NEAS Supports MIT Institute Staff with Professional Development

NEAS Australia recently collaborated with MIT Institute to deliver a focused professional development session aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of its teaching staff. Led by NEAS facilitator, Ms Peetra Lechte, the session emphasised assessment strategies, validation techniques, and moderation methodologies.

MIT Institute staff actively engaged in discussions and workshops, gaining practical insights and strategies to enhance their assessment practices. Emphasising the importance of continuous improvement, NEAS and MIT Institute welcomed participant feedback to tailor future sessions to educators’ evolving needs.

Reflecting on the professional development, one participant remarked, “Participating in the professional development from NEAS was constructive to my understanding of assessment and validation in the ELT classroom. It provided me with skills like identifying and analysing assessment tasks, and assessing the validity of examinations to course content. What I found the most useful from the professional development was the assessment moderation module. Breaking down the process of marking and participating in an assessment moderation gave me insight into collaborating with colleagues for examination marking.”

Another participant shared their perspective, stating, “The NEAS workshop was a good opportunity for our teachers to brainstorm and work together. We learnt about the importance of ensuring that learning outcomes are met from various learning tools. We then put this into practise and designed basic learning activities in groups. A very informative and useful workshop.”

This collaborative effort between NEAS Australia and MIT Institute highlights the significance of ongoing learning and collaboration in advancing English language education standards. Through such initiatives, educators are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the diverse needs of their students effectively.

April 2024

Congratulations to the Australian Institute of Language (AIL)!

Congratulations to the Australian Institute of Language (AIL) on a successful quality review activity with NEAS.

Located in the vibrant heart of Melbourne CBD, AIL offers a prime location for international students, facilitating convenient access to language programs during both morning and evening shifts. Its proximity to public transportation, including tram, bus, and train services, ensures ease of travel for students. Students can also enjoy the convenience of nearby amenities like cafes, restaurants, and shops.

AIL enrols students from 25 countries and areas, mostly from Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Turkey and China. The college offers classes in General English, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), and IELTS preparation. AIL enhances students’ learning experiences through various in-class activities, organised excursions, after-class language-focused workshops, and study skills sessions. Workshops on adapting to life in Australia are also available to support students in adjusting to their new environment.

April 2024

Congratulations to RMIT English Worldwide (REW)!

Congratulations to RMIT English Worldwide (REW) on the successful completion of its quality review activity with NEAS.

REW has maintained a steady pool of teachers through robust recruitment campaigns and collaborations with the RMIT CELTA program, attracting students from diverse countries, including Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Taiwan, and Korea, who choose REW for their language education.

REW demonstrates a strong commitment to student welfare, exemplified by initiatives such as introducing a therapy dog named Ziggy and employing qualified counselors. Staff members receive training in student wellbeing to address various concerns, including depression, anxiety, and device addiction. Notably, REW’s student wellbeing efforts were recognized with the ISANA Conference Bursary Award for ‘Beside Myself,’ a student-devised theatre production.

REW prioritises staff development through structured processes like SWOT analysis, goal-setting exercises, and regular engagement and wellbeing surveys. Continuous learning opportunities are provided through a professional development committee and individual development plans for teachers.

April 2024

Conference Countdown: One Month Left!

ACADEMIC MANAGER WORKSHOP – SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

Technology and Digital Innovation in ELT

Leading and Supporting Staff Learning

This workshop highlights the important role Academic Managers play in supporting and fostering staff learning. We look at what ongoing and informal learning might look like in practice and why prioritising staff learning results in many positives for both staff and students.

During the workshop we will engage with what staff learning looks like, the challenges with fostering a culture of informal learning in the staffroom, and the benefits in establishing staff learning as a priority in your organisation.


AI and Adaptive Learning in ELT: Personalising Education at Scale

In this workshop session, explore how the Academic English Programs at UNSW College have managed the challenges of AI and its impacts on learning and assessment. Discover what insights have been gained since its implementation of an AI Framework.

Draw on shared experiences of managing the impacts of AI on teaching and assessment to build shared best practices through workable responses.


Assessment in the Digital Age: Innovative Approaches to Testing and Evaluation

Learn how recent AI advancements are instrumental in promoting equity within assessment practices, and how you can leverage the partnership between Humans and ChatGPT to enable the creation of assessment items at an unprecedented scale and affordable cost. Discover innovative strategies that combine AI technology with multiple asynchronous proctors to safeguard high-stakes assessments.

This presentation will unveil Duolingo’s latest research findings, subscore frameworks, and introduce new interactional item types designed for 2024.

March 2024

Master Practitioners in ELT

Andrea Pugh, Director of Studies at Education Queensland International 

Congratulations to Andrea Pugh, Director of Studies at Education Queensland International for graduating from the Master Practitioner in ELT NEAS Capstone Course.  

Andrea’s project focused on bridging the gap between schools and international students’ families by finding innovative ways to connect with them. The project launched a community initiative to address the challenges faced by these families in navigating the education system, aiming to foster connections between parents, caregivers, and school staff. It provides practical strategies such as cultural sensitivity training for staff, multilingual support, and regular communication channels. The goal is to bridge language and cultural gaps while enhancing parental engagement and student outcomes. Committed to continuous improvement, Andrea endeavours to sustain this impactful initiative. 


Juliana Chia from James Cook University (JCU) in Singapore 

Congratulations to Juliana Chia from James Cook University (JCU) in Singapore for graduating from the Master Practitioner in ELT NEAS Capstone Course. 

Juliana’s Capstone Project was designed to enhance the teaching of Level Three English at JCU Singapore, enabling direct entry into degree programs. Over 12 weeks, the initiative provides a structured framework for student tasks, ensuring they remain on track and receive the necessary support for academic growth. Furthermore, the project underscores the importance of teacher readiness and class preparation, fostering a holistic approach to English language teaching. 

April 2024

Congratulations to Vietnam USA Society English Centres (VUS)!

Vietnam USA Society English Centres (VUS) is a leading English Language Teaching institution in Vietnam with approximately 250,000 students enrolled annually throughout the country. The majority of its campuses are located in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Hanoi. VUS joined NEAS in 2017 with an initial 15 Centres; 14 in HCMC and 1 in Hanoi. Currently the number of Centres stands at 43. This Quality Assurance activity was conducted to confirm NEAS Quality Endorsement of nine new centres: Vo Van Van Branch – HCM City; Le Quang Dinh Branch – HCM City; Gia Kiem Branch – Dong Nai Province; Long Khanh Branch – Dong Nai Province; Long Thanh Branch – Dong Nai Province; Ba Ria Branch – Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province; Vinh Long Branch – Vinh Long Province; Tay Ninh Branch – Tay Ninh Province; and Can Tho Branch – Can Tho City. 

Congratulations to VUS for its successful completion of the NEAS Quality Assurance activity. This review encompassed structured meetings and focus group discussions involving management, students, teachers, and professional staff. Additionally, the use of anonymised Quality Principles Surveys helped identify focal points for the Quality Review process, while comprehensive stakeholder feedback was analysed in alignment with the key Principles and Drivers of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework. For more information on the Quality Assurance Framework, please refer to this section of the NEAS website: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/

VUS cultivates a strong familial atmosphere among students, parents, and teachers through channels such as social media, face-to-face interactions, and the Learning Management System, known as V-Hub. Many teachers and staff members have remained employed at VUS for numerous years, a testament to the supportive culture and favourable working conditions. VUS prioritises the welfare of students under 18 by providing Teacher Assistants and extra classroom support for younger children. To further bolster student welfare efforts, VUS maintains dedicated teams, including the School, Services, and Compliance team, and the Administration and Student Affairs team, with all team members trained in student welfare practices. 

April 2024

Congratulations to Griffith University – Faculty of Humanities, Language and Social Science!

Congratulations to Griffith University – Faculty of Humanities, Language and Social Science on successfully completing a quality review activity with NEAS.  

NEAS quality endorses two ELT qualifications at the Faculty of Humanities, the Graduate Certificate in TESOL and the Master of TESOL. These courses attract domestic and international students, particularly from Southeast Asian countries and South America. Some students are also enrolled in a Master of TESOL and Leadership which involves four additional subjects from within the Business School. This degree has been added to the scope in reply to international students’ desire for study work rights. 

Offered in a hybrid format, the courses provide flexibility through Microsoft Teams, ensuring quality education both on-campus and asynchronously. Students are required to observe twenty hours of teaching classes and are supervised and assessed in their delivery of six-hour lessons. The university department has signed agreements with an extensive range of language centres and supervisors in several locations to accommodate the diverse needs of its students.   

Students have access to university support services, including learning advisors and the English Help service, with a small International Student Services team available at the Nathan campus. Participation in industry discussions through the TEAMS GU TESOL Committee group is encouraged, covering a range of topics including career information and upcoming industry seminars and conferences. 

April 2024

News from Adam

Welcome to the latest edition of our CEO’s column News From Adam.

NEAS was well received by senior officials from the Education Department in Canberra last week. NEAS board member David Riordan and myself introduced them to the recently launched NEAS Homestay Standards. We also explained the NEAS Agent Quality Endorsement process. Both of these initiatives and the following they have attracted demonstrate the important leadership role taken by NEAS. We’re taking an active role in showing the way to quality improvement across a range of functions within our sector. Worth noting too is that these initiatives began some time ago. They weren’t reactions to passing trends. Don’t get me wrong. Responding to policy changes as they emerge is critical for us all. We’re subject to these forces and we must be responsive. What I’m saying though is that it’s important to be invested across time. And NEAS is invested. We’re looking forwards, finding insights in advance of what might be required right now. Another example is our quality standards for online English programs. Did you know these were developed before the COVID lock downs when we were all forced into online learning? The international student recruitment pipeline to Australia is suffering right now and I know budgets are tight. But playing the long game with us is important.

I am very grateful to David for his help in securing these meetings and his help had me reflecting on the value of the NEAS board. They’re a highly skilled group of individuals and by definition professional. Their number includes those elected by you as well as some from related sectors (such as David, a former TAFE Director) and others from industries and pursuits not directly related to ELT, including the important task of board sitting itself. Our model of governance gives us great strength.

Can I finish with some news that the NEAS Management Conference is nearing capacity in registrations. We’re not there yet. There are places available but our venue is smaller this year and we’ve chosen a “closer” format. It’s going to be great but only if you get in now. It will provide insight into the future and the drivers of that future. The future’s worth the investment… Right?

March 2024

Conference Countdown: 5 Weeks To Go!

ACADEMIC MANAGER WORKSHOP – SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

Professional Development and Teacher Empowerment

Managing Multi-Site Organisations: Strategies That Actually Work

With the growing number of ELICOS institutions expanding across the country, managing multi-campus organisations has become more common.

Join our interactive workshop for practical strategies on achieving effective operations across multiple campuses, drawing from experiences at Albright’s campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide.


Cultivating Continuous Improvement in ELICOS

In the dynamic landscape of Australian ELT, schools must adapt rapidly. This presentation explores how a Sydney-based ELICOS school drives positive change through collaborative learning, improved communication, and data-driven decision-making. 

By prioritising student feedback and innovative practices, La Lingua enhances the learning experience becoming more responsive to students’ needs and expectations.


Lifelong Learning and Professional Development for Managers

Lifelong learning and continuous professional development are essential for ELT managers to stay relevant and effective in their roles. This presentation will explore strategies for building personalised learning plans tailored to the unique needs of ELT leadership.


Mentoring Models for Academic Managers

Explore diverse mentoring models in ELT, focusing on effective peer mentoring programs for academic managers.

This session covers theory, practical insights from research and case studies, and offers a platform for participants to discuss and apply peer mentoring in their contexts.

March 2024

Industry Partnerships and Collaboration for Innovation in the ELT Industry

Collaboration is renowned for fostering creativity and generating new ideas… But how?

When individuals come together, sharing experiences and resources, and bringing their own perspectives and expertise to the table, added value is created in those interactions. “The result is greater than the sum of its parts” they say. Whether it is exchanging best practices, addressing sector-wide challenges, or simply brainstorming ideas, collaborating with others can be invigorating and lead to remarkable success! It encourages networking and relationship-building, opening doors to mutually beneficial partnerships and opportunities.

Our ELT sector is arguably the most energetic and creative in education. Our work at NEAS allows us to see various parties connecting, sharing and remaking opportunity. In some ways this is about responding to change as it happens. In other ways, we’re not just reacting. We’re in the front seat and driving that innovation. By assuring high-quality language education that puts students first, NEAS is a critical player in this space.

By connecting stakeholders with differing resources, needs, and knowledge, NEAS facilitates collaboration and enables collective success. Through these efforts and the creation of a strong community, NEAS plays a key role. It creates professional connections that sing!

A great example is the recently NEAS-endorsed ReadyTeacher product. Sarah Chamberlain, the founder has done a terrific job in designing a new platform in the teacher recruitment space.

Who will you connect with today to exchange ideas and create added value for yourself and your organisation?

March 2023