UMKT’s English Education Hosted TEYL Workshop, Presenting Local and Global Experts

umkt.ac.id, Samarinda — The English Education Department (PBI) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) successfully hosted a workshop titled “Innovative Approaches in Teaching English for Young Learners” yesterday, June 9, 2026. Held in the Meeting Room of Building G, the event was organized in strategic collaboration with The Association of Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Indonesia (TEFLIN) and the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the United States Embassy in Jakarta.

The opening ceremony drew a distinguished audience, including the Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), the Heads of the English Education and Sports Education Departments, the Vice Rector for Academic, Quality Assurance, Student, and Alumni Affairs Affairs, and the Chairperson of the Bureau for Academic Affairs, Public Relations, and Admissions. English teachers and educators from various institutions across East Kalimantan also gathered to participate in this high-level knowledge-sharing forum.

Abdul Halim, UMKT’s Vice Rector for Academic, Quality Assurance, Student, and Alumni Affairs, highly commended the workshop's execution, noting the long-term impact of such international collaborations.

“The presence of the RELO Director provides a strategic pathway toward advancing English education across East Kalimantan. As an institution, UMKT is fully prepared to act as RELO’s strategic partner to nurture local talent, improve educational quality, and sharpen our regional competitive edge,” Halim stated.

The workshop brought together a powerhouse panel of local and international experts who shared invaluable insights across three comprehensive sessions.

Utami Widiati, the President of TEFLIN, dissected the latest regulations issued by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education regarding English education for young learners. She urged elementary school teachers to proactively upgrade their pedagogical skills to meet these new national standards.

Ali Saukah, a local education expert who’s also the advisor for the MInistry of Primary and Secondary Education, provided a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of reintegrating English as a core subject at the elementary school level, focusing heavily on curriculum design, teacher readiness, and effective classroom strategies within the Indonesian context.

Meanwhile, Kevin McCaughey, the Director of RELO, led the highly anticipated third and final session. McCaughey captivated the audience by demonstrating practical, fun, communicative, and student-centered teaching techniques.

During his interactive session, McCaughey emphasized that Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) does not require complex or advanced language structures to create an active learning environment.

“Teachers must be adaptable and remain lifelong learners. The key to teaching children is listening to their needs and consistently using simple, accessible English in the classroom,” McCaughey advised.

Through the successful organization of this workshop, UMKT has not only solidified its network with key educational stakeholders but has also actively empowered English teachers across East Kalimantan to deliver innovative, engaging, and tailored learning experiences for the next generation.

Author: M. Rafly Raihandy

Translator: M. Rafly Raihandy

Editor: Raisha Azzahro

Foto: Raihana Adhwa