 for IATEFL members
£100 for non-IATEFL members
Onsite registration (IATEFL members and non-members)
£60 / Swiss francs 70 / Euro 70 for 1 day
£110 / Swiss francs 130 / Euro 130 for 2 days
We are only able to accept cash payments onsite and TWINT for payments in Swiss Francs. Credit cards cannot be used, but there are a number of ATMs within walking distance.
Thank you to our sponsors
Conference Information
Conference venue
ZHAW (Gesundheit) / Zurich University of Applied Sciences (School of Health)
Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, Winterthur, Switzerland
Public transport
Swiss train connections
Public transport in Winterthur and the canton of Zurich
Hotel recommendations in Winterthur
From cheapest to most expensive at the time of writing (prices may change!):
1. Depot 195 – Hostel Winterthur
Comfortable beds in dormitories or private rooms at fair prices, a 5-minute walk from the conference venue. Use the code iatefl24 for 10% discount on the daily rate on all room categories, valid from 5 to 9 September 2024.
2. Hotel IBIS Winterthur City
This hotel is located in the city’s business district, just an 8-minute walk from the conference venue. Use the code ZHAW Rate for a 10% discount including breakfast.
3. Hotel ibis budget Winterthur
This hotel describes itself as simple, modern and cheap and is a 9-minute walk from the conference venue. Single room without breakfast CHF 100 using the booking code ZHAW Rate or SCP4338155 .
4. Hotel Wartmann | Winterthur
Hotel right next to the railway station. A little dated, but well maintained. Approx. 5-7 minutes walk to the conference venue.
5. Plaza Hotel Winterthur | Winterthur
Modern city hotel in the centre of the old town. Possibly a little noisy as it is located directly on a main road, so ask for a quieter room facing the old town. Approx. 15 minutes on foot to the conference centre or 7-10 minutes by bus (NB No direct connection).
6. Hotel Krone Switzerland | Sorell Hotels
Charming hotel (3-star superior) in the car-free old town of Winterthur with restaurant and small summer terrace. Close to the railway station and approx. 10 minutes walk to the conference venue. Room with breakfast, CHF 165-230. Special conditions for ZHAW-guests with booking code C_ZHAW24.
7. Park Hotel Winterthur | Winterthur
Exclusive 4-star hotel at the end of the old town of Winterthur with restaurant and beautiful park. Approx. 20 minutes’ walk to the conference venue or direct bus connection with bus nos. 1 or 5 (approx. 7-10 minutes). Use the code iatefl24 for a special price of CHF 195 for single rooms and CHF 230 for double rooms (subject to availability) with breakfast included.
8. Hote| BANANA CITY | Winterthur
Centrally located 4-star hotel with restaurant and large roof terrace. Approx. 15 minutes on foot to the conference venue – no direct bus connection. Use the code Konferenz2024 for single rooms at the special price of CHF 160 and double rooms at CHF 220 (subject to availability) with breakfast included.
Bed and breakfast accommodation can be found under https://bnb.ch/en/.
Accommodation is also available in Zurich (ca. 20 minutes by train)
Eating
Restaurants for lunch near the conference venue include:
- Brewhouse Restaurant
- Bistro – SKILLS PARK (limited choice on Saturdays)
- 70/30
- Coop Bistro – Winterthur Lokwerk
- Migros-Restaurant – Neuwiesen
- Gottlieber ‘Sweets & Coffee’ (with savoury food too)
- Manta Bar
- Migros Takeaway – Neuwiesen (Migros is one of Switzerland’s biggest supermarket chains.)
- Migros-Restaurant – Neuwiesen
- The in-house cafeteria on the ground floor (Friday only)
- … and the numerous bakeries and take-aways at and around the station (Tenz Momo, Oh My Greek etc..).
The City of Winterthur
For further information about Winterthur, visit here.