On March 19 2026, the Department of English Philology and Linguodidactics at Sumy State Pedagogical University hosted a timely and engaging methodological seminar entitled “Sparking Creativity in the Classroom,” dedicated to contemporary approaches to teaching English.
The seminar was conducted by Nikki Overcash, an international expert in English language teaching who is currently working in Ukraine for the “Virtual Teacher” project initiated by the U.S. Embassy. The project has been successfully implemented at the department for the second consecutive semester. During the session, the speaker shared her professional experience and introduced a range of effective tools and strategies aimed at increasing student engagement.
Particular attention was paid to innovative methods of fostering creativity in the educational process. Participants explored ways to create a learning environment that encourages imagination, autonomy, and active student participation. In addition, interactive approaches to developing critical thinking were discussed, including the use of discussions, problem-solving tasks, role plays and teamwork.
The seminar was highly interactive: participants not only listened but also took part in practical activities, discussions and mini-workshops. This format facilitated deeper understanding of the material and fostered a dynamic atmosphere of professional exchange.
Attendees also shared their own teaching practices, discussed the challenges they face in the classroom, and collaboratively explored possible solutions. Such interaction contributed to strengthening professional dialogue and enhancing the academic community.
The event marked the beginning of a series of methodological seminars planned by the department in collaboration with Nikki Overcash. It served as an important platform for professional development, helping educators expand their methodological repertoire and reflect on current trends in foreign language teaching. The seminar inspired participants to implement new creative approaches in their teaching and opened up new prospects for continued cooperation within the “Virtual Teacher” project.