PD Update November
What’s On
Ed-Tech Symposium
Online: 12-13 November, 3.00pm-4.30pm (AEDT)
The English Australia Ed Tech SIG is excited to present its 2025 online Ed-Tech Symposium, ‘Beyond the Hype: Putting GenAI into Practice’ — an event for educators, learning designers, and ed-tech enthusiasts. This year’s theme explores how we can move beyond the hype of Generative AI to practical, meaningful classroom applications that truly enhance teaching and learning. Join us for one day or both!
Vic Advisors Meeting (Melbourne)
Discover English: 27 November, 2.00pm-4.00pm (AEDT)
Born from the English Australia Wellbeing SIG, Vic Advisors is an open network of student facing staff in English Australia member centres who may support students on a range welfare matters. The group is suited to student advisors, counsellors, student services, teachers and any other staff who counsel students on welfare matters, and it provides them with an opportunity to connect with peers, discuss current issues and develop personally and professionally.
Using Custom GPTs in English language teaching and learning
Webinar: 27 November, 2pm-3pm (AEDT)
The English Australia EdTech SIG invites members to its next GenAI Community of Practice (CoP) meeting — a follow-up to its recent sessions on building and using Custom GPTs for English language teaching. This meeting will summarise key insights and practical takeaways from the previous discussions. It will then shift to showcasing CoP member-created Custom GPTs and Copilot Agents, offering real-world examples of how teachers are leveraging GenAI to enhance language teaching and learning.
Assessment SIG Staffroom Table: Reassessing Assessment in EAP – a student perspective
Webinar: 2 December, 1.30pm-2.30pm (AEDT)
Five Macquarie University TESOL students recently undertook a project as part of their assessment internship in which they used GenAI to help them complete a range of traditional EAP assessment tasks. Join us at the next staffroom table to hear about these students’ experiences and findings in using GenAI to complete EAP assignments, and hear their recommendations for EAP assessment. The session will finish with group discussion and interaction.
From Teacher to Leader
Online Course developed by TESOL author Hayo Reinders
From Teacher to Teacher Leader gives teachers the tools to lead from within and is already being used by schools across the world to develop mentors and leaders. This self-paced, research-informed course offers practical tools for mentoring, feedback, and peer leadership; and strategies to create positive change and navigate resistance.
Introduction to Compliance in ELICOS
A new online course developed by English Australia
This self-paced online course gives all ELICOS professionals a clear, practical overview of compliance under the ELICOS Standards — ideal for onboarding or ongoing development.
✔ Practical and easy to follow
✔ Great for both new and experienced staff
✔ Sets the stage for upcoming modules
2025 Ed-Tech Symposium – Register Now!
The English Australia Ed Tech Special Interest Group will host their annual virtual Ed Tech Symposium on 12 and 13 November at 3.00pm-4.30pm (AEDT).
The theme of the Symposium is ‘Beyond the Hype: Putting GenAI into Practice’ and it’s all about empowering educators to explore, experiment, and apply GenAI in ways that make a real difference for students.
✅ Gain hands-on strategies for using GenAI responsibly and effectively
✅ Hear insights from educators and researchers already applying GenAI in their practice
✅ Explore new ideas in technology-enhanced teaching and learning
Free for English Australia members | $45 for non-members
English Australia Conference 2026
16–18 September | Pullman Melbourne on the Park
SAVE THE DATE!
Planning is well underway for the 2026 English Australia Conference, which will return to Melbourne for the first time since 2019.
From 16–18 September 2026, the Pullman Melbourne on the Park will host three days of professional learning, sector innovation, and collaboration across the ELICOS community.
Delegates can look forward to an engaging program featuring thought-provoking keynotes, diverse perspectives, and opportunities to contribute to the ongoing development of English language education in Australia.
Please note the conference dates — 16–18 September 2026 — and stay tuned for further information on the theme, call for abstracts, registration, and program announcements in early 2026.
Impacting and inspiring neurodiverse learners
On 29 October, English Australia’s Wellbeing SIG hosted a thought-provoking webinar exploring how English language practitioners can better understand and support neurodivergent learners. Presented by Gaby Lawson and Jane Murdoch from Monash College, “But I’m not qualified to diagnose!” Impacting and inspiring neurodiverse learners examined how neurodivergence can present in the classroom and offered evidence-based strategies to foster inclusion and meaningful learning outcomes. You can now watch the webinar recording here and view the presentation slides here.
Here’s a short summary of the session.
Supporting Neurodiverse Students in the English Language Classroom
In today’s English language classrooms, neurodiversity is the norm rather than the exception — around one in six students may be neurodivergent. As teachers, we play a crucial role in creating learning environments that support these differences and enable all students to learn and belong.
The Social Model of Neurodiversity
Goldberg’s Social Model (2023) reframes neurocognitive differences as a natural and valuable part of human diversity. Rather than viewing conditions such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia as deficits, this model recognises that many barriers to learning arise from social and environmental factors — not from the learner themselves. The goal is to normalise and celebrate cognitive difference, while removing obstacles that prevent participation and success.
Classroom Interventions that Make a Difference
Teachers are not expected to diagnose, but we can notice, adapt, and respond. Evidence-based classroom strategies include:
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Predictability and structure: Use clear routines and visual schedules; help students identify systems that work for them.
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Chunked instructions: Break tasks into smaller steps, set deadlines for each stage of the task, and check understanding regularly.
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Multimodal input: Combine visual, verbal, and written instructions; use bullet points or picture series to show task steps.
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Sensory awareness: Minimise noise and bright lighting; create flexible work areas; offer quiet or movement breaks where possible.
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Flexible participation: Provide options for engagement and response; provide a variety of prompts.
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Social scaffolding: Model interactions, teach group work skills explicitly and assign roles to group members.
Towards Neuro-Affirming Classrooms
Embracing neurodiversity means moving from “What’s wrong?” to “What works?”. By adjusting our teaching practices and removing learning barriers, we can create classrooms that are inclusive and affirming.
Online Learning with English Australia
Earn certificates of Professional Development and CPD points for watching English Australia webinars.
Many of our past webinars are included as short courses in our Online Learning platform. Members of English Australia can watch the webinars and answer a series of short questions afterwards to earn your certificate of professional development.
Click on the button below to learn more and sign up for English Australia Online Learning!
