Setting the Standard for University Admission and Beyond

Central to the success of many language schools and foundation programmes are the courses that are centred on exam preparation to help lead learners into an undergraduate course of study or to prepare them for the world of work. The exam choices for these courses are critical in that they directly influence the quality of teaching and learning, a widely researched notion known as washback (Anderson & Wall 1993), and something that can be positive, or indeed, negative.

This pivotal choice is far too often based on a variety of common assumptions that ignore a range of potential consequences in that it can determine not only learners’ chances of success in the exam itself, but directly influence the development of the wide range of skills that are instrumental to success in academic or work environments.

This session exposed the assumptions surrounding exam choices and enabled participants to critically evaluate the options available and consider the significant implications this can have upon their programmes.

Video

Topics: Assessment, ISE, The Future of English Language Teaching Conference

Upcoming

GESE: Choosing the Appropriate Grade

Tue 6 June, 3:00PM (UK time)

Trinity's Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) are one-to-one, face-to-face assessments of English language speaking and listening skills with a Trinity examiner, who encourages the candidate to evidence their skills through prompts and authentic interactive dialogue. The GESE exam is a popular choice in peak periods, as well as for part-time learners, and for optional conversation classes year-round.

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GESE: Preparing for the Topic Phase

Wed 7 June, 3:00PM (UK time)

Trinity's Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) are one-to-one, face-to-face assessments of English language speaking and listening skills with a Trinity examiner, who encourages the candidate to evidence their skills through prompts and authentic interactive dialogue. The GESE exam is a popular choice in peak periods, as well as for part-time learners, and for optional conversation classes year-round.

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GESE: Practising for the Interactive Phase

Thu 8 June, 3:00PM (UK time)

Trinity's Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) are one-to-one, face-to-face assessments of English language speaking and listening skills with a Trinity examiner, who encourages the candidate to evidence their skills through prompts and authentic interactive dialogue. The GESE exam is a popular choice in peak periods, as well as for part-time learners, and for optional conversation classes year-round.

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The 8th Future of English Language Teaching Conference (Online)

Sat 10 June, 8:45AM (UK time)

The 8th annual, free online Future of English Language Teaching Conference includes key plenaries by Claudia Ferradas and Chris Roland alongside various breakout sessions.

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Building sustainability into ELT – are we doing enough?

Wed 21 June, 4:00PM (UK time)

The negative environmental impact of the global ELT community and the opportunities we have in climate change education have been moving up our agenda in recent years. But are the many initiatives that we are putting into place enough to make any real difference? This webinar will look at some of the issues.

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Building Linguistic Bridges in the ELT classroom: Cross linguistic mediation activities to support inclusion and social development

Wed 19 July, 4:00PM (UK time)

This webinar will look at specific strategies to support young learners of English who come from poor and vulnerable backgrounds. Teaching strategies and example activities will be drawn from the speakers own experience of working in a deprived area in Buenos Aires.

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