English Language Center

  On October 28, 2020, a webinar was organized by the Language Research Center. The presenters were Dr. Rizwana Wahid and Ms. Qudsia Zaini. They spoke on the subject of Quality Parameters for Blackboard Evaluation based on a case study they had conducted.   Wahid and Zaini's paper attempted to explore how teachers justify online learning effectiveness and learner performance quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before they began their main presentation, they raised a question regarding the authenticity of Blackboard exams in evaluating students' learning and performance.   They stated the challenges involved in conducting remote online exams as far as fairness and validity are concerned. They explained quality parameters that involve multiple strategies and activities to evaluate students' readiness and progress of learning outcomes.   The study was significant, they said, because of the challenges teachers experience while teaching and giving their students exams online. Their paper's major objectives were the investigation of quality parameters to ensure online exam quality, finding the best ways to assess students during the pandemic, and the exploration of the proper ways to justify students' performance in online distance exams. While highlighting the literature review, they mentioned Frazer, Dickinson & Gronseth, and Chang had discussed and emphasized practical approaches to online teaching.   Wahid and Zaini discussed some solutions previously considered difficult or impossible to implement that teachers now use in accurately assessing their students, whether the students really deserve the grades they get by taking online exams, and how the availability of the Internet affects such exams. In response to the questionnaire, most of the teachers expressed their opinion in favor of traditional face-to-face teaching, they said. There were, however, some mixed opinions as well, some of which were in favor of online assessment. To overcome the difficulties experienced by teachers, they made some recommendations. Implementing strategies to increase test security, using the timer effectively, creating larger test pools, randomizing questions, and using Blackboard's "SafeAssign" option may solve the problems associated with online assessment, they added.   They concluded that one of the most important criterion of quality assurance and academic accreditation is ensuring that teaching/learning strategies and assessment methods are aligned with the intended learning outcomes at the program and course levels. They added that the teachers should evaluate the quality of learning, exams, and assignments for every course while ensuring learning strategies are student-centered.   It was an informative webinar and a great success with the active participation of male and female faculty members from the Bachelor of Arts in English program. Date: 10/29/2020 Source: Mohammad Adil Siddique

  On October 28, 2020, a webinar was organized by the Language Research Center. The presenters were Dr. Rizwana Wahid and Ms. Qudsia Zaini. They spoke on the subject of Quality Parameters for Blackboard Evaluation based on a case study they had conducted.   Wahid and Zaini's paper attempted to explore how teachers justify online learning effectiveness and learner performance quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before they began their main presentation, they raised a question regarding the authenticity of Blackboard exams in evaluating students' learning and performance.   They stated the challenges involved in conducting remote online exams as far as fairness and validity are concerned. They explained quality parameters that involve multiple strategies and activities to evaluate students' readiness and progress of learning outcomes.   The study was significant, they said, because of the challenges teachers experience while teaching and giving their students exams online. Their paper's major objectives were the investigation of quality parameters to ensure online exam quality, finding the best ways to assess students during the pandemic, and the exploration of the proper ways to justify students' performance in online distance exams. While highlighting the literature review, they mentioned Frazer, Dickinson & Gronseth, and Chang had discussed and emphasized practical approaches to online teaching.   Wahid and Zaini discussed some solutions previously considered difficult or impossible to implement that teachers now use in accurately assessing their students, whether the students really deserve the grades they get by taking online exams, and how the availability of the Internet affects such exams. In response to the questionnaire, most of the teachers expressed their opinion in favor of traditional face-to-face teaching, they said. There were, however, some mixed opinions as well, some of which were in favor of online assessment. To overcome the difficulties experienced by teachers, they made some recommendations. Implementing strategies to increase test security, using the timer effectively, creating larger test pools, randomizing questions, and using Blackboard's "SafeAssign" option may solve the problems associated with online assessment, they added.   They concluded that one of the most important criterion of quality assurance and academic accreditation is ensuring that teaching/learning strategies and assessment methods are aligned with the intended learning outcomes at the program and course levels. They added that the teachers should evaluate the quality of learning, exams, and assignments for every course while ensuring learning strategies are student-centered.   It was an informative webinar and a great success with the active participation of male and female faculty members from the Bachelor of Arts in English program. Date: 10/29/2020 Source: Mohammad Adil Siddique

  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

  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

  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 Faculty of Languages and Translation hosted training sessions to prepare our teachers to use the new textbooks effectively. On January 13th and 14th the Unlock series publisher, Cambridge University Press, conducted intensive training sessions for both male and female instructors at different locations. Dean of Faculty of Languages & Translation, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, presided over and coordinated the whole program. ESL author & educator Peter Lucantoni commenced the workshop with his lively presentation. Mr. Lucantoni explained how the authors of this series reached out to teachers and learners to make sure they truly understood what they needed from a course. He reiterated that the Unlock series would motivate learners with engaging materials and visually stunning graphics in inspirational storytelling which would eventually develop their critical thinking skills in addition to language learning. Of note, Discovery Education videos are incorporated into the learning content, which is considered to be a brand new approach that equips learners with the skills and language needed for academic success.   King Khalid University Rector, Prof. Falleh R. M. Al-Solamy, Vice Rector of Academic Affairs, Saad Muhammad Du'ajim, and Vice Rector of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Merzin Al-Shahrani, presided over the training sessions on day 2. After a brief closing ceremony, His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy wished all of the students and faculty great success with the new textbook series and course enhancement initiative. Dean Al-Melhi thanked the representatives of Cambridge University Press for their efforts and His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy and Vice Rector Du'ajim for their continued support and encouragement. 'The adoption of these new textbooks and the associated teaching techniques represent a momentous achievement for the English Language Center. We hope that it will unlock the potential of our students', said Dean Al-Melhi. He further noted that this textbook initiative was a long and difficult process. 'This project would not have come to fruition but for the dedication and persistence of my team's tireless work, and executive leadership support and encouragement of the initiative', he said.   The English Language Center at the Faculty of Languages & Translation has adopted and launched a set of new textbooks for numerous courses. These new materials are tailored to language learning for students enrolled in ENG 011, 012 and 019 English skills courses. This is an exciting development for the ELC as these new textbooks utilize cutting-edge language learning methods developed over many years. The textbooks are part of the 'Unlock' series by Cambridge University Press.   The Unlock series of books provides instruction on five essential academic language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar). The textbooks employ a comprehensive approach to language learning in which students study all five subjects contemporaneously. This provides a near immersive exposure to the language that is of great help in achieving fluency. Moreover, the Unlock series also utilizes a 'scaffold' approach in which the materials help students progress up through a hierarchy of learning in accord with Bloom's Taxonomy. Unlock provides learners with the tools for developing the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for mastering languages. The textbooks also stress the development of skills that will enable the students to speak and write proficiently at each level of language learning.   Unlock texts employ many different types of learning methods. The materials include many videos. These are helpful for both auditory and visual exposure to language usage. Unlock also prescribes a wide variety of both individual and group exercises designed to enhance language development. Moreover, Unlock is an effective tool for motivating students to learn. Most ordinary textbooks are dry and boring. The Unlock series focuses on study material that is engaging and sparks students' inherent curiosity. For example, the texts use interesting stories about real people and places in its lessons. Unlock is, in short, a critical component of an improved teaching strategy which will be of great benefit to our students. Adopting these new textbooks is one element of the university's goals of continuous improvement in all aspects of education.   The entire university offers its gratitude to Cambridge University Press. Textbooks are inherently expensive, especially those texts including state of the art educational materials and techniques. The university and Cambridge University Press worked very hard to provide these new textbooks at an affordable price. Ultimately, the parties found a way to sell these books to our students for 80 SR each. This is the lowest price for this series anywhere in the world. The university is so pleased to provide our students with optimal educational tools at a modest cost.   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to providing the best possible language education to our students. The textbook initiative represents yet another success on the endless path of continuous improvement that helps make King Khalid University a world-class educational institution. Date: 1/16/2019 Source: Md. Jahangir Alam Multimedia Source: Sayed Mohammed Abdul Karim

  The Faculty of Languages and Translation hosted training sessions to prepare our teachers to use the new textbooks effectively. On January 13th and 14th the Unlock series publisher, Cambridge University Press, conducted intensive training sessions for both male and female instructors at different locations. Dean of Faculty of Languages & Translation, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, presided over and coordinated the whole program. ESL author & educator Peter Lucantoni commenced the workshop with his lively presentation. Mr. Lucantoni explained how the authors of this series reached out to teachers and learners to make sure they truly understood what they needed from a course. He reiterated that the Unlock series would motivate learners with engaging materials and visually stunning graphics in inspirational storytelling which would eventually develop their critical thinking skills in addition to language learning. Of note, Discovery Education videos are incorporated into the learning content, which is considered to be a brand new approach that equips learners with the skills and language needed for academic success.   King Khalid University Rector, Prof. Falleh R. M. Al-Solamy, Vice Rector of Academic Affairs, Saad Muhammad Du'ajim, and Vice Rector of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Merzin Al-Shahrani, presided over the training sessions on day 2. After a brief closing ceremony, His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy wished all of the students and faculty great success with the new textbook series and course enhancement initiative. Dean Al-Melhi thanked the representatives of Cambridge University Press for their efforts and His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy and Vice Rector Du'ajim for their continued support and encouragement. 'The adoption of these new textbooks and the associated teaching techniques represent a momentous achievement for the English Language Center. We hope that it will unlock the potential of our students', said Dean Al-Melhi. He further noted that this textbook initiative was a long and difficult process. 'This project would not have come to fruition but for the dedication and persistence of my team's tireless work, and executive leadership support and encouragement of the initiative', he said.   The English Language Center at the Faculty of Languages & Translation has adopted and launched a set of new textbooks for numerous courses. These new materials are tailored to language learning for students enrolled in ENG 011, 012 and 019 English skills courses. This is an exciting development for the ELC as these new textbooks utilize cutting-edge language learning methods developed over many years. The textbooks are part of the 'Unlock' series by Cambridge University Press.   The Unlock series of books provides instruction on five essential academic language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar). The textbooks employ a comprehensive approach to language learning in which students study all five subjects contemporaneously. This provides a near immersive exposure to the language that is of great help in achieving fluency. Moreover, the Unlock series also utilizes a 'scaffold' approach in which the materials help students progress up through a hierarchy of learning in accord with Bloom's Taxonomy. Unlock provides learners with the tools for developing the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for mastering languages. The textbooks also stress the development of skills that will enable the students to speak and write proficiently at each level of language learning.   Unlock texts employ many different types of learning methods. The materials include many videos. These are helpful for both auditory and visual exposure to language usage. Unlock also prescribes a wide variety of both individual and group exercises designed to enhance language development. Moreover, Unlock is an effective tool for motivating students to learn. Most ordinary textbooks are dry and boring. The Unlock series focuses on study material that is engaging and sparks students' inherent curiosity. For example, the texts use interesting stories about real people and places in its lessons. Unlock is, in short, a critical component of an improved teaching strategy which will be of great benefit to our students. Adopting these new textbooks is one element of the university's goals of continuous improvement in all aspects of education.   The entire university offers its gratitude to Cambridge University Press. Textbooks are inherently expensive, especially those texts including state of the art educational materials and techniques. The university and Cambridge University Press worked very hard to provide these new textbooks at an affordable price. Ultimately, the parties found a way to sell these books to our students for 80 SR each. This is the lowest price for this series anywhere in the world. The university is so pleased to provide our students with optimal educational tools at a modest cost.   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to providing the best possible language education to our students. The textbook initiative represents yet another success on the endless path of continuous improvement that helps make King Khalid University a world-class educational institution. Date: 1/16/2019 Source: Md. Jahangir Alam Multimedia Source: Sayed Mohammed Abdul Karim

The Faculty of Languages & Translation organized an orientation program for female teachers in the month of November. The FLT has redoubled its efforts to ensure the outcomes of the education system are in line with not only the market needs but also educational outcomes of the NCAAA. The FLT is committed to providing opportunities for all through high-quality training. As such, a series of presentations aligned with our desired educational outcomes were delivered as mentioned below: · Mr. Abdullah Al-Rezgi, Director of the English Language Center, welcomed all participants and expressed his deep appreciation for the orientation program. · Dr. Ismail Al-Refai, Director of the Language Research Center, gave a detailed presentation on the center and its primary activities. He encouraged teachers to participate in the center activities actively. · Dr. Abdul Wahid Al Zumor, Head of the Academic Development & Quality Unit, FLT, presented a detailed presentation on NCAAA and the quality unit. · Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan, Supervisor of E-Learning Unit, FLT, gave a detailed presentation on "Incorporating Blackboard in EFL teaching." · Mr. Jawed Ahmed, ELC General Coordinator, talked about the course plans of the 011/012/015  courses. The program was an overall success. Date: 12/2/2016 Source: Mohsin Khan

The Faculty of Languages & Translation organized an orientation program for female teachers in the month of November. The FLT has redoubled its efforts to ensure the outcomes of the education system are in line with not only the market needs but also educational outcomes of the NCAAA. The FLT is committed to providing opportunities for all through high-quality training. As such, a series of presentations aligned with our desired educational outcomes were delivered as mentioned below: · Mr. Abdullah Al-Rezgi, Director of the English Language Center, welcomed all participants and expressed his deep appreciation for the orientation program. · Dr. Ismail Al-Refai, Director of the Language Research Center, gave a detailed presentation on the center and its primary activities. He encouraged teachers to participate in the center activities actively. · Dr. Abdul Wahid Al Zumor, Head of the Academic Development & Quality Unit, FLT, presented a detailed presentation on NCAAA and the quality unit. · Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan, Supervisor of E-Learning Unit, FLT, gave a detailed presentation on "Incorporating Blackboard in EFL teaching." · Mr. Jawed Ahmed, ELC General Coordinator, talked about the course plans of the 011/012/015  courses. The program was an overall success. Date: 12/2/2016 Source: E-Learning Unit