Conference Sessions

Assessing the Impact: An Analysis of Student Outcomes in Public Sector English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Programs – an Update on Current Research

Danielle Freitas
Associate Dean, English Language Institute
Fanshawe College

Julian Inglis
Associate Director, ESL
Brock University

Dr. Julie Peters
Vice President Research
Academica Group

Languages Canada’s Public Sector Interest Group, in collaboration with Academica Group, is excited to present on a recently launched research initiative aimed at quantifying the impact of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs within Canadian public sector universities and colleges on international students’ success. This project, scheduled to be launched in 2024, seeks to shed light on the broader impact of EAP/ESL programs on students as they navigate through degree or diploma programs. A range of metrics will be considered, including graduation and retention rates, GPA comparisons and other qualitative and quantitative data. This presentation will provide insights into the potential outcomes of the research and how institutions might leverage the findings to strengthen their academic support structures. It will also be an opportunity for institutions interested in contributing to the project to understand how they might become involved.

Best Practices in Setting Score Requirements for Academic Language Proficiency

Spiros Papageorgiou (Lead Presenter)
Principal Measurement Scientist, Research Division
Educational Testing Service (ETS)

Lindsay Brooks (Panelist)
Academic Director
English Language Program, University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

Danielle Freitas (Panelist)
Associate Dean
Fanshawe College English Language Institute

Charles Voth (Panelist)
Associate Dean
Niagara College School of English Language Studies

Matthew Stiegemeyer (Moderator)
Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships and Client Relations, ETS Canada TOEFL Program
Educational Testing Service (ETS)

For international students in higher education, proficiency in English is crucial for academic success. Language test scores play a pivotal role in critical decisions, ranging from admission into degree programs to placement in language support classes. These score-based decisions not only affect the students but also have broader implications for educational institutions. The determination of a minimum score, often referred to as the “cut score,” is essential in this process. This session will explore the multifaceted considerations necessary for setting appropriate and effective score requirements for English language assessments. The panel, featuring representatives from Canadian universities and colleges and a Principal Measurement Scientist from ETS will offer insightful perspectives into the strategies their respective institutions employ to navigate the complexities and duties tied to language proficiency within higher education.

ChatGPT in the Classroom: Students' Ranking of Argumentative Papers Using ChatGPT in the Writing Process

Julie Lee
UAP (University Access Program) and Communications instructor
University Canada West

This presentation will discuss the results of an in-class study which investigated ChatGPT's role in academic essay composition. Students were divided into 4 groups with various uses of ChatGPT to complete an argumentative essay task: the control group using no ChatGPT, the ChatGPT Pre-Writing group, the ChatGPT Post-Writing group and the All-ChatGPT Group. After essay completion, participants ranked the essays based on argumentative quality and content. This structured approach aimed to discern the impacts of ChatGPT at various stages, offering insights into its efficacy in academic writing and discouraging utilization of ChatGPT for academic cheating.

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Implementation of Human-AI Hybrid Tools for Responsible Content Development

Michael Holaday
Vice President, Revenue, Language Proficiency and Prior Learning Assessments
Prometric

Jennifer Flasko
Senior Content Development Lead, Language Acquisition Portfolio
Prometric

Generative AI presents an opportunity to increase the efficiency of content development for language testing. However, it is crucial to understand the benefits and limitations of AI and continue to engage the expertise of test developers and item writers as key contributors. Licensed and customized human-AI hybrid item writing tools bring together the efficiency of generative AI and the expertise of human item writers and test developers in a collaborative process. In line with the conference theme "Collaborate, Innovate, Reposition: Shaping the Future Together,” this presentation explores the pathway to ethical and responsible integration of cutting-edge generative AI tools into content development for high-stakes language assessment.

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Understanding and How to Set IELTS Scores

Okokon Odiongenyi
Partnerships Director
IDP IELTS

This interactive session will take a look at IELTS scores, provide a deeper understanding of how to interpret them, and offer some helpful guidelines on how to set scores. Attendees will have the opportunity to play the role of an IELTS Examiner and walk through live examples of speaking tests.