The British Council’s flagship event on language testing and assessment, New Directions East Asia 2024, convened regional and international leaders in education from 21 to 23 November in Bangkok, Thailand. Marking its 12th year, the annual conference serves as a premier platform for policymakers, educators, academics, teachers, and assessment experts to collaborate, share ideas, and explore the latest advancements in language assessment.
Organized by the British Council, the UK’s leading organization for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, this year’s conference theme, “The Power of Language Assessment on Individuals and Society,” underscores the transformative impact of language assessment policies in driving social and economic progress, enhancing educational quality, and fostering global interconnectedness.
Mark Walker, Global Head of English and Exams at the British Council, stated: “Language assessment, when thoughtfully designed and implemented, has the power to uplift individuals, shape educational systems, and support inclusive growth across societies. I am delighted that this year’s New Directions East Asia conference in Thailand will explore the transformative role of language assessment on individuals and society.”
Key Themes and Discussions
The three-day event offers a deep dive into critical aspects of language assessment policy and its societal implications. Key themes include:
- English Language Policy, Learning Systems, and Assessment: Exploring how assessment policies influence curriculum design and impact teachers and learners, with a focus on reforms that enhance communicative skills.
- Policy and Society: Highlighting how language policies contribute to economic growth, global connectivity, and social mobility, especially for employment and migration opportunities.
- English Alongside Other Languages: Examining the interplay between English and local languages in East Asia, emphasizing policies that support linguistic diversity.
- Technology and AI: Addressing the integration of artificial intelligence in language learning and assessment, exploring opportunities for personalized learning and cost-effective solutions, while considering concerns around access and fairness.
Heather Forbes, Regional Exams Director, East Asia, British Council, remarked: “Strong government policies on language learning and development, combined with standardized assessments, can drive significant improvements in English teaching, learning, and assessment. Discussions at this conference highlight how such policies enhance educational outcomes and contribute to broader economic and social development. On an individual level, language policies open up life opportunities for young people, equipping them to navigate the communication demands of a multilingual world.”
Focus on Policy and Impact
The conference examines the dual impact of language assessment policies at the macro and micro levels:
- At the macro level, informed policies promote sustainable social and economic progress by strengthening connections between curriculum, teaching, and assessment, thus creating resilient education systems.
- At the micro level, such policies improve accessibility and educational quality for individual learners, preparing them to thrive in a multilingual, globalized world.
The event also addresses challenges in policymaking, discussing unintended consequences of language assessment policies and the lessons they offer for future frameworks.
Distinguished Speakers and Panellists
The conference features an esteemed lineup of thought leaders and experts in English Language Assessment, including:
- Associate Professor Jirada Wudthayagorn, Director, Chulalongkorn University Language Institute (Thailand)
- Professor Claudia Harsch, University of Bremen (Germany)
- Dr Tony Capstick, Associate Professor of Language and Migration, University of Reading (United Kingdom)
- Ms Saengkae Khonghuayrob, Director, English Language Institute, Human Capital Excellence Management Center, Office of Basic Education Commission (Thailand)
- Dr Huu Nguyen, Director, National Foreign Languages Project, Ministry of Education and Training (Vietnam)
- Professor Barry O’Sullivan, Director, English Language Research, British Council (UK)
- Dr Jessica Wu, Deputy CEO & Director General for R&D, Language Training & Testing Center (Taiwan)
- Professor Ianthi Tsimpli, Professor of English and Applied Linguistics, University of Cambridge (UK)
- Dr Adam Edmett, Head of EdTech Innovation, British Council (United Kingdom)
A Platform for Transformation
New Directions East Asia 2024 continues to cement its status as a cornerstone for shaping the future of language assessment. By fostering dialogue, sharing expertise, and showcasing innovative practices, the conference aims to influence language policies that empower individuals and societies in an increasingly interconnected world.