A Day with the TOEIC^® Program: Enhancing Assessment Practices

On May 14, 2026, the ETS TOEIC^® Program hosted “A Day with the TOEIC Program: Enhancing Assessment Practices” at the iconic Pera Palace in Istanbul, in collaboration with Goal Testing. The event brought together more than 30 participants from Turkish university English Preparatory Programs, Academic English departments, and selected K–12 schools. 

The day opened with a thought-provoking session by Prof. Dr. Esim Gürsoy (Bursa Uludağ University – Goal Testing), titled “Seeing Beyond the Numbers: Mindfulness and Positive Psychology in Data-Informed Instruction,” setting the tone for a reflective and data-conscious approach to assessment. 

This was followed by Sinem Atamsoy Koşar (InspirED Minds), who presented “Cultivating Mindful Motivation: Brain-Friendly Strategies for ETS Exam Success,” focusing on learner motivation and effective exam preparation strategies grounded in cognitive science. 

Kenan Köseoğlu (TOBB ETÜ University) shared his institution’s experience of using the TOEFL ITP test for over 20 years within their English Preparatory Program. In his session, “Streamlining Student Assessment: TOBB University Case,” he highlighted how the test supports data-informed decision-making, strengthens program quality, and contributes to consistent and transparent assessment practices. 

The program concluded with Gülüzar Öztürk (Boğaziçi University) and her session “Parliament of Things,” encouraging participants to rethink assessment through broader, more interconnected perspectives. 

The event offered a rich exchange of ideas on assessment practices, bringing together academic insight and practical application in an inspiring setting. 

For more insights on assessment and teaching practices, explore our past webinars.