Programme



Conference Outline

Tuesday, November 21, 2023Wednesday, November 22, 2023Thursday, November 23, 2023Friday, November 24, 2023Saturday, November 25, 2023

13:00-14:00: Kintsugi Workshop | Taku Nakano CeramicArts
This is a ticketed event

16:45-19:00: Conference Pre-Registration & Welcome Reception | Garb Central
This is a free event open to all registered delegates

Conference Venue: Toshi Center Hotel, Tokyo

09:30-10:30: Conference Registration | Subaru Room (5F)

10:30-10:35: Announcements | Orion Hall (5F) & Online

10:35-10:50: IAFOR Chairman’s Welcome Address & Recognition of IAFOR
Scholarship Winners | Orion Hall (5F) & Online
Joseph Haldane, IAFOR, Japan
Jun Arima, Tokyo University & IAFOR, Japan

10:50-11:35: Keynote Presentation | Orion Hall (5F) & Online
The Refugee as Teacher: What Universities Cannot Teach Us
Farish Noor, University of Malaya, Malaysia

11:35-12:05: Keynote Presentation | Orion Hall (5F) & Online
Navigating Lifelong Learning: A Digital Nomad’s Odyssey
Lowell Sheppard, Never Too Late Academy, Japan

12:05-12:15: Conference Photograph

12:15-13:30: Lunch Break

13:30-14:20: Featured Panel Presentation | Orion Hall (5F) & Online
Fostering Synergy in Asian Education: Bridging Gaps, Building Connections
Rachel Chan, Esperanza HK, Hong Kong
Joseph Haldane, The International Academic Forum (IAFOR), Japan
Michael Klemm, Singapore Educators Network & EdTech Marketplace, Singapore
Mike Michalec, EdTech Asia, Singapore

14:20-15:05: Featured Panel Presentation | Orion Hall (5F) & Online
Unleashing the Potential: The Impact of AI and ChatGPT in Revolutionising Education
Murielle El Hajj Nahas, Lusail University, Qatar
Sean McMinn, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Hong Kong
Justin Sanders, Minerva Project
Tati D. Wardi, Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII), Indonesia

15:05-15:45: Extended Coffee Break | Subaru Room & Foyer (5F)

15:45-16:45: Conference Poster Session | Orion Hall (5F)

17:00-18:00: Special Seminar Sessions

Room 603 | Writing a Good Grant Application: Mastering Significance, Innovation, and Approach for Your Career
James W. McNally, University of Michigan, United States
Lowell Shepard, Never Too Late Academy, Japan

Room 604 | An Introduction to the Asian Undergraduate Research Symposium
Grant Black, Chuo University, Japan

19:00-21:00: Conference Gala Dinner | Orion Hall (5F)
This is a ticketed event

Conference Venue: Toshi Center Hotel, Tokyo

08:30-09:00: Conference Registration (7F)

09:00-10:40: Onsite Parallel Session 1
Room 603: International Education
Room 604: Educational Policy, Leadership, Management & Administration
Room 605: Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary & Transdisciplinary Education
Room 607: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 608: Assessment Theories & Methodologies
Room 701: Workshops | Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics
Room 703: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 704: Professional Training, Development & Concerns in Education
Room 705: Design, Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education
Room 707: Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics
Room 708: Education & Difference: Gifted Education, Special Education, Learning Difficulties & Disability

10:40-10:55: Coffee Break

10:55-12:35: Onsite Parallel Session 2
Room 603: Education & Politics
Room 604: Educational Policy, Leadership, Management & Administration
Room 605: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 607: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 608: Assessment Theories & Methodologies
Room 701: Workshops | Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 703: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 704: Professional Training, Development & Concerns in Education
Room 705: Design, Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education
Room 707: Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics
Room 708: Education & Difference: Gifted Education, Special Education, Learning Difficulties & Disability

12:35-12:50: Coffee Break

12:50-14:05: Onsite Parallel Session 3
Room 603: Socio-Economic Challenges in Education
Room 604: Knowledge Creation, Preservation & Access
Room 605: Primary & Secondary Education
Room 607: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 608: Educational Research, Development & Publishing
Room 701: Workshop | Education, Sustainability & Society: Social Justice, Development & Political Movements
Room 703: Higher Education
Room 704: Professional Training, Development & Concerns in Education
Room 705: Design, Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education
Room 707: Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics
Room 708: Mind, Brain & Psychology

14:05-14:20: Coffee Break

14:20-16:00: Onsite Parallel Session 4
Room 603: Educational Leadership: Social Justice & Development
Room 604: Education & Society: Human Capital Development
Room 605: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 607: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 608: Assessment Theories & Methodologies
Room 701: No Sessions
Room 703: Challenging & Preserving: Culture
Room 704: Professional Training, Development & Concerns in Education
Room 705: Design, Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education
Room 707: Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics
Room 708: Mind, Brain & Psychology

16:00-16:15: Coffee Break

16:15-17:55: Onsite Parallel Session 5
Room 603: Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary & Transdisciplinary Education
Room 604: Educational Policy, Leadership, Management & Administration
Room 605: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 607: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 608: Educational Research, Development & Publishing
Room 701: Poster Session | The Asian Undergraduate Research Symposium (AURS11)
Room 703: Challenging & Preserving: Culture, Inter/Multiculturalism & Language
Room 704: Counselling, Guidance & Adjustment in Education
Room 705: Design, Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education
Room 707: Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics
Room 708: Higher Education

17:55-18:10: Coffee Break

18:10-19:25: Onsite Parallel Session 6
Room 603: Higher Education
Room 604: Higher Education
Room 605: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 607: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 608: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 701: No Sessions
Room 703: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 704: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 705: No Sessions
Room 707: No Sessions
Room 708: Nurturing Creativity & Innovation: New, Innovative & Radical Educatio

Conference Venue: Toshi Center Hotel, Tokyo

08:30-09:00: Conference Registration (7F)

09:00-10:40: Onsite Parallel Session 1
Room 603: Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics
Room 604: Higher Education
Room 605: Gender in Education
Room 607: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 608: Language Development & Literacy
Room 701: Curriculum Design & Development
Room 703: Adult, Lifelong & Distance Learning
Room 704: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 705: Education Policy, Leadership, Management & Administration
Room 708: Primary & Secondary Education

10:40-10:55: Coffee Break

10:55-12:35: Onsite Parallel Session 2
Room 603: Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics
Room 604: Higher Education
Room 605: Design, Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education
Room 607: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 608: Language Development & Literacy
Room 701: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 703: Adult, Lifelong & Distance Learning
Room 704: Curriculum Design & Development
Room 705: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 708: Primary & Secondary Education

12:35-12:50: Coffee Break

12:50-14:30: Onsite Parallel Session 3
Room 603: Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics
Room 604: Higher Education
Room 605: Design, Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education
Room 607: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 608: Independent Learning
Room 701: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 703: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 704: Curriculum Design & Development
Room 705: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 708: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis

14:30-14:45: Coffee Break

14:45-16:00: Onsite Parallel Session 4
Room 603: Mind, Brain & Psychology
Room 604: Higher Education
Room 605: Design, Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education
Room 607: Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room 608: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 701: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 703: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 704: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room 705: Learning Experiences
Room 708: Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary & Transdisciplinary Education

16:05-16:15: Conference Closing Address | Room 701 (7F)

Conference Venue: Online

09:00-09:05: Message from IAFOR

09:05-09:50: Featured Panel Presentation | Room A (Live Stream)
No One Left Behind: Advocating for Equitable Opportunities for Success in Tertiary Education
Susie Kung, Manukau Institute of Technology, New Zealand
Mary Moeke, Manukau Institute of Technology, New Zealand
Yvonne Ualesi, AUT University, New Zealand

09:50-10:00: Break

10:00-11:40: Online Parallel Session 1
Room A (Live Stream): Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room B (Live Stream): Professional Training, Development & Concerns in Education
Room C (Live Stream): Design, Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education
Room D (Live Stream): Education Development: Policy & Experiences
Room E (Live Stream): Education & Difference: Gifted Education, Special Education, Learning Difficulties & Disability
Room F (Live Stream): Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics
Room G (Live Stream): Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis

11:40-11:55: Break

11:55-13:35: Online Parallel Session 2
Room A (Live Stream): Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room B (Live Stream): Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room C (Live Stream): Design, Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education
Room D (Live Stream): Education and Contemporary Development Issues
Room E (Live Stream): Higher Education
Room F (Live Stream): Foreign Languages Education: Teaching, Assessment, and Development
Room G (Live Stream): Learning Experiences, Students Learning & Learner Diversity

13:35-13:50: Break

13:50-15:30: Online Parallel Session 3
Room A (Live Stream): Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Room B (Live Stream): Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room C (Live Stream): Interdisciplinarity & Learning Productivity Development
Room D (Live Stream): Professional Training
Room E (Live Stream): Challenging & Preserving: Culture, Inter/multiculturalism & Language
Room F (Live Stream): Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics
Room G (Live Stream): Higher Education

15:30-15:45: Break

15:45-17:25: Online Parallel Session 4
Room A (Live Stream): Curriculum Design & Development
Room B (Live Stream): Learning Experiences, Student Learning & Learner Diversity
Room C (Live Stream): Innovative & Interdisciplinary Teaching in Practice
Room D (Live Stream): Education & Inclusive Development
Room E (Live Stream): Educational Policy, Leadership, Management & Administration
Room F (Live Stream): Counselling, Guidance & Adjustment in Education
Room G (Live Stream): No Sessions

17:25-17:30: Message from IAFOR


*Please be aware that the above schedule may be subject to change.


Important Information Emails

All registered attendees will receive an Important Information email and updates in the run-up to the conference. Please check your email inbox for something from "iafor.org". If you can not find these emails in your normal inbox, it is worth checking in your spam or junk mail folders as many programs filter out emails this way. If these did end up in one of these folders, please add the address to your acceptable senders' folder by whatever method your email program can do this.

Conference Programme & Abstract Book

The online version of the Conference Programme is now available to view below via the Issuu viewing platform. Alternatively, download a PDF version. The Conference Programme can also be viewed on the Issuu website (requires a web browser). An Issuu app is available for Android users.

The Conference Programme contains access information, session information and a detailed day-to-day presentation schedule.


Featured Presentations

  • The Refugee As Teacher: What Universities Cannot Teach Us
    The Refugee As Teacher: What Universities Cannot Teach Us
    Keynote Presentation: Farish Noor
  • Unleashing the Potential: The Impact of AI and ChatGPT in Revolutionising Education
    Unleashing the Potential: The Impact of AI and ChatGPT in Revolutionising Education
    Featured Panel Presentation: Sean McMinn, Murielle El Hajj Nahas, Justin Sanders, Tati D. Wardi
  • Navigating Lifelong Learning: A Digital Nomad’s Odyssey
    Navigating Lifelong Learning: A Digital Nomad’s Odyssey
    Keynote Presentation: Lowell Sheppard
  • Fostering Synergy in Asian Education: Bridging Gaps, Building Connections
    Fostering Synergy in Asian Education: Bridging Gaps, Building Connections
    Featured Panel Presentation: Rachel Chan, Joseph Haldane, Michael Klemm, Mike Michalec
  • Writing a Good Grant Application: Mastering Significance, Innovation and Approach for Your Career
    Writing a Good Grant Application: Mastering Significance, Innovation and Approach for Your Career
    Special Seminar Session: James W. McNally, Lowell Sheppard
  • No One Left Behind: Advocating for Equitable Opportunities for Success in Tertiary Education
    No One Left Behind: Advocating for Equitable Opportunities for Success in Tertiary Education
    Featured Panel Presentation: Susie Kung, Mary Moeke, Yvonne Ualesi

Virtual Presentations


Previous Programming

View details of programming for past ACE conferences via the links below.

The Refugee As Teacher: What Universities Cannot Teach Us
Keynote Presentation: Farish Noor

It has often been said that we live in chaotic and unpredictable times, and all over the world governments have begun to address the question of social resilience and how societies, as well as individuals, can cope with the challenges that we face today. In the social sciences and the humanities, great strides have been made in terms of furthering the boundaries of knowledge and knowledge-production, where new forms of knowledge (once deemed irrelevant or even unworthy) have now come to be regarded as valid and important. Oral history, material history, and gendered history are now part and parcel of the mainstream discipline of history, and similar developments are taking place in other disciplinary fields as well. As we seek to expand our frontiers of knowledge, there remain groups that have been relatively neglected. One community in particular - refugees - have been studied to some extent, but the manner in which they have been framed - sometimes as an economic burden, sometimes as a potential threat to security - has robbed them of both their voice and identity. Yet refugees are a glaring reminder of the failure of the world over so many political systems, and they also embody the spirit of resilience and determination that some societies lack. In this presentation I will be calling for the recognition of refugees as human actors and agents, imbued with identity, purpose and history, and who also bring with them vital lessons that can be learned. Rather than seeing refugees and the global 'refugee crisis' as a 'crisis', I am calling for a more nuanced, inclusive and empathetic approach to the study of refugees today, who in many ways are knowledge-bearers and knowledge-producers in their own right.

Read presenter's biography
Unleashing the Potential: The Impact of AI and ChatGPT in Revolutionising Education
Featured Panel Presentation: Sean McMinn, Murielle El Hajj Nahas, Justin Sanders, Tati D. Wardi

The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into the educational field is revolutionising conventional teaching and learning methods. AI’s adaptability and personalised approaches cater to the diverse needs of students, leading to improved overall learning outcomes. Moreover, AI streamlines administrative tasks, providing educators with more time and resources to engage in meaningful interactions with students. As AI continues to evolve, it possesses the potential to create an education system that is more inclusive, effective, and responsive to the rapidly changing world. Among the most versatile AI tools making waves in education are chatbots, with ChatGPT leading the way based on its advanced GPT-3.5 architecture. The adaptability and versatility of ChatGPT offer immense potential to revolutionise the learning experience for both educators and students. However, as we embrace this transformation, it becomes necessary to address ethical concerns and ensure equitable access to AI technologies to preserve its positive impact in the educational sector. The purpose of this panel discussion is to emphasise that embracing AI’s potential in education is not merely an option but a strategic imperative to shape a brighter future for the next generation of learners and educators. Throughout the discussion, various examples from different educational institutions will be showcased, focusing specifically on the policies and practices related to implementing AI, particularly ChatGPT, among faculty members and students. The conversation will also analyse the exciting possibilities that arise from integrating ChatGPT in the educational field, exploring how ChatGPT can serve as a nurturing virtual tutor, offering guidance to students, tailoring learning experiences to their individual needs, and boosting their engagement and motivation. Furthermore, the panel will explore the transformative impact of leveraging ChatGPT’s capabilities, potentially revolutionising educational paradigms to create interactive and efficient learning environments.

Read presenters' biographies
Navigating Lifelong Learning: A Digital Nomad’s Odyssey
Keynote Presentation: Lowell Sheppard

In an ever-evolving world, the pursuit of knowledge knows no age or boundaries. Join me on a voyage of discovery as I share my personal odyssey through lifelong learning.

Four years ago, Lowell embarked on an unconventional journey, leaving behind the comforts of a traditional lifestyle to live, work and learn aboard a sailboat. This transition to a digital nomadic existence not only redefined his way of life but also presented a profound learning curve.

Lowell’s talk at the IAFOR Education Conference in Tokyo this November will explore the transformative power of lifelong learning in the context of a "never-too-late" journey.

Through anecdotes, practical strategies, and reflections on his voyage, his talk will inspire educators, learners, and digital nomads alike to embrace the idea that learning is not confined to a classroom or a certain age. Lifelong learning is a dynamic force that propels us forward, enabling us to adapt, connect, and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Lowell’s talk at the conference coincides with the release of his latest book Dare to Dream, a four step plan to redesign your life. A companion book to an upcoming History Channel Series of the same name.

Read presenter's biography
Fostering Synergy in Asian Education: Bridging Gaps, Building Connections
Featured Panel Presentation: Rachel Chan, Joseph Haldane, Michael Klemm, Mike Michalec

This panel session aims to facilitate a dynamic discussion among leaders from diverse education networks across the region. The session will focus on the crucial importance of fostering collaboration and synergy among various stakeholders in the field of education, including school leadership and administration, faculty and teachers, ed tech providers, and education researchers. The panel will explore the potential of bridging gaps between these groups and creating platforms for meaningful connections. The session will delve into the need for stakeholders to consider and understand each other's perspectives, highlighting the potential for innovation, knowledge exchange, and enhanced educational practices that result in better learning outcomes for students. Moreover, the panel will emphasise the significance of learning from failures and discussing what may not work so well and why. By openly addressing challenges and examining the reasons behind ineffective strategies or initiatives, participants can collectively work towards improved solutions and outcomes. This interactive session aims to inspire participants to seek more opportunities to actively engage with diverse stakeholders, consider new approaches, and explore effective ways of collaboration for the betterment of education in Asia.

Read presenters' biographies
Writing a Good Grant Application: Mastering Significance, Innovation and Approach for Your Career
Special Seminar Session: James W. McNally, Lowell Sheppard

The ability to write, submit and administer research grants has become an increasingly vital role in developing an academic career. Funders seek good ideas and innovative approaches that enhance research designs, classroom pedagogies, student and professional growth, conference development and travel. The wide array of organisations representing potential funders can be summarised as federal or governmental awards, foundation or philanthropic awards, and private business awards. Typically structured as contracts, grants or gifts, these mechanisms have critical distinctions, often requiring very different deliverables and outcomes expectations. The mechanism will also impact the fungibility of the provided funds to accomplish the project goals.

This workshop will offer training, guidance, and opportunities to discuss grantsmanship as an integral part of the learning process and a critical element of academic advancement, as well as review identifying funders who best reflect research interests, interacting with funding agencies, and ways to build funding networks. The critical elements for developing a successful grant application and effectively budgeting requested funds will also be discussed. It will also offer time management tips for meeting deadlines and ensuring applicants have crossed all "t's" and dotted all "i's."

While the rules, expectations, and procedures for grant applications will vary internationally, organisationally and internally, the basics of grantsmanship all share commonalities regarding significance, innovation, and approach. Understanding and mastering these skills will enhance and expand an applicant's capacities as an instructor, mentor, and researcher.

Read presenter's biography
No One Left Behind: Advocating for Equitable Opportunities for Success in Tertiary Education
Featured Panel Presentation: Susie Kung, Mary Moeke, Yvonne Ualesi

There is much literature on the global expansion of tertiary education and the exponential growth of online teaching platforms. This move has been expediated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This relentless rise in the use of Education Online Technologies (EOT) has necessitated a closer examination of how various equity groups have fared in this time of rapid change in education. It is proposed that all these changes in education do not necessarily bring about equal access, participation and opportunity for success. Several issues have been noted when exploring the relationship between tertiary education and equity. However, less research is available on the relationship between culturally responsive, sustaining and safe online teaching-learning spaces and equitable opportunities for success in learning. This panel argues that the heart of teaching and learning is in relational connectedness and the rapid reliance on Education Online Technologies (EOT) has led to the marginalisation of some social groups. The literature on equity of access, participation and success is mostly oriented towards some clearly defined social groups that were, or still are considered as being discriminated against. The primary objective of this panel presentation is to propose that focusing on access and opportunity in education will open the door to a discussion on issues of moral equality and the belief that human beings should be given equal access to life chances. This will ignite a different perception of ‘equity’ and how it is lived and practised in tertiary classrooms. It is envisioned that this will, in turn, move our professional dialogue into issues of moral equality and the fundamental right of human beings to equal access to life chances. This panel seeks to address some questions on social groups that favour relational pedagogy and face-to-face teaching-learning environments. How might this rapid global march towards online learning and the pervasive rise in technologically enhanced teaching-learning environments, disadvantage such groups? Will power imbalances contribute to one form of delivery subjugating the other; one way of knowing and doing enslaving the other? Will this then lead to unequal opportunities for participation and success for some social groups in tertiary education?

Read presenters' biographies