Hawthorn-Melbourne hosts annual UECA PD Fest

University English Centres Australia (UECA) is a network of English language centres attached to Australian universities offering English Language Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), TESOL teacher training and professional development programs.

As a proud UECA member, Hawthorn-Melbourne was pleased to host the annual UECA PD Fest at its campus during October.

Under the banner “The Shifting Landscape,” this year’s event explored emerging trends in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), from the impact of artificial intelligence to the evolving needs of international students.

The program highlighted UECA’s dedication to innovation and excellence, featuring a diverse range of presentations. Sessions explored topics such as supporting neurodivergent learners in the English language classroom, using generative AI to foster learner autonomy, and designing new assessment frameworks for diverse student cohorts.

A highlight of the day was the keynote address by Professor Chi Baik from the University of Melbourne. Titled “From Surviving to Thriving: Understanding and Supporting International Student Well-being in Australian Higher Education,” Professor Baik shared valuable insights into the resilience of international students and the crucial role educators play in nurturing their well-being and success.

As the sector continues to evolve post-pandemic, UECA’s PD Fest provided a timely platform for ELICOS professionals to reflect, adapt, and collaborate, ensuring that educators are equipped to meet the needs of increasingly tech-savvy and diverse learners in a shifting educational landscape.