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NTNU College of Education Marks 70th Anniversary with Trilateral Forum on Educational Sustainability and Cultural Diversity

The year 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the College of Education at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). As a leading academic institution dedicated to education research and practice, the College has long committed itself to driving educational innovation, fostering international dialogue, and responding to both local and global social challenges. To strengthen its ties with key partner universities—Kyushu University (Japan) and the University of Glasgow (UK)—the College hosted a Trilateral International Academic Forum in late May, themed “Sustainable Development in Education from a Global Perspective.” The forum focused on three core areas: technological applications, language education, and social engagement—offering a platform for global dialogue and collaborative exploration of education’s role in building a sustainable future.

The forum opened on May 22 with three keynote lectures and a practical workshop. Dr. Konomi Shin’ichi (Kyushu University) presented on the use of generative AI in learner recommendation systems, exploring how socially-aware and explainable tools can promote more personalized and collaborative learning experiences by incorporating interactional data. Dr. Sinéad Gormally, Associate Dean of the School of Education at the University of Glasgow, emphasized the importance of extending education beyond the classroom and into communities, advocating for relational and inclusive approaches to youth and marginalised groups. Dr. Nicola Galloway drew on the lens of Global Englishes to critique English-medium instruction (EMI) policy and its detachment from multilingual and culturally equitable practices. Through interactive engagement using Mentimeter, she facilitated an open reflection among EMI instructors on their teaching experiences. In the COIL Workshop held in partnership with NTNU Online Office, Dr. Gabriella Rodolico shared her hands-on experience in designing Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) courses. She underscored how COIL can be a scalable and inclusive approach to internationalization—especially for students with limited access to overseas mobility.

The main forum continued on May 23, centering on the question of how education can meaningfully respond to global disruption and social inequality. In the morning keynote sessions, Dr. Edward Vickers (Kyushu University) critically examined the technocratic tendencies in education research and policy, calling for a renewed commitment to historically and sociologically grounded inquiry. Dr. Sinéad Gormally followed with a talk on the transformative power of education in advancing social justice, civic engagement, and peacebuilding, urging for context-sensitive and participatory approaches.

In the afternoon, two thematic panels showcased diverse educational innovations from the three universities. The panel on Technological Applications for Sustainable Education featured talks on generative AI, immersive group learning through VR, and gender equity in ICT-based education. Scholars from the University of Glasgow, Kyushu University, and NTNU collectively stressed that meaningful educational innovation requires not just technical advancement but also deep reflection on ethics, systems, and learner diversity. The second panel, Language Education and Cultural Diversity, brought together scholars from the UK, Japan, the Czech Republic, and Taiwan. They addressed issues ranging from language policy and intercultural understanding to pedagogical design and adaptive digital reading tools. Language education, they argued, is no longer just about acquiring linguistic skills—it is a vital space for cultural dialogue, civic literacy, and social connection in an increasingly multilingual world.

The day concluded with a roundtable discussion moderated by Prof. Yi-De Liu (NTNU Vice President for International Affairs), Dr. Konstantinos Kontis (International Dean, University of Glasgow), and Ms. Susan Milner (Director, British Council Taiwan). The discussants affirmed that sustainability in education cannot be achieved through abstract policy alone—it must be grounded in long-term collaboration and action. The trilateral dialogue fostered during this forum laid the foundation for deepened partnerships and future initiatives.

To continue the momentum and provide space for informal exchange, the College hosted a “Tea & Research” session on May 24, bringing together early-career scholars from the three institutions. In a relaxed and collegial setting, participants shared research interests and explored ideas for future collaboration. The session symbolized the spirit of this forum—not only formal cooperation, but also warm and sustained academic friendship.

This trilateral forum not only aligned with Taiwan’s national efforts in bilingual policy, talent mobility, and international academic collaboration—it also strengthened trust among institutional partners and expanded opportunities for meaningful exchange. NTNU’s College of Education will continue to foster cross-border, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural educational partnerships, and remains committed to cultivating a new generation of educators with both global vision and local grounding—so that education may continue to serve as a bridge toward a more sustainable and connected future.

College of Education 70th Anniversary Forum: Program at a Glance