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As a language teacher, your goal is not just to impart knowledge but to guide your students on a transformative journey toward fluency. Assessing and tracking learning progress is a dynamic process that empowers both educators and learners, rather than being just a routine task.

In today's language learning blog post, we will explore the significance of assessment in language teaching and provide valuable insights on how to track and assess your students' linguistic development.

The benefits

Informed instruction

Regular assessments enable teachers to tailor instruction to meet individual student needs. Identifying strengths and weaknesses helps educators adapt teaching methods, promoting a more personalized and effective learning experience.

Motivational tool

Assessment results can be very useful in motivating students. Even small progress should be acknowledged as it can boost their confidence and encourage a positive attitude towards learning. It is important to share success stories, celebrate achievements and foster a culture of continuous improvement within your language classroom.

Feedback for growth

Assessment feedback can help students improve their skills by giving them a clear idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can use this feedback to encourage students to take responsibility for their learning journey and foster a growth mindset that is resilient even in the face of linguistic difficulties.

Tracking and assessment methods

Diverse assessment methods

Embrace a variety of assessment methods to capture the multifaceted nature of language learning. Beyond traditional exams, integrate speaking assessments, project-based evaluations and collaborative activities. This diversity ensures a comprehensive understanding of your students' language proficiency.

Example: Consider assigning projects that involve researching, creating presentations and demonstrating creative expression (like plays or videos) in the target language. Assessing various aspects such as language skills, creativity and critical thinking. Design projects around your class's interests and motivations.

Formative assessments

Integrate formative assessments into your teaching strategy. These ongoing evaluations, such as quizzes, class discussions and short writing assignments, provide real-time feedback. For instance, if you notice that your students are struggling with a particular concept, you can use formative assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of your teaching approach and make necessary adjustments.

Example: Conduct regular quizzes, polls or short assessments during class to evaluate students' understanding. Use quick checks to gauge student understanding to adjust teaching methods accordingly. This will help you tailor your teaching methods in real time to ensure effective lesson delivery.

Portfolio assessment

Encourage students to maintain language portfolios. These portfolios can include samples of their written work, recorded conversations and reflections on their language learning journey. Portfolio assessments offer a holistic view of progress and provide students with a tangible record of their achievements.

Example: Conduct periodic portfolio reviews to discuss progress and set goals. Encourage frequent reflection to show learners how far they've come.?

Self-assessment

Empower students to self-assess. Encourage reflection on their language skills, setting goals and evaluating their own progress. Self-assessment also fosters a sense of responsibility and independence in the learning process. When students take ownership of their progress, they become more invested in their education and are more likely to achieve their goals.

Example: Provide your language students self-assessment checklists or rubrics for them to evaluate their proficiency and set personal goals.

Technology integration

Use language learning platforms' analytics and progress reports for data-driven decision-making. It's great to help save time and provide reliable and up-to-date reports.?

Example: Using online platforms for assignments, quizzes and collaborative projects with built-in tracking features. Our learning platforms, ɫèAV English Connect (PEC)?and MyEnglishLab (MEL), can help you keep track of your students' progress.

Cultural projects

Cultural projects are a great way to engage students in the broader context of the language they are learning. These projects could involve researching cultural practices, traditions or historical events related to the language.

Students learn how to navigate cultural nuances, understand diverse perspectives and effectively communicate in different cultural contexts by participating in cultural projects. Such projects help students form a personal connection with the language and bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, making language learning more meaningful.

Example: Assign projects that explore certain cultural aspects of the target language, encouraging a deeper understanding of context. These can be evaluated on how well it's presented, its clarity, and how factually accurate it is.

Peer reviews

Peer review is a valuable practice that promotes a sense of community within the language learning classroom. It involves students working together and offering constructive feedback to each other, which leads to the development of their language skills. It creates a collaborative learning environment where students actively participate in the improvement of their peers, learning from one another's strengths and weaknesses.

Students often put more effort into assignments when they know peers will review their work. This increased accountability can lead to higher-quality work and a greater commitment to language learning.

Example: Implement peer review sessions where students provide feedback on each other's written or spoken assignments. Encourage constructive criticism to enhance collaboration and learning. To accommodate shy students, this process can be anonymous.

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Assessing and tracking language learning progress is integral to effective language teaching, requiring continuous interaction between educators and students.

By utilizing diverse assessment methods and fostering a culture of constant improvement, language teachers play a vital role in guiding their students toward linguistic fluency. Helping language students celebrate their successes and overcome challenges helps them to be not only proficient speakers but also lifelong language enthusiasts.

Are you an English teacher preparing for assessments? Check out our post?Motivating your students through assessment.

As well as our learning platforms, PEC?and MEL, we offer various English assessments and courses to help track your learner's progress and to certify their English level, so make sure to explore our range to find the best solution for your students.??

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Welcome to the beginning of a new year, filled with countless possibilities and exciting opportunities for learning a new language. If you're like most people, you probably have some language learning resolutions and goals you'd like to achieve this year.

While setting these goals is easy, sticking to them can appear daunting. But don't worry, we¡¯re here to help you not only set those goals but also achieve them like a pro. Below are some useful tips to help turn your language aspirations into reality this year and to keep you motivated towards your goals.

Online language teaching has become a prominent facet of modern education, especially in light of recent global changes. The ability to instruct and learn languages online has opened up new possibilities for educators and students alike.

The importance of using tools in online language teaching cannot be overstated. In this digital era, these tools serve as the linchpin for effective and engaging instruction. They enhance the learning experience, promote interaction and provide valuable resources that traditional teaching methods often lack.

The digital language teaching landscape

The shift to online education

As a result of the digital revolution, which has completely changed how information is accessible and disseminated, education is moving toward being done online.

has several benefits, such as:

• Accessibility: Online language courses break down geographical barriers, allowing students worldwide to access quality instruction and teaching.
• Flexibility: Students can tailor their learning schedules to their needs, making education more accommodating for a diverse range of learners.
• Interactivity: Online platforms offer numerous interactive features, such as virtual classrooms, video conferences and chat tools, enhancing student-teacher and peer-to-peer interactions.
• Rich resources:?Online language teaching can harness a vast array of multimedia resources, making learning more engaging and effective.

Challenges for language educators

While the shift to , it also brings challenges that language educators must navigate, including:

• Adaptation: Educators must adapt to new teaching methods, technologies and platforms, which can be a steep learning curve for some.
• Engagement: Maintaining student engagement in an online environment requires creative approaches and the integration of various teaching tools.
• Assessment: Assessing student progress can be more complex online, but it also offers the opportunity for innovative assessment methods.
• Technical issues: Connectivity problems and technical glitches can disrupt online classes, requiring educators to be tech-savvy troubleshooters.
• Isolation: Online learning can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation among students, so educators need to foster a sense of community and support.

Essential online language teaching tools

The right tools are essential to create engaging and compelling learning experiences. This section explores the key categories of tools that educators can utilize to enhance their online language teaching.

Tools for interactive lessons and activities

• Video conferencing platforms: These platforms enable real-time interaction with students, allowing educators to conduct live lessons, engage in discussions and facilitate group activities. Video conferencing helps replicate the classroom experience online. Platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet provide a virtual classroom environment with features for video, audio and chat communication.
• Interactive whiteboards: Tools like Jamboard and? allow educators to write, draw and share resources in real time. This feature enhances engagement and enables educators to illustrate concepts effectively.
• Screen recorder: software allows educators to capture their lessons, which can be invaluable for students who miss a live session. Recorded lessons can also serve as a reference for students during their self-paced learning.
• Teleprompter: A helps educators maintain a smooth and organized delivery during recorded lessons. It ensures that lessons stay on track and within a predefined timeframe, improving the clarity and effectiveness of instruction.

Tools for assessment and feedback

• Quizzes and surveys: Platforms like ?and? allow educators to create online quizzes and surveys for assessing students' knowledge.
• Assignment submission tools: Learning management systems (LMSs) such as?ɫèAV English Connect (PEC)?and MyEnglishLab (MEL) enable students to submit assignments electronically, making it easier for educators to grade and provide feedback.
• Feedback forms: Google Forms and Microsoft Forms can collect student feedback, helping educators improve their teaching methods.

Tools for content and resource creation

• Video creation tools: Video editing software empowers educators to create engaging educational videos, lectures and tutorials. This multimedia approach can make complex concepts more accessible to students.
• Video compressor: tools reduce the file size of videos without compromising quality. This is especially useful for ensuring students can easily access and stream video content, even with limited bandwidth.

How to implement online language tools

Implementing online language tools effectively is crucial for creating a dynamic and successful learning environment. Here are some best practices for integrating these tools into language teaching.

• Alignment with learning objectives: Ensure your tools align with your course objectives. They should enhance the learning experience and help achieve specific educational goals.
• Teacher training: Invest time in training educators to use these tools effectively. Familiarity with the tools' features and functionalities is essential.
• Clear instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions on how to use the tools. Create tutorials or to help students navigate them effectively.
• Accessibility and inclusivity: Ensure that the tools and content you use are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. This means considering factors like compatibility and providing transcripts for multimedia content.
• Regular feedback: Encourage students to provide feedback on their experience with the tools. Use this feedback to make improvements and adjustments.

Explore the tools discussed in this guide, experiment with them and adapt your teaching methods to the digital age. By staying curious, adaptable and open to innovation, you'll be better equipped to provide your students with the best possible language learning experience in the online realm. Happy teaching!?

If you're a teacher looking for more hints and advice to level up your language teaching, check out our?language teaching blog posts. We also have opportunities for professional development.?

You may have heard the term learning management system (LMS) at work or perhaps during your time in education. For many, this throws out images of clunky, outdated systems that clumsily distribute course materials and are tough to use.?But that is no longer the case. Modern LMS's are far more user-friendly, and it's time to relearn what you thought you knew about these tools.?

In this ultimate guide, we will look at everything you need to know about learning management systems and why they are so beneficial.?

What is a learning management system?

is a digital platform or (SaaS) solution that is used to create, organize and distribute online courses.?

The idea is that these LMS platforms offer one central place for users to manage and access courses and learning materials. Depending on the user, this could be anything from self-paced e-courses to classroom training.?

This can help facilitate a range of training, studying and skills development, as well as assessments, exams and certification management.?

Who uses LMS's and why??

There are many great uses for learning management systems but these are used primarily by businesses and educational establishments. Here are some of the most common use cases for these platforms:?

• HR and management - The HR and management team might implement these across the business to help with learning and development and make sure that organizational goals are being hit

• Employee onboarding - Those starting a new job may be given training via an LMS; this can make the onboarding process much quicker and simpler?

• Compliance training - Lots of roles require compliance training, for example health and safety training, and this is a great way for businesses to stay up to date and ensure everyone complies with regulations?

• Customer support - Some businesses use learning management systems to onboard customers or clients. This might include sharing user manuals and product guides. Plus, sales professionals might also use them to train new partners or clients in using their services or platforms.?

• Classroom learning - Lecturers and teachers can create and share course materials and align content and tests from one place. These can also be used to put a twist on traditional classroom learning.?

• Blended learning - Schools, colleges and universities may use these for online lessons and blended learning, particularly for remote students?

• Volunteer training - Charities and non-profits may also use an LMS to educate volunteers and keep them motivated about the cause?

Of course, these platforms can and will be used in other ways, but these are some of the most common and beneficial uses for LMS's.?

Who has access to LMS's?

In most cases, learning management systems will have two primary user groups: administrators and learners.??

Administrators are the people who create, manage and deliver e-learning. They may use these platforms to upload their own learning materials, or they may select courses and materials from an existing list given by the provider.

On the other hand, learners are the professionals or students who will use these platforms to train, study and gain new skills. Many modern LMS's allow multiple learners to train or access materials at the same time.

However, there is a third and final group that we have yet to mention: the parents of students using LMS's, particularly outside of school hours. In some cases, parents may have access to these systems to support students, track their progress or look at feedback from the teacher.?

Key features in modern LMS's

There are a variety of learning management systems out there and some are more advanced than others. That being said, many modern platforms will share similar features to ensure they stay competitive. Some of these key features may include:?

• Authoring tools that allow administrators to upload or build their own courses

• Access to subject matter experts who can contribute to learning and development activities?

• Automated workflows that allow for the creation of personalized learning journeys

• A resources library that holds all relevant learning materials, such as guides, video clips and courses

• Quizzes and surveys for a more fun and engaging way to assess learners?

• Compliance features, such as automatic reminders that notify learners when it is time to retrain?

• Certificates and diplomas that give learners recognition as they study and meet their targets?

• Insights and analysis for individual progress and results, allowing administrators to identify gaps or areas where support is needed

• Compatibility with mobile devices for studying on the go?

• Integrations with other internal systems and software?

This is by no means a complete list and different platforms will have different functionality. However, these are some of the most common and beneficial features of many modern LMSs.

The benefits of using learning management systems

Saving time and money

First and foremost, an LMS can be an excellent way for businesses to save time and money on training.?

Of course there is an initial investment in the platform, but training can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly if it must take place in a location outside of the workplace.?Therefore, this can be the more cost-effective solution. Not to mention, the materials are quick to access and can save time and effort.?

Ensuring compliance training is completed

These platforms are an excellent way to ensure that all mandatory training is completed on time and to the highest standard. For example, industry-specific training such as fire safety or cybersecurity training.?

Provide accurate data

Administrators can access data and insights into their employee's learning. This can be a great way to see where more support is needed and to identify any skills gaps that need to be filled.?Similarly, teachers can get to grips with how well their students are doing and if they need extra help in any subjects or areas.

Improves the learning experience

Whether in school or the workplace, LMS's can be a great way to improve the learning process. It allows users to study and access learning materials from one accessible location.?Plus, through a multimedia approach, they can use guides, videos and more to help them learn. This can ensure they engage with the materials and stay motivated.?

Simplifying communication

Finally, an LMS can make communication between students, teachers, employees and employers far simpler. For example, automated reminders keep everyone in the loop and ensure all training is completed on time.?But more than that, there is one central place to communicate, review feedback and access the same materials.?

Are you thinking about embarking on a career in education? If so, you¡¯ll be opening the door to an entire world of possibilities. An education degree can help you to work anywhere in the world, making it one of the most rewarding career paths you can choose. In this blog, we¡¯ll delve deeper into just how this field of study can broaden your horizons more than you ever thought possible.

Why choose an education degree?

Without teachers, there are a lot of valuable life lessons that we just wouldn¡¯t learn. Of course, learning isn¡¯t just limited to the classroom, but educated teachers seem to consistently have the most impact on young people all over the world. This potential to change young lives is what makes studying for a teaching career desirable for many.

Studying education will also enable you to work from anywhere that you like, as teaching jobs are widely available across the world. The opportunity to teach English to second-language learners in particular can be found in even the most remote locations. Teaching abroad frequently comes with perks, too, , and the chance to meet people from all walks of life.

Where can I work with an education degree?

In short: almost anywhere. Some of the most popular places people immigrate to with an education degree include Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The latter is particularly attractive, as international school teachers are paid well here, and frequently awarded free accommodation and travel.

Saudi Arabia is also known for its vast riches, which they invest in building beautiful, gated communities for their expats. These often include air-conditioned housing and community pools. If you choose to relocate here, you¡¯ll usually find yourself teaching a mixture of fellow expats and locals ¨C most people find the exposure to such vastly different cultures particularly exciting.?

Teaching schemes and programs are available to people with relevant education degrees and overseas teaching roles are always in demand, so it's not uncommon to see new programs pop up over time. Make sure to check out relevant embassy and government websites for up-to-date news on schemes that are running.

If you find a program that interests you, make sure to do your research and find out from others who've participated to ensure its the right program for you. One person's experience teaching can be a lot different from someone else's. The kind of wage, accommodation and benefits can differ greatly depending on the scheme and where you work so its a good idea to research that, comparing it to the area's cost of living.

What should I study alongside my education degree?

If you¡¯re choosing to study education you¡¯re already on the right path to an enriching international career ¨C however, you may wish to study other subjects alongside this to make sure that your future job applications stand out.

An English degree complements education studies nicely. The English language teaching market created approximately , and this number continues to grow. Alternatively, subjects such as maths and computer science continue to be popular choices for hiring companies abroad.

Education is generally seen as the precursor to a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), which enables you to work abroad. In the UK alone as of 2023, so when it comes to getting started on your academic journey, the options are endless.

Education: the key to the world

Studying education at degree level will give you the key to the wider world, and is the first step towards a rewarding international career. If you choose to go down this route academically, you¡¯ll have the opportunity to submerge yourself in vibrant global cultures. So, choosing to study for an education degree is sure to be the start of an exciting journey.

It's essential to engage in real-life conversations to truly become proficient in a language. By immersing yourself in realistic situations, you can really boost your English skills. Of course, it can be difficult to find people to speak to if you aren¡¯t in an area with many English speakers. By practicing different possible scenarios, when the time or situation arises, you know you¡¯ll be ready to take on the challenge.

You might be preparing to work or study abroad, trying to connect with a new friend or improving your workplace communication. Let¡¯s explore some realistic practice scenarios that can help you feel more confident and fluent when speaking English in your everyday life.

In today's fast-paced digital era, online resources and language learning apps have become the popular means for mastering English. However, offline language learning has its own unique charm and benefits. Engaging our senses and connecting with the physical world around us can enhance our language skills in ways that no app can match. In today's language learning blog, we discuss offline language learning activities that can help you towards becoming a confident English speaker, even without an internet connection.

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When it comes to business, communication is key. Knowing how to use business English idioms can really help you express yourself, make connections and achieve success. These colorful expressions add depth and nuance to our conversations, making it easier to communicate confidently and effectively.?

Today, we explore several commonly used idioms you might come across when using English in the workplace, providing examples of how they can be used and shedding light on their meanings.

Ballpark figure

A ballpark figure means an estimate or rough guess of a quantity or value. It's a handy way to give a general idea or range without getting too into the details. This can be really helpful during negotiations or planning when you don't need exact numbers. Ballpark figures give you a sense of the bigger picture without bogging you down with specifics.?

In the red?

If someone says they are "in the red", it means they are having a tough time financially and are experiencing losses or negative cash flow. This happens when expenses are more than the money coming in, resulting in a negative balance or deficit. The term originated from using red ink in financial records to indicate negative numbers.

Blue-sky thinking

A way to describe a really creative and outside-the-box approach to problem-solving or brainstorming. Basically thinking or brainstorming without any boundaries or limits. A manager might encourage a team to do some blue-sky thinking, allowing them to come up with some very imaginative ideas and concepts.?

Square the circle

An idiom for attempting an impossible task, originating from a math problem where you can't create a square with the same area as a circle using just a compass and straight edge. Someone may say trying to reach a solution all clients were happy with was like trying to square the circle, implying that it was a difficult and almost impossible task.

Don't put all your eggs into one basket

This saying suggests that relying on just one strategy or investment is not wise. It emphasizes the importance of diversification and spreading risks for long-term success. To achieve sustained success, a financial advisor may suggest to their client to diversify their investment portfolio and not solely rely on one option.

Make ends meet

The meaning of making ends meet involves being able to complete a task or project using the existing income or resources. It requires efficient management of finances to cover necessary expenses, despite having a limited budget or resources.?For instance, if someone is working on a project with a restricted budget, they may need to make ends meet as they cannot obtain additional funds to support it.

Cover all bases

This means considering every possible factor and handling them carefully to prevent problems or risks. Making sure everything is examined, and anticipating any potential challenges or situations. A business doing a report or analysis may want to "cover all the bases" to prevent any surprise issues or gaps.

The origin of this is likely a reference to baseball. When playing defense, the goal is to protect or 'cover' your bases and stop the other team from getting points.

Get down to brass tacks

To solve a problem or task, by focusing on the important details and practical steps needed for success. Avoiding unnecessary distractions and concentrating on what's essential.?For instance, a project manager might say, "Let's focus on the necessary steps we need to take to complete this project on time by getting down to brass tacks."

Playing hardball

"Playing hardball" means being tough and unwavering during negotiations or business deals. It shows that someone is assertive and firm in defending their interests. If the other party is unyielding, a skilled negotiator may suggest "playing hardball" to get a better deal.

These are just a few of a long list, but by adopting idioms and English phrases like these into your professional interactions, you can strengthen relationships with colleagues and showcase your understanding of the business environment more clearly. Plus, it can give you a boost of confidence in your language learning and in navigating the complex world of corporate English.

If you want to refine your business English skills even further, make sure to check out our blog post?5 ways to politely say no in Business English. You can also check out Mondly, an app developed to help you learn languages for various realistic scenarios.?

People study abroad for many reasons - to see new places, to experience a different culture, and, most importantly, to get access to student life and educational opportunities not available at home. If you want to study at a UK university, you¡¯ll not only have access to some truly innovative teaching and research, you¡¯ll also be joining one of the most multicultural student bodies in the world.

The UK has a vast range of universities and courses to choose from. So, how do you choose between over 160 institutions and thousands of courses? that half of students who drop out of university early do so because they chose the wrong course, so it¡¯s important to be completely happy with your choice.

So, here's what you need to consider before you make your university application so you can make the right choice.

Choose your subject

The first step in choosing a university is deciding what you want to study. Your will be sent to all your university choices, so it should be relevant to all the courses you apply for. This means that your course choices must be the same or in a similar field.

Think about the school subjects you¡¯re good at, but also think about what you could spend the next three or even four years studying.

Is there a subject that you want to continue and deepen your knowledge in? Or do you want to study something completely new?

Do you want to study a subject like law or medicine related to a specific job? Or do you want to take a course like history that can be used in a wide range of careers? Think carefully about these questions and the rest of the process will become much more manageable.

Do as many events and online taster sessions, and sign up for as many free online courses as possible. has a great range of taster courses from universities all over the world. This can help you decide where your interests lie. Above all, keep notes on what interests you and what doesn¡¯t.

If you think you want a broader degree, then you¡¯ve always got the option of doing a joint honors degree. This means you combine two different courses. Many joint honors courses combine a language with another subject, allowing you to use your learning around the world or even do a study placement in another country.

Consider the competition

When thinking about what course you could do, it¡¯s important to consider the competition. Some courses have many more applicants than places, but there are also hundreds of ¡®hidden¡¯ courses that get far fewer applicants. For example, the University of Oxford receives 16.9 applicants per place on its Economics course, but it¡¯s closer to 3 applicants per Classics place. Classics covers a range of areas like politics, history, linguistics and social sciences, and really challenges your intellect.

Economics might be competitive but Classics might be just as valuable. There are thousands of ¡®hidden¡¯ courses, which don't attract as many applicants just because they¡¯re not well known. Check out the full range of courses on the site and the and do it with an open mind.

Once you¡¯ve narrowed down your list of courses, it¡¯s time to think about where to study.

Think about location and compare places

The UK might be a small country but it¡¯s incredibly diverse. There are large, international cities like London or Glasgow, smaller towns and cities like Cardiff, Belfast or Nottingham, rural universities like Lancaster, coastal towns like St. Andrews or historic cities like York, Oxford or Cambridge.

So, when deciding on a UK university, you must first ask yourself: what¡¯s important to you? Would you prefer to live in a busy city or the quiet countryside? Will you be doing a lot of exploring or will you stay near campus? These factors will make a difference to your decision.

You¡¯ll also need to think carefully about costs. Different parts of the UK have different living costs, depending on things like rent, transport and the cost of entertainment. Check out to see what rents are like, to get an idea of how expensive life will be.

Finally, the type of university itself is important. Some universities have campuses where the whole of university life takes place, like the . Others are more spread out, such as the , which has buildings all over the city. Each has its own atmosphere and you should think about which you prefer.

Look at the university rankings?

Find out how your preferred universities rank in the league tables. Rankings of the top universities in the UK don¡¯t just measure teaching quality. They show data on student satisfaction, post-graduation employment rates and staff-to-student ratios.

The best universities in the UK and courses with higher rankings will be more competitive to gain entry to. You can apply for up to five courses on your UCAS form, so choosing a range of courses and universities is a good idea. Include an ambitious choice which you may or may not get the grades for and safe choices that you know will accept you.

You can check the s, or the to see which universities are the most highly rated.

That being said, student life in the UK is about balance. You need to consider both rankings and what¡¯s right for you. It¡¯s no use going to a top-ranking UK university in a location you hate, studying things that don¡¯t interest you and where the culture on campus doesn¡¯t appeal to you.

Sometimes it might be better to consider a lower university ranking if it can offer you plenty of chances to thrive and achieve your personal goals.

Remember, the reason that there are so many different kinds of universities is because everyone is unique. If you¡¯re applying to somewhere you know matches your values and interests, you¡¯ll be much more likely to succeed in your university career.

Research the teaching style

It¡¯s a good idea to look at the style of teaching and assessment at your chosen university. Some courses focus more on final exams, others on coursework, projects, dissertations and independent research.

See whether your university¡¯s exams are open book or closed book. If they¡¯re closed you have to remember a lot more, but if they¡¯re open you will probably have to give more detailed answers in your exams.

If you can attend open days and chat with other students and potential professors, do so. But if you can¡¯t, remember that each university course website will tell you about the course content and how it is assessed. You need to make a choice based on what type of assessment will suit you best.

Some courses are taught in large lectures and seminars; others, such as many colleges, will teach you in small groups or one-to-one with a tutor. The teaching style that works best for you will be crucial in your choice.

Consider your hobbies

Every university has its own culture and social life based around the student unions and societies. For local and international students, university life is about more than studying.

You will have a more balanced student experience if you make time for your hobbies. You can look on the university website to learn about student societies and clubs and see which activities are available. But don¡¯t worry if you don¡¯t see anything that appeals - you can always be proactive and start your own society.

Do you have a sport that you love to do? If you do and are really good at it, you may be eligible for a . There are all sorts of funding and awards available, so even if you think you won¡¯t get anything, it¡¯s a good idea to check.

Make sure you meet the English language requirements

You¡¯ll need to pass a test of English for your UK student visa requirements. You can take any Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the Home Office, the UK government department responsible for immigration.

PTE Academic can be used for UK student visas for degree-level courses, and to access 99% of universities in the country. The test takes two hours, covers reading, speaking, listening and writing, and is done on a computer. Results usually come back within 48 hours, making it convenient and reliable.

Choosing a university requires a lot of thought. Luckily, choosing an English test to get a visa is easy.?