Category: NEAS News

Congratulations to StudentWorld on successfully completing its 2024 Quality Review activity!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

StudentWorld, an Australian-registered Education and Migration Consultant Agency, operates within a larger international network spanning 17 office locations across 14 countries, including Spain, India, Nepal, Lebanon, and the Philippines. Since its inception in 2000, StudentWorld has been recruiting international students primarily from India, with additional recruitment from China, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and Brazil for study opportunities in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and the UK. StudentWorld has partnership agreements with several NEAS members. In addition to NEAS Quality Endorsement, StudentWorld holds certifications from other prominent Australian organisations including ICEF, ISEAA, and PIER/ITAC.

NEAS conducted its assessment of StudentWorld’s operations and services using Area J of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, focussing on these important Quality Principles: the presence of an ethical framework underpinning the practices of the agency and its counsellors; provision of information to stakeholders that is ethical, accurate and consistent; use of governance structures that are effective and transparent; supporting a performance and development culture for staff; implementing systematic risk management processes; and routinely obtaining stakeholder feedback to inform the continuous improvement of services. More information on Area J can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-j.  

NEAS implements a unique 360-degree stakeholder feedback approach in its review procedures. Staff surveys, in conjunction with internal documents such as the Counsellor Handbook & Ethical Framework for Student World and its Counsellors in Collaboration with Providers, underscore the agency’s dedication to delivering professional and high-quality service to all stakeholders. These documents outline legal standards, guidelines, and expectations for counsellors, ensuring adherence to compliance and ethical practices. Additionally, the Student Evaluation Form is used to assess student needs and tailor advice accordingly. Provider and student interviews further highlighted the agency’s commitment to legal compliance and professionalism, with students expressing satisfaction with the service received from StudentWorld. Students praised the staff’s knowledge and expertise, often recommending the agency based on their positive experiences with counsellors.

February 2024

Master Practitioners in ELT 

Posted on | by Ed Itor

NEAS congratulates Mr. James King, Ms. Li Mien Han (Joanne), and Ms. Pamela Arumynathan from James Cook University (JCU), Singapore, on completing the NEAS Capstone Course: Master Practitioner in ELT.

The Master Practitioner in ELT is the NEAS Capstone Course. It is suitable for the ELT professional who is working, teaching or studying in the ELT field and has gained considerable experience in applying quality assurance principles in their professional practice.  This course provides opportunities to demonstrate and apply knowledge, skills and experience with the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework to the ELT context.

Mr. James King’s capstone project explores the topic of online self-directed grammar and vocabulary practice materials to enhance students’ writing accuracy. The project addresses a critical need for improved English language proficiency in a blended learning environment, aiming to enhance language skills and tackle academic writing challenges for international students. It aligns with the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, incorporates task types inspired by Cambridge exams, and demonstrates successful student trials, emphasising adaptability and commitment to learning outcomes.

In her capstone project, Ms. Li Mien Han addresses the reading comprehension needs of students in the English Language Preparatory Program (ELPP) at JCU Singapore. Through the incorporation of six supplementary reading practices, the project has yielded positive outcomes, including heightened interest, improved reading performance, and increased motivation. This aligns seamlessly with the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework.

Ms. Pamela Arumynathan’s project delves into academic writing nuances among pre-sessional international English for Academic Purposes (EAP) students at JCU Singapore. Aligned with the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, the study uncovers insights into paraphrasing and plagiarism, shedding light on participants’ cultural backgrounds and prior learning experiences. The results emphasise areas for improvement, particularly in fostering a deeper understanding of foundational concepts and discourse dimensions of source use. This research contributes valuable knowledge to enhance international students’ academic writing skills, promoting cross-cultural awareness and alignment with quality assurance standards.

February 2024

NEAS Management Conference – 9 weeks to go!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

This week we focus on two more areas within ELT that are undergoing revolutionary adjustment: teacher training and technological advancement.

Teacher training is another part of the ELT sector that is undergoing a revolution of sorts. The significance of continuous professional development (PD) for English language teachers cannot be stressed enough. “Effective teaching requires ongoing reflection, learning, and growth,” Richards (2017) explains. “Investing in teacher training programs and professional development opportunities enhances educators’ pedagogical skills and enables them to meet the diverse needs of their students effectively.” By prioritising teacher development, ELT institutions can ensure quality instruction and student success. PD should also focus on inclusive practices that address the diverse needs of learners in ELT. Implementing inclusive pedagogical approaches and providing support services for learners with special educational needs promotes equity and diversity in ELT.

Driven by advancements in digital technology, ELT is witnessing a paradigm shift towards the integration of innovative tools and platforms. From AI-powered language tutoring systems to gamified mobile apps, these technologies offer learners unprecedented opportunities to practice and refine their English language skills in engaging virtual environments. Digitised assessment methods, as part of a suite of other methodologies, can play a part in accurately gauging learners’ progress and provide targeted support for improvement.  

References:

Richards, J. C. (2017). Continuous Professional Development for Language Teachers: Strategies for Effective Teaching. Pearson Education.

February 2024

NEAS Conference 2024 – SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

Posted on | by Ed Itor

Panel 1: HOMESTAY

Excitingly, there will be three panel discussions on the Main Day program that are guaranteed to encourage vitalised thought and discussion.  

Panel 1 Homestay

Panel 2 Education Agents 

Panel 3 Wellbeing

This week we throw the spotlight on Panel 1: Homestay

Australia has reached a historic milestone by establishing the world’s first-ever set of quality standards for homestay accommodation. This achievement is pivotal in ensuring a premium experience for international students, especially during a time of extreme rental increases, where quality homestays serve as a quick and affordable solution.

Expert speakers will share insights, and a panel of specialists will field an open Question and Answer session, addressing key queries such as:

·       What are the Homestay Standards?

·       How can I assist students in finding high-quality hosted accommodation?

·       Who is responsible for insurance, and where can it be purchased?

February 2024

News from Adam

Posted on | by Ed Itor

As the new CEO at NEAS Australia, Adam Kilburn will be sharing regular insights with us through this column News From Adam. This week brings you his second update. 

One of the great things about NEAS is its international profile. With a membership that extends well beyond Australia, NEAS is a global community for those committed to improvement. I’m off overseas today to attend the CamTESOL conference in Cambodia at which NEAS is to be acknowledged for its ongoing commitment to this highly celebrated event. CamTESOL draws professionals working in our sector from around the world, including a good number of our members, both from Australia and the south-east Asian region. I hope to meet some of you there.

Of course, NEAS has its own thought-leading event: the annual NEAS Management Conference to be held on the 9th and 10th of May in Sydney. We have an exciting mix of speakers engaging with us on the theme of “Quality Revolution”. Change – and hasn’t there been a lot of it lately (!?) – forces us to rethink our way to excellence. New modes of delivery; artificial intelligence; working remotely now feature prominently in our professional lives. So, given these changes, the questions are: has excellence changed? Has our way of getting there changed?  I’m really looking forward to hearing from our speakers and discussing these questions with you at the conference.     Registrations are now open but note that our format has changed this year. There are limited places. Please get in soon and register​​​​​​​.

As always, I am keen to hear from you. Please feel free to get in touch with me directly. Although we’re dispersed across the world, I’m interested in learning more about you in your own setting so that NEAS can be the most integrated, member-focused, thoughtful, and community-responsive quality organisation in our sector!

February 2024

NEAS Management Conference – 10 weeks and counting!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

We are really looking forward to greeting you in person in just 10 weeks at Aerial at UTS Function Centre. This year’s new-look NEAS Management Conference is compact, yet perfectly formed, with a limited number of seats and a program that promises to stimulate and excite thought leadership. 

Reflective of the theme: Quality Revolution: Rethinking, Reshaping, and Redefining Excellence in ELT, are two areas that are currently undergoing transformation. These are: integration of blended learning as well as a renewed focus on communicative competence. 

Oxford, R (2018), underscores the benefits of integrating face-to-face instruction with online learning components. “Blended learning offers the best of both worlds,” she explains. “It combines the guidance of a teacher with the flexibility and accessibility of online resources, catering to diverse learning preferences and maximising student engagement.” By embracing blended learning models, ELT programs can create dynamic and adaptive learning experiences that empower learners to take ownership of their language learning journey.

In response to the evolving needs of global and intercultural communication, ELT is placing a greater emphasis on developing communicative competence among learners, with task-based activities, role-plays, and authentic communication tasks increasingly integrated into ELT curricula. In addition to this, intercultural communication is also an important part of fostering cultural competence and global citizenship in English language education. McKay (2019) asserts that “language and culture are inseparable” and that “by promoting intercultural awareness and understanding, ELT programs prepare learners to thrive in diverse multicultural environments”, thus enriching the learning experience and equipping learners with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly globalising world.

References:

McKay, S. L. (2019). Intercultural Communication in the Global Classroom: Fostering Understanding and Collaboration. Oxford University Press.

Oxford, R. (2018). Blended Learning Models in Language Education: Maximizing Engagement and Flexibility. Cambridge University Press.

February 2024

NEAS 2024 Conference: SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

Posted on | by Ed Itor

Ailsa Lamont

On Friday 10 May: 11:50 – 12:25, Ailsa Lamont will be presenting on Greening ELT: Sustainability Practices, a Quality Revolution

Ailsa is a co-founder of the International Education Sustainability Group which provides climate-focused risk management, benchmarking and data for the international education sector. 

She is also Co-founder and was the foundation Chair of CANIE, the Climate Action Network for International Educators, a grassroots global network from 2019 to 2023. 

Her experience includes terms as international director and pro vice-chancellor international at three Australian universities, during which time she was responsible (at CQUniversity) for combining four ELICOS centres into a national operation which received commendations from NEAS for high quality. 

February2024

Congratulations to Password English Language Test on receiving its NEAS Quality Endorsement!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

Congratulations to Password English Language Test on receiving its NEAS Quality Endorsement!

The Password English Language Test assesses English proficiency across listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Widely used in academic and professional settings, it gauges an individual’s ability to communicate effectively in English. Components include multiple-choice questions, listening exercises, writing tasks, and oral interviews. Test scores indicate proficiency levels, spanning from beginner to advanced.

NEAS is pleased to assess and endorse the Password English Language Test in the category of Quality Products and Services (Area K). The Quality Principles of Area K focus on these features of the target Product and Service: its underlying research; its fulfilment of purpose; its processes for maintaining quality; its uniqueness and innovation; and its contribution to the ELT community. Detailed information on Area K of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-k. 

The Password English Language Test is a cost-effective tool used for assessment, counselling, screening, and placement within English Language Teaching (ELT) Centres. Developed with expertise from the Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment (CRELLA) at the University of Bedford and in collaboration with various universities, it focuses on high-frequency grammar and vocabulary, beneficial for assessing lower proficiency levels down to A2 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This facilitates quick and effective student placement and course design for progression towards desired scores in high-stakes exams. Tailored for young adults, it incorporates communication patterns from popular textbooks and undergoes rigorous validation processes involving industry professionals. Continuous review and enhancement include feedback from leading ELT organisations and contributions to publications like EL Gazette, PIE News, and Independent Education Today.

February 2024

NEAS Congratulates TasTAFE on completing a successful quality review activity!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

At TasTAFE, students in the Focus Group spoke highly of the positive learning experience, with their contentment extending to teachers, fellow students, and the program as a whole. Students praised the clarity of explanations, an easy-going teaching approach, and the creation of a collaborative learning environment.

The ELICOS department at TasTAFE has actively improved communication with VET departments , undertaking substantial measures to stay updated on the language skills essential for upcoming TAFE programs. This ensures alignment with evolving educational needs. These collaborative efforts have resulted in adjustments that have already positively influenced the goals of current students. 

In their pursuit of quality, TasTAFE has undertaken a successful project to update their curriculums in line with student needs. The updated curriculums integrate language skills, cultural understanding, and effective communication strategies to deliver a comprehensive learning experience. The focus on desired learning outcomes ensures that students receive high-quality education adhering to NEAS standards and reflecting TasTAFE’s dedication to providing top notch educational opportunities.

February 2024

Congratulations to Link House Group for achieving NEAS Endorsement in the Quality Education Agent category!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

As an Australian-registered Education Consultant Agency, Link House Group began recruiting international students from its head office in Sydney in 2015. It also has an office in Medellín, Colombia.

NEAS assessed Link House Group’s application using Area J of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, focussing on these important Quality Principles: the presence of an ethical framework underpinning the practices of the agency and its counsellors; provision of information to stakeholders that is ethical, accurate and consistent; use of governance structures that are effective and transparent; supporting a performance and development culture for staff; implementing systematic risk management processes; and routinely obtaining stakeholder feedback to inform the continuous improvement of services. More information on Area J can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-j. 

NEAS uses a unique 360-degree stakeholder feedback model in its Quality Review processes, ensuring comprehensive input from partner providers and students. These interviews underscore the agency’s dedication to delivering professional, high-quality services to its stakeholders.

Student interviews highlighted the agency’s exceptional level of care and professionalism, particularly in their attentive approach to addressing student needs. Provider feedback echoed this sentiment, emphasising the agency staff’s consistent professionalism and quality throughout their longstanding business relationships. The overarching theme from these stakeholder interviews is the agency’s commitment to compliance with legal requirements and related processes.

February 2024