GATES
TEFL

Steps to accreditation

• • Review the GATES Standards: Familiarise yourself with the GATES standards available under the ‘Standards’ section. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for clarification.
  • Reach out to us: Inform us of the type of course you wish to have accredited. We will respond with our fee structure and additional details about our streamlined accreditation process. The entire process can often be completed in a matter of weeks rather than months.
  • Confirm and proceed: If you are satisfied with the fee structure and wish to continue, we will send you our Guidelines and Application for Accreditation. Complete and return the application form along with the initial accreditation fee, payable by bank transfer to our company account (details provided upon confirmation to proceed).
  • Submit Standards and Evidence Form: After we receive your application and fee, we will email you the Standards and Evidence Form. Complete this form and return it with your supporting evidence, including access to your course(s). The form is designed to reflect the GATES TEFL Standards, requiring evidence for each standard. If there are areas where evidence cannot be provided due to course type or delivery method, we are available to assist with any concerns.
  • Evaluation by our Accreditation Advisory Team: Your submission and evidence will be reviewed thoroughly. If additional or alternative information is required, we will guide you through the process. We will then inform you whether accreditation has been granted, deferred, or declined. In cases of deferral or rejection, we will assist you in addressing any issues. Maintaining consistent communication throughout the process reduces the likelihood of deferral or rejection.
  • Post-accreditation: Once accredited, you will be authorised to display the GATES TEFL logo on your website and documentation, showcasing your status as a high-quality TEFL/TESOL training provider that adheres to the rigorous GATES TEFL standards for quality assurance.
  • Ongoing moderation: From the date of accreditation, external moderation activities will be conducted as required for each accredited course.

Notes on Moderation

This comprehensive note on moderation highlights its vital role in educational practice. While we provide an overview of key points here, all aspects of moderation policies, processes, and procedures will be thoroughly addressed during the accreditation process and as part of your completed Standards Form submission.

Moderation ensures that candidate assessments are conducted in a consistent, accurate, and well-structured manner. It ensures that all assessors evaluating a specific unit, standard, or qualification apply comparable methods and make uniform, fair judgements about candidates’ performance.

Moderation of Assessment

Moderation occurs at two levels:

• Internal moderation: Conducted by the training provider.
• External moderation: Conducted by GATES TEFL, utilising our team of experienced professionals.

Robust internal and external moderation practices are essential to guarantee that assessors apply criteria consistently and share a mutual understanding of the standards candidates must achieve. In essence, moderation ensures assessments are conducted fairly and that the principles of assessment are consistently upheld.

Since assessment responsibility lies with the Provider and its assessors, the need for reliable moderation systems cannot be overstated. Moderation also ensures the credibility of the process and promotes ethical behaviour among assessors and candidates. Furthermore, it fosters professional development for assessors, enhancing the quality of assessments through ongoing interaction and training.

Key Functions of Moderation Systems

• Verifying that assessments are fair, valid, reliable, and practical.
• Identifying the need for redesigning assessments where necessary.
• Providing an appeals process for candidates dissatisfied with their results.
• Evaluating assessor performance.
• Implementing procedures to de-register underperforming assessors.
• Offering feedback on unit standards and qualifications.

How Moderation Works

Moderation systems comprise internal and external moderation. Both systems ensure that all assessments are credible and that assessors and candidates adhere to ethical standards.

1. Internal Moderation

Internal moderation focuses on consistency, accuracy, and quality in assessment practices. This involves three stages:

1. Design:
   Assessments are tailored appropriately to the unit standards and qualifications being evaluated.
2. Implementation:
   The assessment process aligns with specified standards and includes proper arrangements and collaborative discussions among assessors.
3. Review:
   Lessons learned from the earlier stages are considered, and necessary improvements are made.

Role of the Internal Moderator
An experienced and well-trained assessor, the internal moderator (often the lead assessor) ensures standardisation and consistency across assessments. Responsibilities include:

• Developing systems for internal moderation.
• Monitoring assessment records for consistency.
• Sampling and reviewing assessment materials, processes, and decisions.
• Coordinating assessor meetings and liaising with external moderators.
• Providing guidance and support to assessors.

2. External Moderation

External moderation ensures consistency with established standards across Providers. External moderators must be experienced, knowledgeable, and trained in moderation practices.

External moderation responsibilities include:

• Verifying the adequacy of learning and assessment systems.
• Advising and guiding training providers.
• Ensuring assessors are qualified and competent.
• Sampling and monitoring assessment methods, decisions, and evidence for consistency.

Planning for Moderation

Moderation planning involves addressing key questions:

• Scope: What percentage of standards, candidates, and assessments will be moderated?
• Timing: Will moderation occur continuously, monthly, quarterly, or annually?

The extent of moderation activities should protect the integrity of assessments. Initially, frequent moderation may be required, potentially including spot checks, but this can be reduced as the training provider demonstrates strong, credible systems.

Responsibilities:

Internal and external moderators must possess relevant expertise and excellent communication skills. Selection criteria and procedures should ensure moderators uphold the highest standards.

Methods of Moderation

Moderation systems must adapt and evolve over time. Methods may include:

• Revising and benchmarking assessment materials.
• Statistical moderation.
• External assessments as a moderation tool.
• Site visits and panel meetings by external moderators.
• Establishing consultative committees.

Moderation systems will be regularly reviewed by GATES to ensure alignment with expectations and efficient use of resources.

Through careful planning and implementation, moderation systems uphold the highest standards of assessment integrity and quality assurance.