NEWS

Communities of Practice: Arts Based Pedagogy 

This COP workshop introduces the benefits of alternative teaching methods in the ELT classroom. Topics of discussion in this COP include the power of drama in teaching, as well as the use of drawing and puppetry. This workshop features NEAS’ own Dr Pheasant and Ms Lechte as presenters and over 30 participants have already signed up – it’s promising to be a day of valuable, hearty interaction!

Understanding the NEAS CPD Framework

NEAS supports and encourages Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and
earning CPD points through NEAS PD activities validates quality learning for teachers, managers and ELT professionals. Micro-credentialing for ELT professionals and how to access and share your online badges will be explained during this webinar too.

Ukraine Workshop Series

NEAS is presenting this workshop around trauma-informed practice and teaching, maintaining student and teacher motivation and mental health, as well as building resilience in ELT in times of crises. 

Maintaining resilience in students is crucial for their academic success and personal growth as it helps students to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to new situations, and manage stress effectively; to stay motivated, persevere through challenges, and maintain a positive attitude. Building ongoing resilience will enable students to cope with and overcome obstacles and succeed in their academic and personal lives. It is the foundation for a successful and fulfilling future, and educators should prioritise resilience-building in their teaching strategies.

Industry Webinar Series: PeopleCert

PeopleCert delivers exams in more than 200 countries, in 25 languages, through its state-of-the-art assessment technology, enabling professionals to reach their full potential and realise their life ambitions through certifications and learning. This webinar will explain how this assessment technology works and why it is so successful.

March 2023

Congratulations to Duolingo English Test!

The Duolingo English Test is a fast and convenient way to certify a candidate’s English language proficiency for academic studies or professional use. The test is taken online, and results are available within 48 hours. It assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and is accepted by thousands of universities and institutions around the world. Since 2020, Duolingo English Test has been accepted by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

NEAS is pleased to assess and endorse the Duolingo English 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 developers of the Duolingo English Test publish extensively on their research in computer adaptive test-taking and engage widely with stakeholders in discussions regarding the requirements for security and psychometric quality. The clear benefit to candidates is the removal of barriers to test taking. The “take anywhere, anytime” ethos of the Duolingo English Test results in impressive time efficiencies, achieved through automated, adaptive selection of questions, tailored specifically to the candidate’s performance. 

 Use of AI to generate the test items is cutting edge. Subject matter experts leverage machine learning models to create a deep pool of items. As part of the question item generation process, all content is reviewed by a panel for fairness and bias. Test score reliability is checked through an analysis of repeat candidate results and an AI quality assurance system monitors each test administration. Ongoing research is undertaken to compare the validity of Duolingo English Test scores against major tests used in market. Test validity is analysed according to the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. It was notable that Duolingo’s Access Program waives its fees for eligible low-income and refugee candidates.

March 2023

PTE Academic is a high stakes test accepted by the Australian, UK, and New Zealand governments for visa purposes. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) accepts PTE Academic for all visa applications, including Permanent Residency, Employer-Sponsored/Work Visas, and Student Visas. There is also wide recognition of the test by Australian universities for study, as well as by professional associations and state government departments for work and migration. 

NEAS was pleased to assess and endorse PTE Academic 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. 

PTE Academic has undergone rigorous construct validity from the inception of the test. Three main features stand out as examples of best practice in test design. First, a regime of item writer training to a standardised set of item specifications is clearly evident. In addition, a comprehensive, logically sequenced network diagram is deployed to ensure that a detailed quality assurance process is maintained before test items go live. Finally, initial pilot testing is carried out to compare test scores of native and non-native speakers, which further validate the test. In both approach and design, Pearson takes great care in guiding test users and candidates. In addition, the reliability of scoring in the speaking component (human versus machine) is well-informed. The inclusion of expansive data sets to inform machine scoring is impressive. PTE Academic exemplifies a high degree of efficiency in both design and implementation, ensuring a streamlined product for industry stakeholders. All elements of the test can be taken online, both in an official PTE test centre or remotely via online proctoring.

March 2023

Both at home and globally, NEAS has been engaged in a plethora of activity on behalf of its valued members.

On the home front we have been deep-diving into our 2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan to be discussed further at this year’s NEAS Management Conference. Our Member Engagement Strategy was launched at the beginning of this year 2023 and has produced independent, informative insights into the ELT sector’s wellbeing and integrity. Some areas of good health and recommendations for further nourishment have been identified and NEAS’ response is underway.

Within our ELT community at home, the COPs are thriving, and the QA Standards are being upheld via fruitful discussion. Don’t forget that you too can get involved and become part of any of the COPs, which you will find on the NEAS website here.

In the lead up to the conference, the free Ukraine Workshop Series scheduled for 18 April 2023 is coming together and elements of the Workshop Series will be released from mid-March. This is part of a three-pronged engagement plan in support of Ukraine and we will be meeting the Ambassador of Ukraine, His Excellency Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko there as well as at the NEAS Management Conference, where he will present the Closing Plenary.  

Overseas, our NEAS CEO, Dr Patrick Pheasant, conducted Management Meetings and Onsite Visits to the campuses of the Australian Centre for Education (ACE) in Cambodia, during a recent visit in February that also involved Dr Pheasant’s speaking engagement at the annual CamTESOL Conference. NEAS was the proud sponsor of this year’s CamTESOL Conference, which featured presentations by local and international experts, researchers and teachers of English.

Next week in Bangkok, Thailand Dr Pheasant will be presenting at the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference, which is being held in partnership with Mahidol University from 13-17 March 2023. At the conference delegates from around the world will share best practice and learn more about the innovative ways in which Asia Pacific universities are partnering across the region and with the world. Dr Pheasant will be presenting on behalf of NEAS together with AUN Secretariat Dr Choltis Dhirathiti and Mr Michael Faye from Asian Australian Education Dialogue (AAED). The theme of their presentation is Partnering with Purpose, chaired by Julie Wilkens McMahon, Regional Director (APAC),Times Higher Education, Australia.

March 2023

An initiative of IDP Education, ACE has established its position as the premier provider of English Language Teaching (ELT) in Cambodia. Now operating six campuses (five in Phnom Penh and one in Siem Reap), ACE was the first ELT college in Cambodia to achieve NEAS Quality Endorsement. The Centres deliver a wide range of English language courses to students of different ages, from younger learners to adults. The campuses returned to face-to-face delivery at the start of 2022 and total enrolments have returned to 2019 figures. Approximately 25,000 students are currently enrolled, with some 70% being Under 18. The campuses benefit from active and effective marketing, as well as a strong social media presence. Drawing on 30 years of distinguished operations, ACE has established its reputation as a leading ELT provider in the country.

Congratulations to ACE on its continued growth and success!

March 2023