From UNU Jogja to the Global Stage: PBI and PGSD Students Disseminated English & STEAM program at International TEYL Conference

Yogyakarta, Indonesia - To gain valuable global academic experience, ten students from the English Education (PBI) and Primary School Teacher Education study programs (PGSD) at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta UNU Jogja participated in the International Conference on Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) at Universitas Muria Kudus on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

The delegation presented their paper titled “Integrating STEAM Education into English Playdate for School Holiday,” which highlights an innovative curriculum combining English language learning with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) activities for young learners. The student included Nunuk Melisa, Riva Listiyani, Ilmi Himadani, Syifatullaila Ghea, Mansur Hidayat, Fida Suryani, Winarti Hidayah, Silvia Nur Amalina, Alfatz Raihan Sadama, and M. Chalwani. Their participation underscores UNU Jogja’s commitment to fostering academic, professional, and international competencies, demonstrating that undergraduate students can actively contribute to global conversations on educational innovation.

Dr. Hariyanto Subiyantoro, M.Pd., Head of English and STEAM and head of the Center for English Language Training and Service (CELTIS) at UNU Jogja, emphasized that participation offers students global exposure and a platform to disseminate their work in the international level. “By participating in an international TEYL conference, students not only gain global academic experience but also share their work with an international audience and build confidence using English for academic purposes,” he said.

Bridging TEYL and STEAM education

Teaching English to young learners (TEYL) requires specialized pedagogical approaches that go beyond traditional rote learning. The collaborative initiative led by PBI and PGSD students addresses this need by combining language acquisition with hands-on STEAM tasks. Activities such as creating "magic lava lamps," investigating food nutrients, solving safety engineering clues, decorating waffles, and calculating nutrition metrics allow young learners to practice English naturally while developing critical thinking and spatial reasoning.

All activities were conducted using English as the Medium of Instruction (EMI). Student mentors encouraged children to communicate in English throughout the scientific experiments. Though challenging, the young participants were enthusiastic, acquiring language skills naturally through meaningful, practical engagement.

Disseminating Research on an International Stage

During their presentation, the delegation shared findings evaluating the English & STEAM program's implementation:

Hands-on STEAM tasks help children retain target vocabulary far more effectively than isolated drills, turning language learning into an enjoyable experience.

Empirical observations showed that project-based learning lowers communication anxiety and boosts active classroom participation.

Presenting alongside international scholars provided the students with constructive feedback and valuable global exposure, reinforcing UNU Jogja's mission to train forward-thinking educators.

Empowering Future Teachers

The successful presentation at the TEYL conference underscores UNU Jogja's dedication to experiential learning. By empowering PBI and PGSD students to participate in international academic forums, the university continues to cultivate future teachers equipped with modern teaching methodologies. As TEYL evolves, initiatives like the English & STEAM program demonstrate that language acquisition and scientific curiosity can advance together to prepare young minds for an interconnected world.*

Correspondent : Dr. Hariyanto Subiyantoro, M.Pd

Editor : Latifah