BC TEAL 2025 Annual Conference

BC TEAL is proud to present our 2025 Annual Conference: Disruptive Educational Practices: Strategies for Transformation.

Please note that the Friday evening event, the TEAL Charitable Foundation Awards & Fundraiser, requires an additional ticket purchase. Please register here to secure your spot and join us in celebrating the awardees while fundraising for a better cause in TEAL.

Educators shine in times of change to face unexpected challenges. This is when creativity flourishes by combining proven practices with fresh and innovative ideas. These times call for transformation which can be rooted in tradition or experience, or it can arise through unexplored approaches. The synthesis of old and new ideas drives meaningful progress. Join other insightful and creative educators as we flourish within the power of our community.

1:00pm PDT

Learn about the new National LINC Curriculum Guidelines!

Friday May 2, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

TBA

The National LINC Curriculum Guidelines (NLCG) is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The NLCG is an innovative online tool designed to foster consistency and excellence in language instruction for newcomers to Canada.

Developed through a collaborative effort among educators, subject matter experts and stakeholders, the Guidelines serve as a comprehensive roadmap to support instructors, administrators and curriculum developers involved in LINC programs across the country. The NLCG can modernize the LINC program whilst empowering instructors to deliver instruction that is relevant, engaging, and responsive to the diverse needs of learners in their current context.

The Guidelines advocate for a holistic approach in language instruction by delineating essential language skills, competencies, and learning outcomes for each proficiency level. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of digital skills and strategies to keep pace with evolving technological advancements. They also incorporate principles of inclusivity and trauma-informed practices, recognizing the significance of cultural sensitivity within language instruction.

By acknowledging the diverse backgrounds and experiences of learners, they foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Further, the Guidelines provide comprehensive support to instructors by consolidating PBLA and other pedagogical resources, offering assessment strategies and addressing a range of other considerations. Join this panel to learn how best to maximize NLCG for your LINC teaching and learning needs!

Speakers

Rafa Khan

Manager, National LINC Curriculum Projects, Achēv

Rafa Khan (BSc, MPA, PMP) manages the National LINC Curriculum Projects at Achēv in Ontario. She works to develop CLB- and PBLA- aligned LINC materials.

Friday May 2, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
TBA

Assessment/Testing, LINC

2:00pm PDT

Writing Assessment on the Duolingo English Test

Friday May 2, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

TBA

Speakers

Dr. Ben Naismith

Senior Assessment Scientist, Duolingo English Test

Ben Naismith is a Senior Assessment Scientist for the Duolingo English Test. Ben has worked in numerous contexts (including Vancouver) as a teacher, teacher trainer, materials developer, assessment specialist, and researcher. He holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics, and his research... Read More →

Dr. Ramsey Cardwell

Assessment Specialist, Duolingo English Test

Ramsey Cardwell is an Assessment Scientist for the Duolingo English Test. He received his PhD in Educational Measurement with a focus on language testing. Prior to grad school, Ramsey spent several years as an EFL teacher in Korea. His research interests include language testing... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
TBA

Assessment/Testing, Assessment/Testing

3:30pm PDT

Disrupting Assessment: Formative Joy and Summative Strategies

Friday May 2, 2025 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT

TBA

Disrupting Assessment: Formative Joy and Summative Strategies
While a small percentage of second-language learners embrace an additional language for social reasons, most study English and other languages to complete academic requirements and/or as a necessity for employment (Patel, Solly, & Copeland, 2023). The resulting reality, in both academic and employment contexts, is that, for many learners’, the foremost goal is not to learn a language, but to pass tests. Government standardized tests in particular can be challenging for English-language learners (Coltrane, 2022; Erum, 2023).

This creates two problems for language teachers, both closely tied to learner motivation, and through motivation, retention: How can we inject joy into the formative assessment process to creatively motivate learners to acquire a language? and, What do we need to do to prepare learners for a variety of summative language assessments with confidence?

This interactive presentation focuses on joy by exploring innovative ways learners can show what they have learned in open-ended ways. It then shares practical strategies for teachers to help learners succeed when confronted with a range of standardized test types. The purpose of the talk is to help teachers shift learners’ perspectives away from a short-term hardship to pass academic and employment tests, and instead motivate them to learn language as an enjoyable lifelong commitment.

Coltrane, B. (2002, November). English language learners and high-stakes tests: An overview of the issues. Center for Applied Linguistics
Erum, M. (2023, April 24). Standardized tests are failing English language learner students, according to educators and academics. New Canadian Media. www.newcanadianmedia.ca/standardized-tests-are-failing-english-language-learner-students-according-to-educators-and-academics/
Patel, M., Solly, M. & Copeland, S. (2023). The future of English: Global perspectives. British Council

Speakers

Dr. Ken Beatty

Professor, Anaheim University

Dr. Ken Beatty is a writer (149 readers and textbooks) and TESOL Professor who’s worked in 35 countries. He researches critical and creative thinking.

Friday May 2, 2025 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
TBA

Assessment/Testing, Assessment/Testing

1:00pm PDT

Enhancing ESL Listening Assessments with AI Tools

Saturday May 3, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

TBA

Title:
Enhancing ESL Listening Assessments with AI Tools

Abstract:
As technology evolves, educators have new opportunities to integrate AI tools into language instruction. This session explores how AI can improve ESL listening assessments through various methods, including AI-generated audios. The presentation will showcase AI-driven listening activities, discuss their impact on student comprehension and engagement, and provide practical steps for educators to implement similar strategies in their classrooms. Participants will leave with actionable insights on using AI to enhance listening assessment.

Session Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will:

Understand the benefits of using AI tools in ESL listening assessments.
Learn how AI-generated content can enhance student comprehension.
Explore practical steps for incorporating AI into listening activities.
Discuss potential challenges and solutions for using AI in ESL instruction.

Relevance:
This session aligns with the conference theme by blending traditional ESL teaching methods with emerging AI innovations. As educators navigate changing learning environments, AI offers new ways to support student engagement and assessment. By focusing specifically on listening, this presentation provides a targeted and practical approach that teachers can apply immediately.

Session Outline:

Introduction (5 min) – Overview of AI in ESL listening assessments and its significance.
AI in Listening Assessments & Practical Implementation (30 min) – Exploring AI-generated content, interactive tools, and their impact on comprehension. Includes a demonstration of AI tools and examples of how they can be used in listening assessments.
Q&A and Discussion (10 min) – Addressing audience questions and sharing insights.

Speakers