British Council to Host First-Ever New Directions Conference in South Asia
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The British Council has announced that its flagship New Directions Conference 2025 will take place in South Asia for the first time, bringing together leading UK and global experts in English language learning and assessment. Scheduled for 21-22 February 2025, the event will be held in New Delhi, India.
The conference will serve as a key platform for discussions on innovative approaches and technologies in English language assessment. Participants will include academics, educators, policymakers, and assessment experts from across the UK, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
Focus on Innovation in Language Learning
According to Harriet Gardner, Regional Exams Director, South Asia at the British Council, New Directions has been a leading event in language assessment since 2013.
“By bringing together thought leaders, educators, and policymakers, we aim to foster meaningful discussions on the intersection of technology and tradition, ensuring that language assessment continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s learners,” said Gardner.
Duncan Wilson, CEO of BC Education India Pvt Ltd, highlighted the conference’s role in addressing challenges and opportunities in English language education across South Asia.
“At the British Council, we strive to foster innovation and inclusivity in education, empowering learners, educators, and institutions to thrive in a multilingual and technology-driven landscape,” Wilson stated.
Key Themes and Discussions
New Directions South Asia 2025 will focus on four major themes:
- English for Employability
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English Education
- Assessing Young Learners
- The Role of English in Multilingual Education
The British Council states that the event will showcase the latest global research and provide practical tools for educators, policymakers, and assessment professionals.
Conference Theme
The theme for this year’s conference is:
“Technology and Tradition: The Changing Face of Assessment in English Language Learning Systems.”
With this initiative, the UK-based British Council aims to reshape English language education for a multilingual world, ensuring effective and inclusive assessment practices.
Source: SHIKSHA
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