Quality foundations

Keelevärav OÜ (14938655) quality assurance principles
Valid from 10.11.2020

General Provisions

1. The quality assurance principles of Keelevärav OÜ have been prepared based on the Adult Education Act, the company’s articles of association, and the principles of study organization. The quality assurance principles are intended for internal use.

2. Keelevärav OÜ organizes continuing education for adults in the following field: language learning.

Activity License

By the decree of Mart Laidmets, Secretary General of the Ministry of Education and Research, dated 2.11.2020, Keelevärav OÜ has been issued activity license No. 1.1-3/20/296 (based on § 283, subsection 2 of the Language Act) for Estonian language continuing education aimed at preparing for language proficiency examinations at levels A2 and B1.

The activity license together with the curricula is submitted and registered in the Estonian Education Information System (EHIS).

Curricula

1. The basis for continuing education is the curricula of Keelevärav OÜ. The curricula for open training courses are published on the language school’s website keelevarav.ee.

2. The preparation of curricula is based on the needs of the target group and the Adult Education Act, the guidance material for the preparation of continuing education curricula, and the continuing education standard.

3. The curriculum is prepared by the trainer of the respective language; the head of the language school is responsible for the curricula.

4. Curricula are reviewed once a year, and feedback is collected from learners for each course. Based on the analysis and feedback, necessary changes are introduced.

5. The curriculum is based on the needs of the target group and is learning-outcome-based.

6. The curriculum includes the following data:

6.1. name of the curriculum and time of approval;

6.2. curriculum group and basis for preparation;

6.3. objective of the curriculum and learning outcomes;

6.4. target group and conditions for starting studies;

6.5. total volume of studies, including the proportion of classroom, practical, and independent work;

6.6. study content;

6.7. study methods and description of the learning environment;

6.8. description of independent and practical work;

6.9. list of study materials;

6.10. graduation conditions (including assessment methods and criteria) and documents issued;

6.11. description of the qualification, study, or work experience required to conduct the training.

7. Feedback on curricula is regular, which guarantees the satisfaction of learners and the teacher with themselves and the learning process.

Learning Environment

Keelevärav OÜ’s learning environment includes virtual, physical, and mental environments.

1. All language training courses can be found on the website of Keelevärav OÜ at least 4 weeks before the start of the training. Training is organized both in classrooms in Tartu and as online learning via the Zoom environment, the costs of which are covered by Keelevärav OÜ.

Those interested in languages register for training on the website keelevarav.ee. The data is received by the head of Keelevärav OÜ, who contacts the person, inquires about their needs and goals, and invites them to testing if necessary. It is also possible to register on-site at the study premises at Sõpruse pst 2, Tartu, by prior agreement at tel. 50 91006. On the website under the “Useful” section, study materials and language tests can be found that aid in language learning. Before the start of the training, a “Guide for Language Learners” is sent or printed for each learner, which facilitates the language learning process and helps the learner navigate the language landscape. Before the start of the course, the training curriculum is introduced. From April 1, 2021, a feedback form will be set up on the website, which we ask the learner to fill out at the end of the training. This solution helps analyze the optimality of the curriculum and course volume, the professionalism of the trainer, the learner’s contribution to studies, their progress, and the suitability of study materials. Feedback collection is also organized on paper.

2. Classroom language training takes place in Tartu in the Sangar building, at Sõpruse pst 2, which has the great advantage of a good location. Studies take place in four classrooms. All classes are equipped with modern presentation technology and internet connection. The rooms have interactive whiteboards and computers that allow for introducing the curriculum, showing internet-based study programs, training materials, etc. They also have a WIFI router, microphone, and speaker. Handouts can be printed using a printer if necessary. Classrooms have a whiteboard, grammar tables, and illustrative material. The classrooms have Estonian language books, textbooks, dictionaries, and other language materials; learners can borrow them if they wish.

The rooms have natural lighting. There is enough space and light for each learner. The number of learners in one class/group is 6 people. The study premises are cozy and ventilated. A cozy atmosphere is created by soft and warm tones, nature motifs painted on the wall, flowers, a painting, a scent diffuser, and an armchair.

Training rooms, study equipment, and tools comply with safety and fire safety requirements and sanitary norms. Disinfectants are available in the rooms.

Learners are offered water and tea; a Saku Läte water machine is in the class, and disposable cups are used.

Study tools include study materials prepared by the teacher and textbooks, which the learner must purchase from Keelevärav OÜ before the training. The price of the textbook depends on the training and is specified in the curriculum of the respective language and level (price varies between 22-25 EUR).

3. The mental and psychological learning environment of Keelevärav OÜ consists of creating a supportive and safe atmosphere. The language learner is surrounded by visible and audible language support. Learners are given enough time for exchange of ideas and feedback. The language barrier is easily overcome during the study process. Respectful treatment of learners by the head and trainers, and respectful communication between management and educators is the norm. There are good relations, motivating guidance, mutual trust, and a free atmosphere between trainers and learners.

Attention is also paid to the social aspect. At the beginning of the training, a lecture is held where the principles of good practice for the training are introduced. If any conflict arises during the training, the trainer or head speaks with the learner individually.

Conditions and Procedures for Quality Assurance of Trainers

Educators with professional higher education, holding a Bachelor’s (BA), Master’s (MA), or Doctoral (PhD) degree and work experience in the field of language learning, work at Keelevärav OÜ. Educators have professional, methodological, social, and reflexive competence and are responsible for their self-improvement. The names of trainers are listed on the website under the “Teachers” section along with their qualification and work experience data.

For new trainers, an introductory course is organized by the head, during which digital tools and programs of the smart class are introduced. The head also introduces the cognitive and communicative approach to language learning, digital competencies necessary in the study process, methods supporting creativity and functional language skills, and the variation of study activities.

An indicator of the professionalism of trainers is the efficiency of study process indicators/results. For example, learners of Estonian language proficiency courses are oriented toward passing the respective proficiency examination right from the start of the course. The average percentage of those passing Estonian language proficiency examinations at Keelevärav is 85%. Learners who did not pass the exam on the first attempt are guided, motivated, and directed to a repeat exam. An indicator of quality is the retention of the number of learners during the study process and satisfaction with the training. A satisfaction survey is conducted at the end of the training using a feedback sheet. The feedback sheet contains an analysis of the trainer’s work, study organization, materials, volume, and the learner’s own progress. Oral feedback takes place continuously during the training to make ongoing corrections.

To ensure study quality, in-service training is organized for teachers twice a year, either in the field of digital tools/programs or methodological courses. The head is an educator with 25 years of experience who visits colleagues’ classes, analyzes them, and shares recommendations. Once a quarter, teacher meetings are held via Zoom where current problems are discussed, new methods are introduced, and study materials are recommended.

At the end of each longer training (more than 20 academic hours), the trainer fills out a self-reflection sheet. The quality of teachers’ work is evaluated based on oral and written feedback and the results of learners’ proficiency examinations. Teachers provide feedback on the management’s work and the organization of the study process.