TWO-DAY WORKSHOP ON MQA-COMPLIANT IEP AND CEFR-ALIGNED ASSESSMENT
PEKAN, 30–31 January 2026 — The Centre for Modern Languages (CML) successfully organised a two-day intensive workshop aimed at enhancing staff capacity in developing Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)-compliant documentation for the Intensive English Programme (IEP) and designing assessment instruments aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The workshop which was conducted on Friday, 30 January and Saturday, 31 January 2026, brought together CML academic staff for a series of structured discussions, collaborative group work and guided development sessions. The programme was facilitated by the English Language Higher Education Assessment (ELHAM) cascading team, who provided expertise and direction throughout the workshop to ensure consistency and compliance with current quality assurance requirements.
The workshop ran from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on the first day and concluded at 5.30 p.m. on the second day. The primary objectives were to strengthen participants’ understanding of MQA documentation standards for the IEP and to enhance their competence in developing CEFR-aligned, skill-based assessment instruments that accurately reflect learning outcomes and proficiency descriptors.
Day One commenced with an overview and briefing on the structure and requirements of the IEP, followed by a sharing session by the ELHAM team. Participants then engaged in two rounds of focused group discussions held at designated CML language laboratories and meeting rooms. These sessions allowed the staff to review existing documents, identify gaps and collaboratively refine programme content and assessment components.
Day Two continued with further group discussions, culminating in a feedback and progress update session held at the CML Faculty Meeting Room, where groups shared their outcomes and received constructive feedback for further improvement.
To ensure effective collaboration, participants were organised into several discussion groups, each led by a designated group head of each language component and supported by an academic advisor. This structure facilitated focused guidance, active participation and meaningful peer exchange throughout the workshop.
The workshop reflects CML’s ongoing commitment to quality assurance, curriculum enhancement and alignment with national and international standards in language education. The outcomes of the discussions are expected to contribute directly to improved programme documentation, improved assessment practices and the continuous enhancement of teaching and learning quality at CML.
Ultimately, the workshop is expected to have a direct and positive impact on students enrolled in the Intensive English Programme. Through clearer, MQA-compliant documentation and well-aligned CEFR-based assessment instruments, students will benefit from more transparent learning expectations, fairer and more consistent evaluation and assessments that accurately reflect their language proficiency across skills.
Prepared by: Rosnani Ismail & Ezihaslinda Ngah