RESEARCH CONFERENCES

Scape the Standards ISO Edition - Games and Challenges inspired by the International ISO Standards for English Language Learning.

Objective: 

Teams of pre-service English teachers collaborated to decipher ISO concepts, solve puzzles, role-play scenarios, and overcome creative challenges as they had fun, learned, and enjoyed.

This event was held on the 23rd and 24th of January of this year at the National University of Education in Chuquipata, Ecuador, and was attended by students from various semesters. The conference provided valuable insights and knowledge aimed at supporting their professional development as future English educators.

As mentioned before, the main topic was the ISOS.

ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization, a non-governmental organization that creates international standards. ISO's mission is to make the world safer, easier, and better through standards that improve quality, safety, and efficiency. 

How ISO standards are developed?

• ISO standards are developed through consensus by global experts and stakeholders.
• The process starts with a draft that meets a market need.
• The draft is shared for discussion and comment.
• If consensus is reached, the draft becomes an ISO standard.
• If an agreement isn't reached, the draft is modified and voted on again.

Insights and Goals of The Great ISO Quest

The Great ISO Quest was conceived as an innovative and engaging method to immerse future educators in the foundational concepts of ISO standards, particularly those relevant to language learning and educational services. By transforming abstract standards into tangible challenges, we sought to deepen participants' understanding through experiential learning.

• Experiential Learning: Participants engaged directly with ISO standards by solving puzzles, navigating scenarios, and interpreting real-world educational challenges. This hands-on approach facilitated deeper cognitive connections with the material.

• Collaborative Problem Solving: The game structure promoted teamwork, requiring participants to synthesize diverse perspectives and collaboratively develop solutions. This mirrors the collaborative nature of educational environments and prepares future teachers for the dynamics of professional collaboration.

• Creativity and Innovation: By framing learning standards within a playful, game-based context, participants were encouraged to think creatively and explore unconventional approaches to problem-solving. This creativity is essential for adaptive teaching and designing engaging learning experiences.

• Application of Theory to Practice: Participants navigated scenarios that directly linked theoretical ISO standards to practical classroom applications, fostering a clear understanding of how abstract standards influence day-to-day teaching practices.

All activities were student-driven, empowering participants to take ownership of their learning and develop autonomy. The facilitators' role was minimal, stepping in only to guide discussions or provide necessary clarifications, reinforcing the importance of student agency in educational settings. This approach not only cultivated leadership and initiative but also mirrored the participatory, student-centered learning environments we aspire to create as educators.