Speakers

Detailed Bio

Associate Professor Dr. Jirada Wudthayagorn, Director of the Chulalongkorn University Language Institute (CULI) in Bangkok, is a prominent figure in language assessment. With a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Pittsburgh, she has led significant initiatives, including mapping the Chulalongkorn University Test of English Proficiency (CU-TEP) to the CEFR. Her research on language policy and quantitative methods informs Thailand’s testing frameworks. As former President of the Asian Association for Language Assessment, she has strengthened regional collaboration. Wudthayagorn’s work equips educators with robust assessment tools, enhancing ELT outcomes in Thailand and beyond.

Impact Story:

In 2019, Dr. Jirada Wudthayagorn spearheaded the alignment of the CU-TEP with the CEFR, benefiting 10,000 Thai students annually. The project, completed over 18 months, increased test reliability by 15%, per CULI reports. A university administrator said, “Jirada’s leadership made our assessments globally competitive.” Her efforts have enabled Thai students to access international education opportunities, aligning with her goal to elevate language proficiency through rigorous, equitable testing standards.