ELC

  Aspiring surgeon and first-year medical program student Ahmed Alamoud recently received the Outstanding Student Award from the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT) - English Language Center (ELC) at King Khalid University. All incoming medical students take a one-semester intensive English language program run by the FLT-ELC because the core medical school classes are taught in English. This intensive English language program, called ENG 019, can be challenging even for those who students who seem to have acquired a fair foundation in the English language. The students who find the 019 courses easy are generally students who were exposed to intensive English courses or studied a high-level English course prior to their first semester in college and/or have lived abroad in native English speaking countries for longer periods.   Ahmed Alamoud was one student who excelled in his 019 coursework. His grades and English skill levels are exemplary. Although Ahmed never studied English at this level nor has lived abroad, he has mastered the English language to a near-native competency. Throughout the semester, he has exemplified a remarkable commitment to learn/master his coursework by dedicating a lot of hours outside the classroom to self-study. This alone is quite a noteworthy accomplishment. Perhaps more importantly, Ahmed Alamoud is graciously helping his classmates benefit from his expertise.   According to ENG 019 Course Instructor, Rasheed Ali Mohamoud, Ahmed has been assisting his peers both inside and outside the classroom with their studies throughout the semester. He has selflessly assumed an unofficial teaching role in the various English skills like: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Moreover, Ahmed Alamoud sets a good example for others to follow. Through his actions and achievements, he shows his classmates that hard work and dedication can yield spectacular results. Instructor Rasheed further said, 'Ahmed Alamoud not only offers to help the other students learn and understand the day to day lessons but he serves as a role model for other students'.   Vice Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Yahya Asiri, and Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, presented the Outstanding Student Award and commemorative plaque to Ahmed Alamoud. Dean Al-Melhi noted 'We are all highly impressed by Ahmed Alamoud's English competency. We are also grateful for his teaching contributions and tutoring efforts towards the 019 program here at KKU. Ahmed embodies the character of a competent professional and good citizen: He is also self-driven, disciplined, dedicated, and all around a generous individual. Certainly, he will continue to excel academically. Most importantly he will make a fine surgeon one day in the near future and a valuable asset to the community and his nation'.   The FLT has recently revamped the 019 intensive English program. The FLT has adopted a robust, modern, and effective set of courses proven to help the students achieve the results needed for them to stand out from the crowd at both the national and international levels. The new course was designed for the students to have access to a well-rounded learning experience. As a result, our students will have both the broader knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the aim of the intensive language English course. The new course is more integrated to successfully support the student to acquire a better understanding of the skills of the four core skills in English: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Of noteworthy mention, the FLT has created a better learning experience for the students outside of the classroom by commissioning the Language Enhancement Program (LEP) available to all students at the Mahala Campus school library. The LEP runs every day during normal hours from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. All of our students have been given an equal opportunity to improve their English language in all of the major skills being taught in the program.   The Faculty of Languages and Translation and the English Language Center are committed to providing world-class language instruction at the university. Language learning plays an important part in the Kingdom's national development program and Vision 2030. The FLT-ELC works tirelessly to make sure that our students and alumni have the tools and skills necessary for professional excellence and personal growth. Date: 5/6/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On March 23, 2019, the 5th Annual Forum titled Modern Strategies in Teaching English was held at the Saudi German Hospital. The event was organized by Al Khaleej Training and Education and the Faculty of Languages and Translation. The primary aim of the forum was to share ideas about the modern concepts of English language teaching. The event was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Mowafiq Al-Momani. The program consisted of two sessions and six presentations.   Michael Rattan gave a presentation titled 'How to Learn?' and Jordan Rimpela spoke on the subject of 'The Benefits of Teaching ELLs Affixes, Roots and Their Meanings'. Three other presentations were delivered by Bryan Bell, Mohammad Adil and Christopher Harris who talked respectively about 'The Psychology of Classroom Dynamics', 'Successful Classroom Management in EFL Teaching', and 'Living and Working in Saudi Arabia'.   A medical (PYP) student named Ahmed Abdullah Alamoud also shared his interesting English learning experience and emphasized its importance in real life.   The event ended with a certificate award ceremony that honored the presenters. This ceremony was graced with the presence of Dr. Musa Al-Ahmari, English Language Center Director. The forum undoubtedly was a great success. Date: 3-26-2019 Source: Mohammad Adil Siddique Multimedia Source: Mohammad Taisir Albukaai

The E-Learning Unit organized a teacher training workshop on "Online Assessment" on Thursday, October 27, 2016, at 11:00 am in E-Learning Lab A/3/86. Dr. Muanassir Alhamami, Chairman, welcomed all participants and expressed his deep appreciation for workshops of this nature, which further academic development. Mohsin Raza Khan, E-Learning Supervisor, conducted the workshop and gave a detailed presentation on online assessment. In his presentation, Mr. Khan pointed out the different types of Blackboard tools that could be used for online assessment. Mr. Rizwan Ghani focused on online testing methods. Date: 10-24-2016 Source: Mohsin Khan Multimedia Contribution: MD Sirajul Islam

Under the supervision of Dr. Abdullah Al Melhi, Dean, Midterms and Final examinations of the English Language Center (ELC) for the First Semester 1435-36 were successfully conducted online via Blackboard. The tests of ENG 011, ENG 012 and ENG 015 took place in e-Learning Labs (A/1/72, A/1/74, A/1/75, A/1/76 & A/2/83). Approximately 2,000 students took the examination.   Dr. Ahmad Ismail Assiri, Vice Dean, expressed his satisfaction and gratitude towards the adopted pattern of online exams. Mr. Abdullah Al-Rezgi, Director of the English Language Center, extended his thanks to the E-Learning Deanship and its team for helping the center towards making the online exams a success. Mr. Al-Rezgi mentioned that the exam was a big challenge for the center because of the large number of students. He asserted that the security of the online exams and the reduction of use of unfair means were major concerns. To address these issues more than 85 sets of Listening, Reading & Grammar tests were administered.  As part of zero tolerance policy against “use of unfair means,” a total of 111 sets were made and deployed in ENG 011 course alone. Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan, Supervisor of E-Learning Unit, employed the following strategies in the exam: The Firefox browser was used in Listening, Reading & Grammar exams The ELC Exam Committee prepared invigilator checklists and provided to invigilators Invigilators entered the exam passwords after students had opened their exam start page Double password policies were employed It is worth noting that all technical problems were reported and resolved by on-duty staff as per the agreed format. Mr. Khan also mentioned that E-Learning training workshops on online assessment were organized for students and new faculty members before the exam. Mr. Abdullah Zubain, E-Learning Specialist, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Faculty for adopting best practice security measures and conducting successful online exams. Special recognition for their efforts and outstanding teamwork goes to faculty members listed below. Mr. Javed Ahmed, General Coordinator of ELC Mr. Rizwan Ghani, Coordinator of ENG 011 Mr. Farouk Haji, Coordinator of ENG 015 Mr. Jahangir Alam, Coordinator of ENG 012 Mr. Salahuddin Abdulrab, Head of the ELC Examination Committee Dr. Mohammed Asif Ishfaq, Coordinator of Online Examinations Mr. Ahmed Sholan, In-Charge of E-Learning Lab All the faculty members of the ELC extended their full cooperation as invigilators to make online exams successful. They entered the passwords, guided the students on how to submit their tests, checked grades and collected feedback when needed. They did an excellent job of invigilation in the most demanding circumstances involving thousands of students from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Mr. Abdullah Al-Rezgi applauded the contribution of all coordinators and invigilators and thanked them for their hard work and commitment. Date: Spring 2015 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation