2020 Professional Development Conference

This session will present and examine different resources schools can develop to support international students dealing with mental health issues and crisis. Without the large support of a university system how can we best help our students?

Teachers need PD that is individualized and promotes reflective, autonomous practice. This presentation
explains the benefits of using techniques in Cognitive Coaching to meet with teachers in what I call a 3-
Point Observation. These 3-Point Observations utilize Cognitive Coaching mind maps and paralanguage
to guide teachers toward deeper PD.

With the increasing number of Graduate Pathway programs and graduate students in IEP programs at institutions across the country, an obstacle to matriculation is often a GMAT or GRE score. This presentation will address how to improve the curriculum in these courses and in turn improve matriculation rates. 

In this session, we will present the relevant skills to filter out the good quality agents, from what some might view as an overwhelming number of agencies in the field.  This session will offer participants tips on how to build and maintain effective and durable partnerships with agents.

With frequent declining enrollment, it is increasingly important to innovate to stay afloat. Presenters share changes they’ve made to their programming, pricing, partnerships and promotional techniques that have helped them reverse the trend and actually increase revenue.  Attendees leave with ten practical ideas they can implement in their own IEPs.

Assessment for Learning (AFL) is a collaborative method where learners and instructors both evaluate the learner's current skillset to identify knowledge gains and gaps for future learning. This workshop will demonstrate to IEP professionals how to utilize/choose images from (photographs, websites, digital-media, art, television) to create successful AFL-ESL activities.

Student services practitioners play a crucial role in supporting students, and the purview of IEP student services is vast and varied. Creating a unified vision and purpose for those in these roles is challenging, as is advancing individual professional standards and competencies. We approached this challenge with a student-affairs-in-higher-education framework.

This presentation will discuss the results of a qualitative content analysis of a virtual community of practice associated with Intensive English Programs. Member perceptions of the topics, tools, and participation practices within the VCoP will be presented. Some key findings include knowledge hoarding, privacy concerns, and brand awareness.

Students continue to come to the US to study in secondary schools. These students present an opportunity for IEP's to develop programming for these students in the summer months and at break times. Come learn about the numbers of students involved and about how to access these students.

When students are interested they work harder, persist longer, and remember more accurately. Authentic, relevant and global content, incredible photography, fascinating stories, and inspiring ideas from National Geographic Learning and TED catch and hold students’ interest. Join us as we demonstrate how great content prepares students for academic success.

Digital content, blended learning, or print books: teachers make daily decisions on how to leverage content to achieve the best learning for students. In this session, we will examine how to make adjustments using high and low tech solutions to improve alignment to measurable program outcomes, while reducing teacher workloads. 

University-bound international students require social and cultural programming in order to best support student transition and retention.  This session will look at orientation building blocks for international students based on best practices at Miami University, components which could transfer well individually, or in combination, to diverse pathway and IEP settings.  

New curriculum development has implications for teacher preparedness, planning, program resources, methodology and program culture. Using a case study approach, the presenters describe how their institution transformed an inadequate college preparation program in response to lack of readiness among students who progressed to college-level courses.

IEPs can no longer rely on teaching English primarily to university-bound students. We will share experiences, advice, and unresolved questions about broadening our scope by deploying our core competencies of English language teaching and training to various learner groups and contexts to capitalize on new opportunities to raise our value.  

This session will explore different methods of training new DSOs and updating seasoned DSOs with current SEVP regulations.

One aspect that can make or break the international student experience is housing. In this session, we will discuss the housing program of an IEP with on campus dormitory housing and a homestay program and strategies on starting and building a housing program and maintain high student satisfaction. 

In this session, participants will learn about the history and beginning of a 30-year partnership between a Japanese University and Ohio University.   The presenters will describe how the partnership began, the interdisciplinary model used during the study abroad, and strategies/tips for maintaining a strong partnership.

Research suggests that, when appropriately implemented, students and instructors both benefit from a framework where instructors advise students. INTO OSU applied this model in Summer 2019. Based on this experience, INTO OSU advisors and managers will discuss challenges and strategies to smoothly implement an instructor-advisor model at participants’ institutions.

Session provides :

insight into robustness, integrity, and predictive validity of Britain’s English Language Exams, aiding  in understanding the positive and tangible impacts of test adoption in the admission process.

broad overview of the UK Test Assessment Market, diving deep into an understanding of test development and Britain’s Test Accreditation systems.

Operating an IEP in a state that requires licensing can be overwhelming - the rules change midstream, deadlines don't always match your school calendar and some standards can feel impossible to achieve. Based on the pemise that accreditation helps is be our best, where does state licensing fit in?

Learn how you can enhance English language teaching capacity abroad through 10-month paid teaching fellowships designed by U.S. Embassies for experienced U.S. TESOL professionals. As an English Language Fellow, you can provide English language instruction, conduct teacher training, and develop resources. Join us to hear from program staff and alumni.

CEA is the specialized accreditor for postsecondary intensive English programs and accredits over 340 programs and institutions worldwide. In preparation for a 10-year review of the CEA Standards, scheduled for 2020, a survey was administered. Results and a discussion of the review process and future activities will be presented.

Concerning times demand innovative approaches. This session explores the innovation taking place in the ESL/IEP profession and how US-based IEPs of all types are broadening their portfolios in providing students and organizations, from their backyard to across the pond, effective and successful programming. 

An interactive session which explores ways to boost staff and teacher morale and create a positive team culture in your organization. This session is open to all, regardless of experience. 

Ignite life into your IELTS test prep class! This interactive session covers the structure and assessment criteria of the speaking section of IELTS and introduces teachers to an engaging impromptu speaking task that builds confidence and fluency. This session is useful to any teachers of English language learners. 

The demands of graduate programs differ significantly from undergraduate programs.  When students need intensive English instruction before progression into these programs, one size doesn't fit all.  This session will present ways how intensive English programs can prepare students for pathway programs and university progression.  

When changes occur in language schools/programs, it can often feel that there are top down decisions being made that may not always be presented effectively. We discuss experiences and best practices for change management and how to create psychological safety for employees during a time of tumultuous change. 

Mentorship programs can address many of the academic and socio-emotional challenges that face IEP students.  This interactive session provides strategies for building and sustaining an effective program that pairs IEP students with members of the undergraduate community and harnesses the power of peer influence to increase student success and well-being.

Administrators have many junctures to foster the best from instructors they manage.  This presentation will look at two critical points: teacher orientations and classroom-observation debriefings.  Culled from time-tested interactions, the material covered will review best practices and valuable takeaways to elicit more seamlessly operating programs with confident, effective instructors. 

In this session, participants see how an administrative faculty IEP uses PowerPoint videos in two different ways: as an instructor tool in the classroom, and as a training tool for faculty. PowerPoint videos are great content builders that enhance student experience in both the face-to-face classrooms and online platforms. 

During this session, participants willl learn about the U.S. Commerical Service and how the agency can support IEP's international recruitment efforts through a variety of program offerings. Participants will learn about global market trends in demand for IEPs, identify markets of opportunity, and tools that will optimize global recruitment strategies. 

Norming of placement writing exams and term writing tests is essential in an IEP. Successful norming ensures interrater reliability and increases instructor confidence. This session will present a solid model of norming writing assignments through training, follow-up, and consistent application that is proven to work.

Benefits for an IEP program to align with the CEFR level system using the latest assessment tools such as Linguaskill. 

To better address changing student needs and campus practices, the Learning Center at INTO OSU transitioned from traditional appointment-based tutoring to a resource center with open lab tutoring. The presenters will explain the process and beneficial reasons for the changes and discuss how to replicate this at other institutions. 

Karin Fischer is a long time international education reporter, currently writing for the Chronicle of Higher Education, the New York Times, and other publications. Last summer, she launched a weekly blog called, latitudes, which provides additoinal news, analysis, and observations on international education. Come join in a Q & A session with and learn about trends and issues affecting international education.

The changing landscape of IEPs requires program adaptation. Presenters take participants on a figurative journey through their IEP’s restructure, sharing components to be addressed, resources required, and time needed for each component. Attendees leave with a more realistic expectation of the complexity and long-term nature of a program restructure.

Parents play a key role in study abroad decisions, part of the recruitment effort should include messaging speaking to their concerns and hopes. Parents’ priorities will differ according to where they live – conduct market research to ensure your communications hit the right mark and continue to focus on retention. 

Pathway programs offer a unique opportunity to implement content-based instruction when English language classes are partnered with general education courses in the host university.  This presenter shares five principles of content-based instruction and how they can be utilized in pathway program courses and a range of other teaching contexts.

How do you feel when your rideshare app adds 2 minutes to your pick up time? Frustrated.  International students in 2020 have grown up only knowing on-demand service.  Our IEP found ways to meet their expectations using free services to facilitate applications, advisement, and payment in a 100% digital way.

To build a successful student recruitment campaign requires the processes, the people, and proper follow-up strategies to communicate and convert those leads when they arrive.  We will introduce best practices in converting inquiries to enrollment by using top CRM functions, prioritization & categorization, and some old-school secrets.

This presentation explains the major components of a grammar for writing course aiming to facilitate learners’ accuracy in writing. These include the use of engaging texts as input and models, language analysis activities, systematic corrective feedback, and learners’ error analyses. Course materials and learners’ writings will be used as illustrations.

Every IEP program is unique in its educational mission and available resources – which can make it challenging to set score requirements for placement purposes.  This session will review the goals and steps of a well-designed standard setting process using the TOEFL ITP Test to illustrate core concepts.

Divisiveness in the US has paused some conversations and programming surrounding cross-cultural competence and engagement with international students. This discussion/workshop seeks to develop tools for teachers and administrators to engage in conversations with people in the broader community so that the work of deeper connections between cultures can continue. 

Academic reading circles can be an important tool to facilitate comprehension, fluency, and engagement in readings of both academic and literary texts, as well as encourage critical thinking and personal responsibility in students.  This session will demonstrate how to create successful ARCs in your own classrooms.  Handouts will be provided.

Many IEP classrooms are facing lower student numbers and a wider range of English language proficiencies in the same classroom.  Participants will learn how to scaffold content, process, and product for a range of language proficiency levels in the IEP classroom. Practical examples of instructional strategies will be given.

Is your program designed with progress in mind? In this session, we will learn how to use learning metrics informed by the Common European Framework of Reference and Global Scale of English to identify specific learning distributions and create custom programs to consistently deliver measurable learning results.

What makes great customer service in student services? How can we make a difference in our students' lives? We will consider the IEP experience from our students' point of view, and offer two Japanese concepts for meeting their needs and helping them reach their full potential outside the classroom. 

Providing detailed, quality feedback on student progress either uses up precious prep time or gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. Online documentation has cut our admin time, improved our record keeping and teacher-to-teacher communication, and increased the amount of quality, individualized feedback for students.

Investing in meaningful interactions costs little, if anything. This investment has a positive impact on students’ learning experiences and engagement. Within our program, we are working to highlight the importance of the collaborative efforts of teaching faculty and student services educators to promote student success, to the benefit of all.

Universities that decide to start a pathway program face a major decision on whether to create their own in-house program or partner with a third-party, for-profit provider. Using a case study of one university that experienced both types of programs, the presenters share data, analyses, and insights. 

When revieiwing  the needs of EAP students--to succeed on essay exams, write research papers, enter into academic discussions and give presentations--, students need to be able synthesize information from a variety of sources--lectures, textbooks, research articles, etc.  A well designed dictogloss can serve all of these needs.

Language Learning Projects (LLPs) are an excellent way to make the connection between classroom and autonomous learning. The presenters share their experiences incorporating LLPs in ESL and EFL contexts, involving both students and NNESTs. Examples of projects as well as practical guidelines for creating them will be included. 

Learn more about opportunities for partnering with IIE to implement customized programming for sponsored students. We’ll review best practices and tips for navigating the RFP process from successful proposal submission through program implementation and close-out.

We surveyed international students about their views on issues ranging from gender to consumerism, and we surveyed IEP professionals on their views and responsibility in cultivating empathy. The result has been a year-long initiative to develop programming that inspires respectful discussion and open mindedness among international students.

EAP students often struggle to understand the importance of academic integrity. Through a 4-step warning protocol, scaffolded activities using sources, and noticing activities based on real-world examples, teachers can get students where they need to be in order to succeed in an academic environment.

While literacy skills are fundamental for academic success, encouraging IEP students to read outside of class can be challenging.  Creating a reading club can reinforce skill development and promote pleasure reading.  This presentation will describe two approaches to starting reading clubs and share recommendations to increase participation and attendance.

Many have heard that thriving in times of change means implementing innovative Marketing strategies, but what does that mean? How much does that actually cost? Is it really possible to reach international students with a dwindling travel budget? How do we quantify marketing efforts like emails, likes and retweets?

Reflective teaching is an effective and accessible form of professional development.  Two IEP teachers have tried a new approach and enrolled in yearlong foreign language classes in order to understand their own students better and ultimately become more effective teachers.  This presentation will offer the highlights of their year-long endeavor. 

Students are frequently reluctant to ask for help for academic or personal issues.  They realize the need when it is too late.  This workshop explores activities and techniques to help students identify areas of need and encourage them to reach out for help, while acknowledging that this is a process.