Within the context of improving the quality, image and profile of the teaching of Indonesian language to speakers of other languages, the 4th Kipbipa will focus on three major areas: language, culture and the role of information technology.

The teaching of BIPA in Indonesia has reached a very important stage of development, recognised by the establishment of a national Association of Teachers of Indonesian to Speakers of Other Languages (APBIPA) in 1999. In Australia there are a number of very active Indonesian Teacher Associations who have established links and exchanges with Indonesian institutions, and despite the unpredictability of political relations, the number of Australians taking Indonesian language and culture courses in Indonesia is still high.

The theme of this conference brings together two important strands of both in-country and overseas programs: the teaching of Indonesian language and Indonesian Culture. Cultural components in BIPA not only equip students with specific knowledge and skills for interacting with Indonesian Culture, but also enhance general cross cultural awareness. An appropriate balance of language and cultural components in BIPA programs makes the learning process more meaningful.

Another aspect of the conference theme is concerned with the increasing role played by information technology in education and how this relates to BIPA. We have seen a growing number of CD-ROM and internet based language teaching materials on the market which offer an interactive approach to independent study but can also be incorporated into the classroom. Internet and email offer great possibilities for the marketing and promotion of courses, and also for networking with colleagues from other countries. This then is the challenge for the future: how can course directors, teachers and academics make optimum use of information technology in coming years?

As always, a major focus of an international conference is to facilitate national and international collaboration, and this is a vital factor in the development of BIPA as a profession. Information technology can support this, but face-to-face contact and discussion is the basis of successful collaboration.  We hope the 4th International Kipbipa will fulfil this role.
 

< Conference Theme  >

< Conference Objectives  >

	To develop a theoretical framework for the teaching of BIPA
	To develop criteria for BIPA program development
	To develop criteria for the design of quality BIPA teaching materials
	To explore the role of culture in language teaching
	To explore the use of information technology (e.g., CD ROM, internet and e-mail) in BIPA
	To establish a worldwide network of BIPA practitioners

< Topic Areas  >

	Curriculum Issues
	Teaching methodology
	Material design and development
	Language Issues
	Cross-cultural issues
	The role of Information Technology

<  Language  >

tel  +62 361 225243 / 221782 / 221783 fax  +62 361 263509 kipbipa@ialfbali.co.id www.ialf.edu/kipbipa/