Professional Training for Raters/Assessors
Course
In Bournemouth
Description
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Type
Course
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Location
Bournemouth
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Duration
2 Weeks
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
Minimum Age - 18
Reviews
Course programme
This course is intended for teachers of aviation English who are required to assess and rate the English language capabilities of pilots, air traffic controllers and other aviation professionals according to the Language Proficiency Requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as set out in ICAO Document 9835. The participants' level of English language should be at least advanced. This will be tested at the start of the course.
The course is divided into two weeks
The first week concentrates on interpreting the language criteria of the ICAO Rating Scale and applying them by listening to and assessing sound files of various non-native speaker aviation professionals.
The second week focuses on sourcing, adapting and producing appropriate materials for use in an assessment test and trialling them on other trainees.
Trainees with no experience of English language teaching are required to attend the Teaching Methodology Course for Teachers of Aviation English before following this course.
Course Content
Week 1 - Rating Awareness and Practice
30 lessons in a closed professional group, supplemented by directed private study and project work. The following areas will normally be covered:
Evaluating and comparing different test types (eg. for ab-initio trainees or trained professionals, direct or semi-direct, including computerised tests)
Identifying the criteria for ICAO levels in: Listening (general comprehension, interpretation and discrimination) Speaking (accuracy, intelligibility and communicative competence)
Defining and evaluating appropriate levels of competence in communication skills, and the 6 criteria of the ICAO Rating Scale.
Practical exercises in rating trainees’ performance at various levels of the ICAO Rating Scale, with emphasis on Levels 2 to 5
Identifying areas for development in failed candidates’ performance, and guiding them towards improving their language proficiency.
Week 2 - Test Production and Delivery
30 lessons in a closed professional group, supplemented by directed private study and project work. The following areas will normally be covered:
Sourcing and selecting materials, creating appropriate tasks for tests, familiarisation with appropriate hardware and software
Evaluating and trialling – in simulation – of test materials
Creating keys and marking guides for assessors
Marking and weighting
Language testing ethics
Planning, staffing and conducting high-stakes testing services for aviation specialists
Additional Study:
Directed individual study - including pre-session preparation, self-assessment, follow-up work, research assignments and project work - is an integral part of the course. We also recommend that some time should be devoted to additional study in the Multi-Media Learning Centre. An extensive selection of computer programs, audio, video/dvd and reference material, both aviation and non-aviation, is available for private use.
Professional Training for Raters/Assessors