NEWS

Australian NEAS members benefit from bilateral co-operation with Ukraine

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Ukraine Workshop Series(Live Webinar): Tuesday 18 April, 9:00 am to 10:30 am (Ukraine time)/4:00 pm to 5:30 pm (Sydney time). Registration: FREE. CPD Points: 6

English is a powerful tool. Generally accepted as the lingua franca it connects people globally in business, socially and academically. It is common these days for students anywhere in the world to be studying their chosen subject via the vehicle that is English – their second, third and sometimes fourth language.

At NEAS, we have students and education at the core of our focus and, as an Australian Charity and independent, industry-led and expert Quality Assurance provider, we are enhancing bilateral relationships between English Language Centres all over the world. Our Australian members now have an opportunity to connect and create meaningful partnerships with the ELT community in Ukraine. The Ukraine Workshop Series is in support of displaced teachers and students and is aimed at helping maintain the quality of English language teaching during times of crisis, while increasing and strengthening ties between Australian NEAS members and their counterparts overseas. This workshop is for strategic ELT decision-makers and teaching professionals in Ukraine and Australia. The Ukraine Workshop Series coincides with this year’s NEAS Management Conference, where the Ukrainian Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Vasyl Myroshnychenko will be the Closing Plenary speaker.   

The workshop in April will be centred around trauma-informed practice and teaching, maintaining student and teacher motivation and mental health, and building resilience. It will be an opportunity for sharing teaching and learning innovations and quality assurance activities of High Schools, Vocational Colleges, Universities, and English Language Centres, that are either operating in Australia or Ukraine. This workshop is in partnership with GoGlobal, which is an initiative of Global Office NGO aimed at promoting language learning and the volunteer movement in Ukraine. 

In the weeks leading up to this workshop, NEAS will release pre-recorded presentations addressing the themes with presentations from keynote speakers from both countries sharing their expertise and practical techniques and the live workshop will be held on Tuesday 18 April from 9:00 am to 10:30 am (Ukraine Time) 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm (Sydney Time). The workshop will feature a live virtual panel with panellists His Excellency Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand; Dr. Patrick Pheasant, CEO NEAS Australia and Ms Liubov Zaliubovska-Head of Education at GoGlobal NGO.

Making it happen (left to right):
Ms Liubov Zaliubovska, Head of Education at GoGlobal NGO; Patrick Pheasant, CEO NEAS and His Excellency Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand.

February 2023

Only 9 weeks until the 2023 NEAS Management Conference!

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Speaker Spotlight

Sandra Pitronaci

Sandra Pitronaci is National Academic Director ELICOS & Pathways at ILSC Education Group and has been actively involved in COPs throughout her ELT career. Sandra is currently Convenor of English Australia AMSIG; Classroom Talk Editor of the English Australia Journal, Newsletter; Editor and Committee Member of IATEFL LAMSIG and one of a dedicated Admin team for the 2,000+ members #AusELT online COP. At ILSC, Sandra leads the team of DOSs across ILSC Australia’s four national campuses. Sandra will be co-presenting The Building of the ELT Profession at the NEAS 2023 Management Conference with Lucas Chiusoli on Friday 5 May at 13:50.

February 20 2023

2023 NEAS Management Conference Awards Announcement

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We are thrilled to announce that this year at the 2023 NEAS Management Conference we will be presenting awards to more than 25 institutions! There will be two Award Ceremonies – one on Thursday afternoon, before the Cocktail Hour, and the other on Thursday evening during the Gala Dinner.

The first Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Learning Vault will be held on Thursday 4 May at 16:40 at Doltone House. Award categories are: Quality Provider Award – New Member (National and International); Quality Products & Services Award; Education Agent Award; Premium Product Award; Online Delivery Award and NEAS Master Practitioner Award.

The Gala Dinner special Awards Ceremony, starting at 18:00 will celebrate this year’s 

NEAS 25 Year Endorsement Award 

and the coveted

NEAS Lifetime Award 

For last year’s award recipients please see their names in lights here. Most excitingly, we are looking for YOUR nominations for the NEAS Lifetime Award. This prestigious award goes to the person who has shown distinguished, meritorious, and sustained service to the ELT Sector and to NEAS. To nominate the person who you think most suited to receive this award, you must be a Full or Associate NEAS member and the nominee cannot be a NEAS Board of staff member. 

To nominate, please complete the attached JotForm and submit it by Friday 3 March 2023. 

vote here

February 2023

Only 9 Weeks until the 2023 NEAS Management Conference

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Speaker Spotlight

Toby Jones

Toby Jones is an education technologist and industry leader in the digitisation of learning. As Head of Education at Learning Vault – vocational education content provider and Australia’s first digital badging agency – Toby leads the strategic thinking and development of RTO courses, micro-credentials and digital credentials. Toby is a passionate commentator on the future of education and the potential application of emerging technologies. Toby will be speaking on behalf of Learning Vault in the Innovation and Strategy Session at this year’s 2023 NEAS Management Conference on Friday, 5 May at 12:30 in Park View 1 at Doltone House, Darling Harbour, Sydney.

February 2023

University Queensland College

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NEAS Congratulates the University of Queensland College (UQ College) on the endorsement of The International Diploma in Language Teaching Management IDLTM as an Online Product.

IDLTM is a seven-month postgraduate qualification designed for experienced ELT managers and prospective managers who are seeking practical management skills and relevant workplace understanding. This course is suitable for experienced professionals working in positions that include operational management responsibilities.

IDLTM was originally developed by the former Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education (ICTE) at the University of Queensland in collaboration with SIT Graduate Institute, USA and Cambridge English. Since its initial launch in 2001, various changes to the course have been instituted to ensure it remains current and able to meet the changing needs of academic managers over time.

In a recent response to the COVID-19 pandemic and following two major curriculum reviews, the course has developed through changes to material and training approaches and has been relaunched in a new entirely online format.

The new, online format incorporates recorded video input sessions for asynchronous viewing, coupled with live synchronous online sessions using, broadly, a flipped classroom approach in an innovative way to replace the previously face-to-face training room sessions. Initial feedback regarding this approach from participants in the first such group has been very positive. One student said ‘’ I’m getting enormous benefits from the IDLTM. It’s as engaging and varied in its interactions and modes of study as I’d hoped it would be, and it’s even more relevant and practical in relation to my work than I’d expected.”, another student commented: “what I’m learning is enlightening, applicable to my situation, and will continue to be useful as I progress in my career”.

February 2023

Congratulations to Macquarie University

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Congratulations to Macquarie University on achieving NEAS Endorsement for its English Medium Instruction (EMI) Course Suite, offered by the Macquarie University EMI Centre. The EMI Centre focuses on designing and delivering bespoke programs for higher education providers using English as the medium of instruction. As part of its customised services, the EMI Centre specialises in developing the English language proficiency of educators, as well as methodology and best practice for teaching in English.

NEAS reviewed the EMI Course Suite using Quality Area K of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, focussing the assessment on these key features of the target program: its underlying research; its fulfilment of purpose; its processes for maintaining quality; its uniqueness and innovation; and its contribution to the English Language Teaching (ELT) community. More information on Area K can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-k.  

The EMI Course Suite was commended for the extensive research undertaken, and the expertise of its staff. The comprehensive needs analysis of the varying markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America, and the flexibility in the development and delivery of bespoke programs to suit client needs, were noted highlights. An EMI Centre Advisory Board has been established to provide ongoing guidance to quality assure the EMI Course Suite, and best practice industry standards are used to validate decisions and design. The EMI Course Suite aims to assist educational institutions globally to address the gap between policy and practice in the delivery of courses in English and enhance the skills of professionals within the client institutions.

February 2023

CamTESOL 2023

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The 19th Annual CamTESOL Conference at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia starts tomorrow and NEAS Australia will be there! This is one of the most significant conferences in the region with over 1000 participants and its theme of “Online and Transnational Delivery of English Language Teaching – Global Views and Perspectives for Being Future Ready” is set to stimulate interesting debate.

The opening Plenary Panel Discussion is sponsored by NEAS Australia and Dr Patrick Pheasant, as part of the panel, will be focusing on Online and Transnational delivery of English Language Teaching (ELT). Through a lens of quality management, this keynote plenary will showcase teaching and learning innovations in High Schools, Vocational Colleges, Universities, and English Language Centres in online delivery, English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) and Transnational ELT Delivery from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Australia, identifying global best practice.  The plenary will also address how the impact of closed borders during the pandemic has affected social, cultural and economic barriers in international education. In many cases virtual learning, virtual mobility and improved technology have become conduits for learners to access quality international education. Now, it is important to secure the quality of Online and Transnational delivery in ELT and by embedding 21st Century skills into our programs and turbo-charging such skills to meet the needs of future generations, Dr Pheasant asserts that we can be future-ready.

In the role of Chief Executive Officer, Dr Patrick Pheasant brings 30 years’ experience in applying drama, TESOL and teacher training methodologies across multiple education sectors around the world. Patrick has extensive experience in change management and leadership development and completed his PhD research at the University of Sydney in using process drama in ELT. Patrick is a past Director at the University of Sydney Centre for English Teaching, past Vice-President of the University English Centres of Australia (UECA) and past Convenor of the NEAS Advisory Council.

February 2023

10 WEEKS UNTIL THE 2023 NEAS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE!

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Speaker Spotlight

Daljit Rao

Daljit Rao has several years of experience as a University lecturer specialising in key Business Management subjects at the Bachelor and Master Level in Australia. Daljit Rao’s passion for the education industry is an exemplary of her involvement on the Curriculum Advisory Boards at Universities in Australia, India, and Nepal. Ms Rao is an Associate Professor, specialising in key Business Management Masters Level in Australia. 

In 2014 Daljit Rao, established a coaching centre – PEAR Academy Australia, with its coaching and testing centre opened in Bangalore, India in 2018. Today PEAR Academy is an approved OET Premium Preparation centre.  

Neil McRudden

Neil has been teaching English as a Second Language since 2000 at language institutes and universities in Sweden, Malaysia, Germany, and Australia and in many contexts: general, business, examination preparation and bespoke courses for specific companies. More recently, Neil has been at the College at Southern Cross University’s Gold Coast campus as a teacher since 2014, where he mostly teaches English for Academic Purposes (EAP). He also worked in SCU’s Academic Skills department.

Neil completed a Master of Applied Linguistics from UNE in 2020 and is increasingly interested in the design of media-rich and interactive learning tools to further support student learning. 

In just two and half months and we will be greeting you in person and online. The NEAS 2023 Management Conference is shaping up to be jam-packed with informative and interesting activities and we have expanded the space at Doltone House, Darling Island, Sydney to four rooms, as opposed to the previous two. The theme of the conference: The Profession, The Professional and Professionalism in ELT has started to intrigue and discussion around this is already abuzz.

Nowadays, with increased scrutiny into quality standards in ELT, high professional standards are burgeoning and the number of ELT teachers up-skilling and completing Master level degrees in ELT is trending upwards at a rapid rate. ELT “requires a specialized knowledge obtained through both academic study and practical experience” (Torres – Rocha, 2019).

It is generally acceptable to say that ELT teachers and leaders are professionals because they are a “disciplined group of individuals who adhere to high ethical standards and uphold themselves to, and are accepted by, the public as possessing special knowledge and skills in a widely recognised, organised body of learning derived from education and training at a high level, and who are prepared to exercise this knowledge and these skills in the interests of others.”(cited in Professional Standards Council, 2022)

This conference will explore the different professional landscapes in ELT locally and globally and the impact they are having on world economy, education, and future generations.

References

Professions Australia. The Professions, Public Interest and Competition Policy, 2000, cited in Professional Standards Council (2022).

Torres-Rocha, J. C. (2019). EFL teacher professionalism and identity: Between local/global ELT tensions.

If you are coming in person, then don’t forget to purchase your Gala Dinner tickets here, so that you can enjoy the entertainment, gourmet menu as well as the Awards Ceremony.

Get ahead and plan your future PD!

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Communities of Practice: Arts Based Pedagogy

When: 24 March, 15:00 AEDT
Type: In-person Workshop
Registration: $10 CPD Points: 10

Arts based pedagogy in English language teaching (ELT) incorporates visual and performing arts into the learning process to engage students in a creative and dynamic way. This approach recognizes the power of art to foster critical thinking, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence. By using art as a tool for language development, students can experience the joy of expression and build a deeper connection to the language. Arts based pedagogy also encourages collaboration, communication, and the development of intercultural competencies, making it an effective and enriching addition to any ELT curriculum.

Drama is a powerful tool that can be used in English language teaching (ELT) to help students develop their language skills and cultural awareness in a fun and engaging way. Drama activities such as role-plays, improvisations, and scripted scenes can provide students with opportunities to practice their language skills in meaningful and authentic contexts. It can also help students build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills, while promoting collaboration, social interaction and keeping students engaged and motivated. 

This Arts Based Pedagogy Community of Practice (COP) Workshop is for teaching professionals who would like to embed the arts and drama into their teaching repertoire. The workshop will shine a spotlight on the benefits of alternative teaching methods in the ELT classroom and provides participants with a supportive structure to begin their journey into the world of the arts in ELT. 

Topics up for investigation in this COP include 

·      the power of the arts and drama in teaching 

·      reflective self-assessment 

·      further professional development opportunities

So, what are you waiting for? Book your place here to avoid disappointment!

THE 2023 NEAS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE IS ONLY 11 WEEKS AWAY!

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The countdown has started!

With a furore of activity we are well under way to welcoming you all at this year’s Management Conference. The theme of the conference has taken hold and is becoming the talk of the town as we grapple with the idea of The Profession, The Professional and Professionalism in ELT.

Nowadays, with increased scrutiny into quality standards in ELT, high professional standards are burgeoning and the number of ELT teachers up-skilling and completing Master level degrees in ELT is trending upwards at a rapid rate. ELT “requires a specialized knowledge obtained through both academic study and practical experience” (Torres – Rocha, 2019).

It is generally acceptable to say that ELT teachers and leaders are professionals because they are a “disciplined group of individuals who adhere to high ethical standards and uphold themselves to, and are accepted by, the public as possessing special knowledge and skills in a widely recognised, organised body of learning derived from education and training at a high level, and who are prepared to exercise this knowledge and these skills in the interests of others.”(cited in Professional Standards Council, 2022)

This year’s conference is set to explore the different professional landscapes in ELT locally and globally and the impact they are having on world economy, education, and future generations.

As usual, we are pleased to be able to offer a hybrid event! With three full days of in-person activities, attendees will also be able to live-stream content, so if you can’t make it in person, you can always join us online. You can download 60+ presentations, join our virtual community events and live-stream speaker sessions.

If you are coming in person, then don’t forget to purchase your Gala Dinner tickets here, so that you can enjoy the entertainment, gourmet menu as well as the Awards Ceremony.

Speaker Spotlight

Cara Dinneen

Cara Dinneen is the Associate Director, Learning and Teaching at Macquarie University College. Cara holds a Master of TESOL, Graduate Certificate in Business Educational Leadership, Trinity Diploma of TESOL, BA Communications and is currently completing a qualification in Digital Learning Leadership. Cara has 20 years’ experience in English language teaching, teacher training and leadership, having taught and managed programs in Australia, Oman and Spain. She is a fluent Spanish speaker. 

Throughout her career, Cara has designed and managed teacher development programs for large, multi-cultural teaching departments of up to 65 staff. Cara has a strong background in teaching methodology and a creative, participant-focused approach to lesson design and teacher development. 

Cara also has a keen interest in learning and assessment design. She is currently the Head Convenor for the English Australia Assessment Special Interest Group, and her current area of research is digital learning and assessment.

Yulia Kharchenk

Yulia Kharchenko is an English language teacher and a higher degree researcher. She has taught in Russia, Ireland and Australia in a variety of tertiary, adult and migrant education settings. She currently teaches on the Graduate Certificate of TESOL at Macquarie University. Her research interests include multilingual pedagogy, language policies in education and language learner identity.