New Directions East Asia 2024 – A Premier International Event in Language Education

New Directions East Asia is the British Council’s flagship annual conference on language assessment and education. The event serves as a platform to share insights, explore the latest innovations, and examine key trends in language assessment within educational systems. This year, the three-day conference will take place from 21 to 23 November 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme:"The Power of Language Assessment for Individuals and Society."

Key Themes of the 2024 Conference:

The conference will explore how language assessment policies influence both individuals and society. Discussions will be centred around four main themes:

• English Language Policies, Learning Systems, and Assessment:
  This theme highlights how assessment policies shape curriculum design and impact both teachers and learners. It also showcases successful reforms that have improved communicative competence.

• Policy and Society:
  This area focuses on how language policy contributes to economic development, global connectivity, and social mobility—especially in relation to employment and migration opportunities.

• English and Other Languages:
  Here, the role of English alongside local languages in Southeast Asia will be examined. The discussions aim to promote multilingualism and reassess the evolving role of English in modern communication.

• Technology and AI:
  Participants will explore the potential of artificial intelligence in language learning and assessment. Topics include personalized learning, cost-effective testing solutions, and addressing concerns about accessibility and fairness.

PREP’s Participation at New Directions East Asia 2024

PREP, a smart learning and test preparation platform, was honored to be a key participant at this prestigious event. Joining leading education experts and thought leaders from across Asia-Pacific and beyond, PREP engaged in meaningful conversations, knowledge sharing, and collaborative discussions.

This participation also reaffirmed PREP’s close partnership with the British Council, a respected UK organization committed to cultural relations and educational opportunities. The shared vision of both parties is to enhance educational quality, empower language learners, and provide greater access to transformative learning experiences.

Looking ahead, PREP and the British Council are committed to working together on future projects that will promote language learning and support sustainable development for both organizations.

Through this event, PREP also gained valuable insights into the latest research in language assessment and the role of AI in education. These takeaways will contribute to the development of more innovative and effective language courses, ensuring PREP learners continue to benefit from cutting-edge, high-quality learning solutions.