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

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

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

NEAS Management Conference 2024 

12 Weeks To Go!

This week marks the beginning of the 12-week countdown to the NEAS Management Conference with a difference, so let us outline what is in store.

In a more intimate setting at UTS and Aerial Function centre at UTS, seat numbers have been limited to allow for deep, investigative presentations, networking and conversations around the theme of how the ELT world is revolutionising by rethinking, reshaping and redefining. The program this year spans over two days: 9 & 10 May 2024. 

The first day: Thursday 9, comprises of the Academic Workshop at UTS, back by popular demand, following last year’s success. Academic Managers, aspiring Academic Managers, Directors of Study and other leaders will gather in an up-beat atmosphere, join multiple workshops, and share thoughts and insights. There will be four sets of four workshops running parallel throughout the day. A light lunch will be provided, and all participants are invited to join us for a drinks and networking at the Old Clare Hotel at the end of the day.

The Main Day: Friday 10, turns the dial to a more formal setting at Aerial UTS Function Centre. Thought leadership keynote speakers will present on topics that plunge deeper into the conference theme of Quality Revolution, Rethinking, Reshaping and Redefining Excellence in ELT.

Top of the bill we have welcome speeches from the Chair of the NEAS Board and our Premium Sponsor IELTS, followed by one of the most exciting leaders in education today: Opening Plenary Speaker Mr Louka Parry. Louka will be followed by three powerhouse Keynote Speakers who will share their remarkable observations of the changes, challenges and innovations in ELT and education in general. After a gourmet buffet lunch, served by Aerial at UTS, there will be three panel sessions focusing on Homestay, Education Agents and Mental Health and Wellbeing.

This day will leave you dizzy with new knowledge, and probably even more questions about the changing future of education and the ELT sector. 

You can check out the program for the Academic Manager Workshop and the Main Day here.

This week we feature Opening Plenary Speaker

LOUKA PARRY

As one of Australia’s top innovators Louka Parry speaks on futures, leadership, and transformation. He has worked with thousands of leaders and educators from diverse contexts across the world. These include the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the European Commission, as well as all Australian States and Territories.

Louka speaks five languages, holds two Masters degrees, completed executive studies at Harvard and a residency at the d.school at Stanford University. As an education leader, Louka was promoted to Principal at only 27 years old and was named South Australian Inspirational Public Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Louka brings a range of deep strategic insights as a learning architect and as CEO and Founder of The Learning Future, in this age of rapid change, he is driven to transform learning structures, systems and societies that empower individuals to do their best work and maximise wellbeing. Louka is also passionate about exploring the connection between learning and the era of AI.

At NEAS we are thrilled to be bringing you to such a dynamic Opening Plenary Speaker! 

You can buy tickets here!

February 2024