Transforming Language Education through Quality Professional Development
A reflection on empowering ELICOS teachers in 2023
10 January 2024 I The Queensland Institute
QI facilitating quality PD for the ELICOS sector.
As the academic year begins in Australia, The Queensland Institute reflects on our support to the ELICOS* sector in 2023.
Reflecting on Collaboration
Through collaborative partnerships in professional development, The Queensland Institute (QI) contributed to enhancing the academic experience for thousands of international students by fostering confidence and creativity with our ELICOS colleagues in 2023. Here are a few highlights from our year of transforming language education.
Cultivating Consistency in Lesson Aim Development, in Vietnam
Our year began in Ho Chi Minh City, collaborating with the leadership team at RMIT School of English and University Pathways. Together, we co-designed a training day for Academic Managers focused on supporting a consistent and supportive approach to lesson aim development for teacher observations. This initiative helped to inform ongoing PD sessions throughout the year and establish tools and rubrics for teachers to enhance written learning outcomes.
Advocating for Universal Design for Learning in Lesson Planning, in Brisbane
Our contribution to the English Australia Queensland PD Fest in March highlighted our exploration into Universal Design for Learning principles. Vicki Bos’ dynamic workshop demonstrated how teachers can incorporate engagement, representation, action, and expression into lesson planning. Find examples of classroom activities on our Padlet here.
Check out the full Call for Proposals for the 2024 PD Fest at the end of this article!
QI’s Vicki Bos and Ceara McManus at PD Fest 2023.
Identifying Support for Early-Career Teachers across Australia
Continuing our support at the 40th Annual English Australia Conference in Sydney, we engaged with Academic Managers and experienced teachers to explore the current landscape for early-career teachers in ELICOS centres. Participants reviewed our survey results from across the sector and shared best practice approaches to professional development (PD) using an appreciative inquiry model. Read our findings and access all the resources on our conference Padlet here.
Promoting Inclusive Education for Highschool Preparation Programs, in Queensland
As inaugural plenary speakers at the English Australia Highschool Preparation PD Fest hosted by John Paul International College, we emphasised the crucial role high school preparation programs play in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for international students in Queensland. Explore all the day’s events here.
Enhancing Learner Engagement for EAP Classes, in Melbourne
In October, we showcased strategies to engage English-language learners in skills-based lessons in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classroom with early-career and experienced teachers at RMIT Training in Melbourne. Our focus was on harnessing purposeful micro-activities (5-10 minutes) to motivate learners in the physical classroom. Read more about the day here on our Facebook page.
QI’s Fiona Wiebusch works with Monash College, 2023.
Tailoring Support for Foundation Studies and Diploma Educators, at Monash College
In November, our commitment to helping international students access their course content in English efficiently continued at Monash College. Together with the leadership team, we co-designed a series of workshop days, offering tailored support for Diploma and Foundation Studies teachers. These practical sessions showcased Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) principles for lecture delivery and learning design to aid resource development and accessible PowerPoint design.
Fostering a Community of Global Educators
We are proud to have collaborated with these leading Australian education providers in 2023. Beyond being informative sessions, these events were catalysts for change, reflecting each institution’s goals and investment in the professional growth of their teams.
Looking Ahead to 2024
At The Queensland Institute, we’re on a mission to transform language education and empower our global community of educators through practical, high-quality professional development.
Join us! Register now for these two events with English Australia in February and March, 2024:
REGISTER FOR OUR WEBINAR
Optimising Teacher Observations
Wednesday 28 February 2024 (Online)
Facilitated by English Australia.
QI’s Philippa Coleman and Fiona Wiebusch will provide insights and guidance for Academic Managers and other staff conducting classroom observations of English language teachers.
SUBMIT A PROPOSAL
English Australia PD Fest 2024
Saturday 23 March 2024 at UQ College
Read the Call for Proposal guidelines HERE.
Refer to the 2023 abstracts HERE as a sample.
Watch our video highlights from 2023 to get a taste of what to expect. See you there!
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*ELICOS = an Australian acronym for ‘English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students’
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To discuss how we can support teacher development at your school, please get in touch with Philippa and Fiona, we’d love to hear from you.
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