ISSO 29991: Language-learning services — Requirements
Determining Language-Learning Needs
- Language-learning needs should be analyzed by qualified personnel, considering desired skills (e.g., reading, writing, listening, speaking), the level of competence, and time frame.
- Factors like age, cultural and professional background, language-learning history, and cognitive abilities should be assessed.
- Reference national or international frameworks for language proficiency (e.g., CEFR).
- Learners' and sponsors' goals must be understood and documented, including expectations for applying skills in work-related tasks or other contexts.
- An agreement should be reached on findings, goals, and the service's nature before starting the course.
Design of Language-Learning Services
- Curricula, methods, and materials must align with learners' goals and needs, incorporating best practices and current research.
- Clear objectives, methods, and expected outcomes must be communicated to learners and sponsors.
- Roles and responsibilities of learners, sponsors, and service providers should be well-defined.
- Curricula should be designed by trained professionals and updated at least annually based on evaluations and feedback.
Teachers Appointed by the Service Provider
- Teachers must be:
- Qualified or trained in teaching foreign languages.
- Competent in the target language.
- Engaged in continuous professional development (e.g., in teaching methods, cultural competences, classroom management, assessment procedures).
- Novice teachers should work under supervision until experienced.
- Substitutes must meet qualification requirements and be prepared to deliver lessons effectively.
Availability and Accessibility of Learning Materials
-Materials should align with teaching methods, be up-to-date, and include authentic content reflecting real language use.
- Learners must have access to sufficient quantities of resources tailored to their needs.
-Additional resources like dictionaries and computer-assisted tools should be accessible.
-Compliance with copyright rules for printed and digital material is mandatory.
The Language-Learning Environment
-Physical spaces (classrooms, multimedia rooms) must be:
-Clean, well-lit, ventilated, and temperature-controlled.
-Insulated from noise.
-Large enough for interactive learning.
-Safety facilities and emergency procedures must be
in place, known by all participants, and maintained regularly.
Assessment of language learning
- Initial Assessment: Evaluate the learner's current language proficiency before the course begins.
- Ongoing and Final Assessment: Monitor and assess learner progress throughout the course and measure achievement at the end. Discuss these results with the learner.
- Reporting: Provide learners or their sponsors with reports or certificates detailing the assessment processes and outcomes.
- Support for Learners: Offer specialized assistance from experts to learners who need additional help with learning.
Evaluation of Language-Learning Service Guidelines:
- Purpose of Evaluation: Conduct regular evaluations to ensure the language-learning service meets learners' and sponsors' needs and satisfaction.
- Evaluation Methods:
- Observation: Monitor teaching and learning for quality assurance.
- Review Assessments: Analyze results from learner assessments.
- Feedback Analysis: Collect and review feedback from learners and sponsors regarding service quality and suggestions.
- Utilization of Results: Use evaluation outcomes to make improvements, such as updating the curriculum, course programs, teaching methods, and supporting professional development.
Promotion and advertising of language-learning services
It must include:
Course title, level, and aims.Schedule, location, duration, and timetable.Instructional hours and their distribution across learning methods (e.g., classroom, blended, e-learning).Course objectives and prerequisites (e.g., language proficiency).Teaching and assessment methods, described in accessible terms.Maximum group size and age range of students.Required software and technical equipment.Tuition fees and additional costs (e.g., learning materials, exams).Policies on cancellations, withdrawals, and refunds.Options for auditing or observing courses prior to enrolment.Feedback mechanisms for learner and sponsor satisfaction, including handling complaints.Profiles of teachers, including qualifications and experience.
Communication Channels:
The information should be distributed through various channels like the internet, phone, meetings, mail, and email.
Accuracy and Updates:
Information must be accurate when published and regularly updated. It should be available in both print and digital formats as needed.
Realistic Representation:
All promotional content, including digital and online versions, should accurately reflect the offered services and facilities.
Consultation Availability:
Designated personnel must be available to assist with enrolment inquiries and provide necessary information.
Information about the language-learning services for enrolled learners and their sponsors
- Enrolled learners and their sponsors must be informed of key details before or at the start of language-learning services. This includes:
-Course Information: Purpose, content, assessment methods, and completion awards.
-Commitments: Responsibilities of learners, LLSP, and teachers.
-Support Services: Access to resources like learning tools, hotlines, and mentoring.
•Assessment: Process and schedule for evaluating progress.
•Contact and Feedback: Designated contact person and procedures for handling complaints and disputes.
Invoicing
- Invoices must clearly itemize services provided, their costs, and the period covered.
- Proof of payment should be issued on request.