For nearly 25 years, the International Language Institute (ILI), has been a leader in Canada's English language training industry. In 2006, the Canada Language Council presented ILI with its Lynn Howes Award for quality and innovation. EC operations are based on the ILI model.
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IELTS is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. EC is the IELTS test Centre for the Atlantic Canada region.
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ENGLISH CANADA QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM (QAP)
BACKGROUND
The International Language Institute (ILI) is English Canada's prototype and parent institution andhas been a leader in Canada's English language training industry.
- It is one of the oldest private language training institutes in Canada and an official English and French language training centre for the Canadian government.
- It was the first Cambridge teacher training centre in North America.
- It has formal affiliations with a variety of colleges and universities both within and outside of Canada.
- It is a certified centre for the TOEFL iBT test and the regional test centre for IELTS.
- Colleges and universities accept its University Preparatory program as a basis for satisfying English language admission requirements. (see www.ili.ca).
ILI passed on this heritage to EC in 2003 when EC became the delivery channel to international clients.
Working together, ILI and EC can support individual schools and Ministries of Education to ensure high standards of quality under the EC Quality Assurance Program (or QAP, pronounced "cap").
QAP COMPONENTS
Certificate of Quality
EC issues an annual Certificate of Quality to schools that have met EC standards according to internationally recognized criteria, follow industry best practices, and observe the EC Code of Professional Practice. The schools may then use the "EC Certification Seal" on their letterhead and in their advertising and promotions. The first year of QAP participation is probationary.
Site Review
Certified teacher trainers conduct an initial site review and discuss quality standards with school officials. Topics include curriculum, teacher qualifications, teaching methodology, instructional resources, physical premises, record keeping, organization, operations, supervision, professional development, and the EC Code of Professional Practice.
Teacher Training
Once each year, EC provides a four-week training course at the QAP school with teachers selected by school officials. The teachers must meet minimum standards of education and English language proficiency. The training focuses on current communicative methods and requires supervised practice teaching with authentic learners.
Teacher Profile
QAP schools agree to maintain a staff where at least 75% (full-time equivalent) of the teachers have successfully completed the EC teacher training course.
Professional Development
EC provides a program of ongoing professional development and teacher support on the internet. This service involves lesson planning assistance, advice concerning instructional issues, access to instructional materials on ILI's proprietary web site, and periodic assessments of video-taped classroom lessons. QAP teachers must participate in the professional development activities.
Student Course Evaluations
EC provides an online questionnaire to enable students to comment on what and how they have learned and how well they believe they were taught. The purpose of this activity is developmental. EC teacher trainers compile the results and provide constructive, confidential feedback. Composite results are shared with the Associate's management on a quarterly basis. Individual teacher reports remain confidential.
Short-Term Teachers and Teacher Trainers
EC will send teachers or teacher trainers on short-term assignments to a QAP school for specific teaching or professional development projects upon request. The assignments require at least 90 days advance notice.
Annual Review
EC conducts an annual quality review of QAP operations to ensure that the associate maintains appropriate instructional standards and management practices. EC teacher trainers conduct the quality review at the time that they come to train local teachers.
Internationally Recognized Proficiency Testing
EC works on behalf of the QAP school to provide internationally recognized tests on the QAP school premises (i.e., IELTS or TOEFL iBT).
Placement of Students at Canadian Colleges and Universities
EC provides placement assistance at Canadian colleges and universities for QAP schools in good standing.
Recruiting Agency
QAP schools serve as commissioned agents to recruit students who wish to study English at the International Language Institute or any of its associated colleges and universities in Canada.
Component Details
EC will send upon request a detailed description of any of the above-mentioned components of this QAP program.
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The Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages(CELTA) is the world's most honoured entry-level credential for teaching ESL or EFL. ILI was North America's first authorized teacher training centre. CELTA training is a distinguishing mark of EC teachers.
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Coming soon...
English Canada will soon open a branch office in Bahrain to serve the Gulf Region and a branch office in Panama to serve Central and South America. Information provided on request.
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IELTS is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication.
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