ADA celebrates pilot on English communication skills for academics

11 Nov 2024
PACE group photo

The research-based pilot was delivered by Associate Professor Mira Kim, in collaboration with the ADA Short Courses team.

Seventeen UNSW academics have participated in an innovative new English Language pilot course aimed at building confidence in communication skills. The 10-week Personalised Autonomous Communication Enhancement (PACE) program was developed and delivered by Associate Professor Mira Kim in collaboration with the Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Short Courses team. It is based on the successful Personalised English Language Enhancement (PELE) program she developed and continues to run for UNSW students.  

PACE uses an autonomous learning model to transform language learning into a dynamic, cyclical and personalised exploration that can be repeated independently. 

“ADA is thrilled to see the immediate success and potential of the PACE program. It shows the immense value of transformative personalised education and the importance of creativity, collaboration and inclusion,” said Deputy Dean of Education Professor Stephen Doherty. 

“While language can be an amazing tool for communication and engagement, it can also be a barrier for us throughout our personal and professional lives. PACE creates a wonderful community of practice that empowers UNSW academics to find personalised and independent ways and resources to overcome and thrive well beyond these barriers. We are excited to see the PACE program expand even further and include other cohorts within and beyond UNSW!”

The PACE Learning Festival 

PACE participants presented their learning journeys at a Learning Festival, where ADA Dean Professor Claire Annesley shared a congratulatory recorded message commending the first cohort for completing the PACE program and recognising their achievement. 

A/Prof. Mira Kim said she had the privilege of working with a remarkable group of academics in the PACE program.  

“They are reflective teachers and researchers, embodying a growth mindset enriched with empathy and courage,” she said.  

“Throughout the program, they openly shared the challenges they faced and actively engaged in listening, practising and reflecting. I hadn’t anticipated that nearly all of them would complete the program, given their demanding schedules as full-time academics.  

“Hearing their profound reflections at the Learning Festival was an emotional experience, as I felt humbled and inspired by the growth they had achieved. Once again, they demonstrated that the value of PACE extends beyond linguistic enhancement. It fosters confidence in communication and a deep sense of community – qualities that resonate with all of us, whether English is our native language or an additional one.”

A lifelong community

Feedback surveys from participants showed they appreciated the program’s supportive environment, sense of community, structured pace and skilled mentorship. They valued the personal project approach and peer-to-peer learning style.  

“All the mentors were highly talented and contributed something positive to our learning process. I could see that I am not alone in my struggles, and this is the first time I have felt this way after seven years in Australia. I hope I can keep all my new friends and grow alongside them,” said one participant. 

A big congratulations to all participants who completed this program: 

  • Abir Khazaal, Science
  • Armin Chitizadeh, Engineering
  • Atefeh Zamani, Science
  • Azeb Gebresilassie Tesema, Medicine and Health
  • Cheng-Wei Wang, ADA
  • Eduardo B Sandoval, ADA
  • Gladymar Perez Chacon, Medicine and Health
  • Inoka Samarasekara, ADA
  • Jeffery Chan, Medicine and Health
  • Maryam Shahbazi, Business
  • Shuang Liang, Medicine and Health
  • Sisi Wang, Engineering
  • Sonit Singh, Engineering
  • Stephan Tseng, Business
  • Yong Wang, Engineering
  • Zhi Li, Science

Learn more about PACE

If you are interested in upcoming short courses at ADA, contact the team via ada.sc@unsw.edu.au.

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