The Master’s Program in English Education (MTBI), Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FITK), UIN Sumatera Utara Medan, successfully organized an international-style academic guest lecture entitled “Applied Linguistics in English Language Teaching (ELT)” on Monday, January 13, 2025. Conducted online via Zoom Meeting, the event brought together lecturers, graduate students, and language education enthusiasts to explore contemporary perspectives on applied linguistics and its practical implications in English language teaching.
The program began with an opening session followed by welcoming remarks from Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, Ph.D., Head of the Master’s Program in English Education, UIN Sumatera Utara. In his address, he emphasized the importance of academic collaboration and continuous intellectual engagement in enhancing the quality of graduate education.
“Guest lectures provide valuable opportunities for students to learn directly from experts, broaden their academic perspectives, and connect theoretical concepts with real educational challenges,” he remarked.
The highlight of the event was the keynote presentation delivered by Syariful Muttaqin, S.Pd., M.A., Ph.D., Head of the Master’s Program in Linguistics at Universitas Brawijaya. Drawing from his extensive expertise in linguistics and language education, Mr. Syariful presented a comprehensive discussion on the role of applied linguistics in English Language Teaching (ELT).
During the session, participants were introduced to the interdisciplinary nature of applied linguistics and its contribution to addressing various challenges in language learning and teaching. The presentation covered a range of topics, including language acquisition, classroom discourse, language assessment, curriculum design, multilingual education, and the integration of linguistic research into teaching practices.
One of the key messages emphasized by the speaker was that applied linguistics is not merely a theoretical discipline but a practical field that offers solutions to real-world educational problems. By understanding how language functions in different contexts, educators can design more effective teaching strategies and create meaningful learning experiences for students.
The lecture also encouraged participants to critically examine language-related issues in educational settings and to utilize research-based approaches when addressing classroom challenges. Through practical examples and case studies, Dr. Syariful demonstrated how linguistic insights can help teachers improve communication, foster student engagement, and support language development more effectively.
The event became increasingly interactive during the discussion and question-and-answer session. Students enthusiastically participated by raising questions related to current trends in language education, opportunities for research in applied linguistics, and challenges faced by English teachers in multilingual classrooms. The lively discussion reflected the participants’ strong interest in the topic and their eagerness to deepen their academic understanding.
The guest lecture not only enriched participants’ knowledge of applied linguistics but also inspired them to explore innovative research ideas and pedagogical practices relevant to contemporary English language education. The session served as a valuable platform for academic exchange between institutions and strengthened networking opportunities among scholars and graduate students.
As a gesture of appreciation, the organizing committee presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Syariful Muttaqin for his insightful contribution and dedication to sharing knowledge with the MTBI academic community.
The event concluded with a virtual documentation session, capturing memorable moments between the speaker, lecturers, and participants. The successful implementation of this guest lecture reflects MTBI UIN Sumatera Utara’s ongoing commitment to fostering academic excellence, promoting scholarly collaboration, and equipping future educators and researchers with the knowledge and skills required in an increasingly globalized educational landscape.
Through programs such as this, the Master’s Program in English Education continues to create meaningful learning experiences that bridge theory and practice, preparing graduates to become innovative educators, critical researchers, and lifelong learners.
