Accent on quality

A new standard for language learning services just published

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With more than seven thousand different languages across the world, it’s no wonder that learning a new language is both appealing in the job market and useful for discovering new lands and cultures. Most languages take many hundreds of hours of study to master, so it makes sense to choose a course or service provider that is reputable and delivers quality learning. The International Standard for language learning services has just been updated to ensure it meets the changing needs of the market, whatever way you say it.

ISO 29991, Language learning services – Requirements, sets minimum requirements for language learning providers, helping to improve their credibility and protect consumers from substandard services. It has just been updated to reflect the market’s growing need for better qualified teachers and curriculums and a greater focus on learner satisfaction.

Cheng Yonghong, Convenor of the working group of experts that developed the standard, said levels of quality can vary widely across learning centres, as can national regulations, making an International Standard an effective tool for improving and evaluating service offerings.

“ISO 29991 brings together global best practice and expertise from the various disciplines involved in language learning, such as the education sector, technology, linguistics, quality assurance and standardization,” he said.

“This helps to ensure learning centres deliver a service that is effective and meets consumer expectations, instilling more confidence in the market and providing a solid foundation on which quality learning can grow.”

ISO 29991 was developed by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 232, Education and learning services, the secretariat of which is held by DIN, ISO’s member for Germany. It can be bought from your national ISO member or the ISO Store.

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