SESSION 4B

Benjamin Colthorpe, NEAS
Capitalising on opportunities for innovation

Abstract
This workshop is for academic managers, coordinators, teachers, student services, marketers, counsellors and any other staff member in an ELT centre in quest of innovation.

The workshop aims to support ELT centres in identifying and capitalising on their strengths and/or opportunities for innovation, examining the journey from concept to development.

Participants will explore research and benchmarking strategies, validation processes and development including stakeholder needs analyses and social and economic impacts. It will also be demonstrated how mechanisms such as the NEAS Self-Assessment and Premium Product enterprise may be used to help identify what is superior, innovative or unique in delivery and assessment, student support and services.

Through examination of NEAS' suite of Premium Products and other industry best practices, participants in the workshop will have time to discuss how after identification of gaps, we can move towards creative solutions.

Bio
Benjamin Colthorpe is a Quality Assurance professional in International Education. In his current role as NEAS Australia’s Operations Manager, Benjamin is responsible for the organisation and moderation of Quality Assurance activities for over 200 English Language Teaching Centres in Australia and internationally. Benjamin has worked on various projects at NEAS, from advancing the NEAS Premium Product portfolio to recognise and showcase Australia’s vibrant and colourful ELT industry, to pioneering a new Quality Assurance project in ELT Qualifications, contributing to the building of a quality, respected ELT profession in Australia. Benjamin is committed to seeking, recognising, building, communicating and demonstrating international leadership in quality international education practices.