Bangkok--20 Oct--Mind PR
Launching the “TU-GET” computer-based project for testing English language proficiency that conforms to international standards
Language Institute, Thammasat University (LITU) is demonstrating its vision for English language teaching that conforms to international standards by introducing the new “TU-GET” program that offers computer-based testing for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
“TU-STEPS” testing will also be offered to the general public, enabling people to measure their English language proficiency for their careers according to international standards, and the institute is preparing to launch new courses and develop English language training for various professions to support the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.
“LITU is a leading international institute with expertise in teaching and in academic services and which has conducted research into the English language for almost 30 years whose work has been recognized by educational institutes and both public and private sector organizations,” said Associate Professor Dr. Supong Tangkiengsirisin, Director of the Language Institute, T.U.
LITU has eight missions:
1. To provide undergraduate and graduate English courses to enable students to communicate effectively in English for academic and career purposes;
2. To educate high caliber graduates to be capable of teaching English and in using English at work in different careers with a deep sense of morality and responsibility to contribute to society;
3. To develop linguistic, English language teaching and interdisciplinary research studies and to integrate them into our teaching and academic services;
4. To develop textbooks and other teaching materials to facilitate English language teaching;
5. To provide academic services, including courses for Thammasat University students, faculty members and the staff of other institutions, to improve their English and to provide training sessions for English teachers around Thailand to improve their English proficiency and teaching methodologies;
6. To preserve and integrate culture into language teaching and research;
7. To continuously promote presentations and publications of academic work at the national and international level;
8. To establish and maintain regular quality assurance procedures for sustained development.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supong said that LITU had prepared a new model of testing known as “TU-GET” (“Thammasat University General English Test”). Up until now, all tests had been conducted on paper and this would be the first time that computer-based testing for English language proficiency would be conducted for graduate, master's and doctoral students as well as for the general public who wanted to test their English capabilities, he said.
“The exam will cover listening, speaking and writing and LITU will conduct this new model of testing at the Learning Center at Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus in February 2015,” he added.
“In addition, there will be a “TU-STEPS” (“Thammasat University Standardized Test for English Professional Skills”) which is an English language test prepared by Language Institute, Thammasat University to measure the English proficiency of people working in any professional area," he said.
“This test is offered for members of the public who are interested in assessing their English skills necessary for their work. It is also suitable as a test of English proficiency for corporate employees working in international settings,” Assoc. Prof. Dr Supong noted.
LITU offers four international graduate degree programs as follows:
1. An international Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in English Language Teaching (PhD-ELT).
2. A Master of Arts program in English for Careers.
3. A Master of Arts program in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (MA-TEFL) (English program)
4. A Graduate Diploma Program in English for Careers
The goals of the Language Institute, Thammasat University are to be the leading language institute recognized for its academic and English-language instruction capabilities, such as for its academic achievements, its English language graduates and its support for research. In addition, the institute plans to introduce English language training courses for people in various careers to support the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.
LITU is located at two Thammasat University campuses that are in Tha Prachan and Rangsit