Medan, February 17, 2026 — The Master’s Program in English Education UIN North Sumatra, in collaboration with the MTBI Alumni Family Association, successfully organized a Book Review and Academic Discussion titled “Expressive Speech Acts at EFL Class” on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. WIB. The event brought together graduate students, alumni, lecturers, and English teachers in an engaging scholarly forum dedicated to exploring the power of classroom language and its impact on learning experiences.
The book under discussion, Expressive Speech Acts at EFL Class: Teacher’s Guide, was written by Novia Robeitah Irham, M.Pd., an alumna of the Master’s Program in English Education, Class of 2022. As both the author and keynote speaker, Novia shared the background and motivation behind the book, emphasizing a central message: what teachers say and how they say it truly matters. The book highlights how simple classroom expressions such as praise, greetings, appreciation, encouragement, and even apologies can significantly shape students’ emotional engagement and overall learning outcomes in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts.
In her presentation, Novia explained that expressive speech acts are often underestimated in classroom interaction, yet they hold transformative potential in building rapport, boosting confidence, and fostering positive classroom climates. Drawing from both theoretical foundations in pragmatics and real classroom experiences, she demonstrated how teachers’ everyday language choices can either empower or discourage students. She invited participants to reflect critically on their own teaching language and to consider how expressive utterances function as pedagogical tools rather than mere routine expressions.
The discussion was further enriched by Dr. Farida Repelita Waty Br Kembaren, M.Hum., Senior Lecturer of UIN Sumatera Utara, who served as the book discussant. Dr. Farida offered insightful academic commentary, connecting the book’s arguments to broader linguistic and pedagogical theories. She appreciated the book’s practical orientation while acknowledging its solid theoretical grounding in speech act theory and classroom discourse studies.
Dr. Farida emphasized that the book successfully bridges the gap between theory and practice. According to her, many educators are familiar with speech act theory conceptually, but fewer are aware of its practical implications in daily teaching interactions. She noted that the book provides accessible guidance for teachers who wish to consciously use expressive language to cultivate empathy, motivation, and positive reinforcement in the classroom.
The event created a dynamic academic atmosphere, as participants actively engaged in dialogue, shared teaching experiences, and reflected on how expressive speech acts manifest in various educational settings. English teachers attending the session expressed appreciation for the book’s relevance to contemporary classroom realities, particularly in multicultural and technology-integrated learning environments.
Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, M.Hum., Ph.D., Head of the Master’s Program in English Education, delivered welcoming remarks and expressed pride in the achievements of the program’s alumni. He highlighted that the book review exemplifies the program’s commitment to sustaining intellectual engagement beyond graduation and strengthening academic networks among students and alumni.
“This activity demonstrates that academic growth does not stop at graduation. We are proud to see our alumni contributing meaningful scholarship to the field of English education. Through forums like this, we continue to nurture a vibrant academic culture that connects research, theory, and classroom practice,” he stated.
Maslathif., Ph.D., further emphasized that the Master’s Program in English Education consistently supports initiatives that promote knowledge dissemination and scholarly dialogue. He noted that collaboration with the MTBI Alumni Family Association reflects the program’s strong academic ecosystem, where alumni remain actively involved in intellectual development and professional networking.
“We strongly believe that research should not remain on paper. It must be discussed, critiqued, and applied. This book discussion is part of our effort to encourage reflective educators who understand the power of language not only as a teaching medium but also as a tool for building character and motivation,” he added.
The event was free of charge and open to MTBI students, alumni, and English teachers, reflecting the program’s inclusive spirit and commitment to community engagement. Participants described the discussion as inspiring and thought-provoking, particularly as it invited them to unpack theoretical concepts together and relate them directly to classroom realities.
Beyond being a book review session, the activity symbolized the growing academic maturity of the Master’s Program in English Education and its alumni network. It highlighted the importance of continuous scholarly engagement, collaborative learning, and reflective teaching practices. By creating spaces where educators and language enthusiasts can share insights and experiences, the program reinforces its role as a center of excellence in English education.
The successful implementation of this Book Review and Academic Discussion further strengthens the academic culture within the Master’s Program in English Education. It reflects a shared commitment to advancing pedagogical innovation, promoting scholarly discourse, and fostering professional development among educators. Through initiatives such as this, the program continues to inspire meaningful contributions to the field of language education while nurturing a supportive and intellectually vibrant academic community.
