Assessments shouldn’t just measure learning — they should drive it. This practical NEAS PD unit shows you how to design fair, valid, and motivating assessment tasks for English language learners. You’ll connect key theories (cognitive load, language acquisition) to classroom practice, write stronger test items (especially MCQs), and calibrate tasks for different proficiency levels. Zero fluff; maximum classroom impact.
Who it’s for
ELT teachers, DOS/ADoS, curriculum leads, and QA managers
ELICOS, EMI, pathway, and higher-ed language programs
Anyone redesigning tests, rubrics, or placement tools
Time & Format
Total runtime: ~20 minutes of short videos + activities
Format: 10 bite-size sections (1–10 mins each) with a pre-course quiz and optional readings
Mode: Self-paced; downloadable PDF notes provided
Learning Outcomes
By the end, you will be able to:
Explain how Cognitive Load Theory and language acquisition principles shape assessment design.
Distinguish diagnostic, formative, summative, performance-based, and self/peer assessment — and know when to use each.
Apply validity, reliability, authenticity, level-appropriateness, and cognitive load in task design.
Write high-quality multiple-choice items, including plausible distractors that test real understanding.
Calibrate tasks for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners using frameworks like CEFR.
Use assessment results to give targeted feedback and refine teaching.
Course Structure
Before you start: Pre Course questions and videos
Lesson 2: Second Language acquisition and design implications
Lesson 3: Types of assessment (diagnostic, formative, summative, performance, self/peer)
Welcome to the Teacher learning module on using AI to augment your assessments in an English Language environment.
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we design assessments. Instead of starting from scratch, teachers can now use AI to draft questions, prompts, and scenarios in minutes—saving time and adding variety to classroom tasks.
The important thing to remember: AI doesn’t replace your professional judgement. Think of it as a creative assistant that helps generate ideas and first drafts, while you remain the one who ensures accuracy, fairness, and alignment with what really matters in your course.
In this module, you’ll explore how eigh eye can support different assessment types, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to apply simple quality checks so that every item is fit for purpose. You’ll see case studies, pick up practical tips, and try short knowledge checks to keep things engaging.
Watch the introductory video below then go to the ‘before we begin section’ to take the quick Pre-Module Quiz to warm up your thinking—then we’ll dive into how AI can become a trusted partner in your assessment design.
In this module, Developing Practical AI Use Policies, we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping education and what that means for teachers, students, and institutions. The focus is on helping you recognise the opportunities AI offers, while also addressing the risks it poses to academic integrity and fairness.
Across the lessons, you’ll:
Examine the tension between innovation and integrity in AI adoption.
Evaluate real examples of institutional AI policies—their strengths and weaknesses.
Analyse case studies of policy breaches to see what works (and what doesn’t).
Draft your own clear, context-appropriate AI usage statements for your teaching environment.
Through videos, reflections, case studies, and a short quiz, you’ll build practical strategies to ensure that AI policies are fair, enforceable, and aligned with student success.
By the end of this module, you’ll be better equipped to guide your students in using AI responsibly—protecting learning outcomes while embracing educational innovation.
Watch the video below to see the learning outcomes and course overview before beginning the lessons.
This self-paced professional development module introduces teachers to the use of generative AI in English language learning. Participants will explore what generative AI is, how it works, and practical ways to integrate AI tools—such as ChatGPT, Canva Magic Write, GrammarlyGo, and others—into ESL/EAL classrooms. The course highlights benefits for language practice, content customisation, and creativity, while addressing ethical considerations like plagiarism, bias, and transparency. Teachers will also learn strategies for developing students’ digital literacy skills, from prompt engineering to evaluating AI outputs. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped to use AI tools responsibly to enhance engagement, save preparation time, and diversify lesson materials.
Watch the video below to see the learning outcomes and course overview before beginning the lessons.
Aligned to NEAS Quality Assurance Framework H: Online Delivery. This module provides you with information and insights in designing online ELT courses.
Learning outcomes.
At the end of the module, participants will be able to:
Understand the features of a positive and engaging online ELT course
Identify appropriate online teaching and learning strategies
Implement appropriate technological support in online courses
Understand the value of user-friendly integrated reporting systems,
To move through this module, click through to the glossary and then follow the instructions for each lesson.
Aligned to NEAS Quality Assurance Framework G: Strategy, Risk and Governance. This module provides you with information and insights in strategy, risk management and governance within the context of English Language Teaching.
Learning outcomes.
At the end of the module, participants will be able to:
Develop an understanding of risk management and good governance
Identify areas of risk to the organisation
Understand the role and importance governance
Implement appropriate quality assurance policies and procedures.
To move through this module, click through to the glossary and then follow the instructions for each lesson.
Welcome to Area F: International Students Under 18.
Aligned to NEAS Quality Assurance Framework F: Welfare of Students Aged Under 18 Years, this module provides you with the knowledge, tools and strategies to ensure that international students who are under 18 are appropriately supported.
Learning outcomes.
At the end of the module, participants will be able to:
Plan and implement appropriate recruitment initiatives and welfare arrangements for international students under 18 years old
Enhance accommodation and homestay arrangements for under 18 year old students
Implement appropriate on-site and extra-curricular supervisory arrangements for minors
Implement appropriate communication strategies for all stakeholders and networks.
To move through this module, click through to the glossary and then follow the instructions for each lesson.
Welcome to Area E: Promotion and Student Recruitment
Aligned to NEAS Quality Assurance Framework E: Promotion and Student Recruitment, this module provides you with the knowledge, tools and strategies to improve engaging with current and potential customers.
Learning outcomes.
At the end of the module, participants will be able to:
Appropriately and systematically initiate and respond to stakeholder feedback
Implement effective promotional strategies and initiatives
Understand the value of a commitment to quality assurance
To move through this module, click through to the glossary and then follow the instructions for each lesson.
Welcome to Area D: Administration, Management and Staffing
Aligned to NEAS Quality Assurance Framework D: Administration, Management and Staffing, this module provides you with the knowledge, tools and strategies to improve transparency around organisational structures and functions.
Learning outcomes.
At the end of the module, participants will be able to:
Explore a range of strategies to provide greater clarity around organisation structure
Implement a range of communication tools within an organisation
Follow robust recruitment and staff development processes.
To move through this module, click through to the glossary and then follow the instructions for each lesson.
Welcome to Area B: Enhancing the Student Experience
Aligned to NEAS Quality Assurance Framework B: The Student Experience, this module provides you with the knowledge, tools and strategies to provide students with a quality experience both inside and beyond the classroom during their enrolment.
Learning outcomes.
At the end of the module, participants will be able to:
Value the significance of the student experience
Identify areas, in addition to teaching and learning, which students value highly
Explore a range of strategies to enhance the student experience.
To move through this module, click through to the glossary and then follow the instructions for each lesson.
