BANGKOK, THAILAND – 22 November 2024 – The British Council, the UK’s organization for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, is hosting the New Directions East Asia conference in Thailand, centered on the theme “The Power of Language Assessment on Individuals and Society.” This three-day event invites thought-provoking discussions on how language assessment policies can drive social and economic progress, improve education quality, and enhance global interconnectedness.
Mark Walker, Global Head of English and Exams at the British Council, shared, “When thoughtfully designed and implemented, language assessment has the power to uplift individuals, shape educational systems, and support inclusive growth across societies. This year’s conference explores how language assessment can transform both individuals and society.”
The conference will examine the impact of language assessment policies across four key areas:
-
English Language Policy, Learning Systems, and Assessment: Exploring how assessment policies shape curricula and influence teaching and learning, with a focus on successful reforms that enhance communication skills.
-
Policy and Society: Discussing the role of language policies in promoting economic growth, global connectivity, and social mobility, especially in the context of employment and migration.
-
English Alongside Other Languages: Analyzing how English coexists with local and national languages in East Asia, and how policies support linguistic diversity while facilitating communication.
-
Technology and AI: Investigating the role of AI in language learning and assessment, and its potential for personalized, cost-effective solutions, while addressing challenges of access and fairness.
The conference also addresses the macro and micro-level impacts of language assessment policies. At the macro level, informed policies strengthen links between curriculum, teaching, and assessment, promoting sustainable social and economic progress. At the micro level, such policies improve accessibility and education quality, helping individual learners meet the demands of a multilingual, globalized world.
Heather Forbes, Regional Exams Director for East Asia at the British Council, emphasized, “Strong government policies combined with standardized assessments drive improvements in English teaching and learning, enhancing educational outcomes and supporting broader social and economic development. These policies create more opportunities for young people, preparing them for the communication demands of a multilingual world.”
Key speakers and panelists include prominent educational experts and thought leaders in the field of English Language Assessment from across Asia-Pacific and beyond. These include:
-
Associate Professor Jirada Wudthayagorn (Chulalongkorn University, Thailand)
-
Professor Claudia Harsch (University of Bremen, Germany)
-
Dr. Tony Capstick (University of Reading, UK)
-
Ms. Saengkae Khonghuayrob (Office of Basic Education Commission, Thailand)
-
Professor Barry O’Sullivan (British Council, UK)
-
Dr. Jessica Wu (Language Training & Testing Center, Taiwan)
-
Professor Ianthi Tsimpli (University of Cambridge, UK)
-
Dr. Adam Edmett (British Council, UK)
