Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On November 13th, the E-Learning Unit of the Bachelor of Arts in English program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, in collaboration with the Deanship of E-Learning, conducted a webinar titled 'Implementing Quality Matters (QM) to Build Effective Online Assessments' from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 185 faculty members from across the university attended.   QM is a faculty-centered, peer review process designed to properly evaluate and certify online courses and the constituent components thereof. QM has achieved both domestic and international recognition for its quality assurance and continuous improvement capabilities in online education.   Much of QM's success is attributable to its end-user focus. QM programs are: Faculty driven; Collaborative; Able to provide detailed, constructive course feedback; Collegial in nature; Learner-centered in program design and execution.   Under the supervision of Vice Dean of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, and Training Manager at the Deanship of E-Learning, Mohammed Jarallah, E-Learning Unit Supervisor, Mohsin Raza Khan, delivered the webinar. He is a certified QM Master Reviewer and seasoned e-course design professional. At the outset, he reviewed the applicable QM standards for course assessment, followed by an explanation of each evaluative rubric.   Mr. Khan then described the various methods for successfully implementing the standards into an online course assessment. Later, he identified and discussed various QM strategies for online course integration into a variety of curricula. At the conclusion of the webinar, Mr. Khan said, "QM often seems extremely complicated and labor-intensive. However, following the program pays off in the long run with well-designed and highly useful courses that benefit the students." Vice Dean Almosa stated that "e-learning and online courses will play an increasingly vital role in education. QM is an important part of making sure the courses provide efficient learning and high value."   The Bachelor of Arts in English program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to faculty development and providing students with cutting-edge educational programs and the highest quality learning outcomes. Date: 11/16/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The English Club of the Bachelor of Arts in English program recently hosted the third and final 'Twitter Winners' outing on 11/14/2019. These short trips are rewards to high-performing students who win a variety of language-based competitions.   English Club Director Faisal Al-Fadhil supervised the trip to the Abha Airport Hotel, where the participating students bowled and went swimming. Later they all had dinner together and reflected on their times at King Khalid University and in the English Club. Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Yahya Asiri, noted that he is thrilled that so many of our students are committed to their education and fully engaged in their college experience. Date: 11/16/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Women's English Club of the Bachelor of Arts in English program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation organized the 'I am Talented Exhibition' on Thursday, November 14, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A room full of exhibits were on display ranging from portrait drawings to fashion design. Faculty members and staff were impressed with the student-led showcase, which included but was not limited to:   Party Organization; Horror Makeup; Instagram Sweets Shop; Abstract Paintings; Portrait Drawings; Writings; Crochet Stitching; Fashion Designs.   The department faculty members and students had an excellent time at the event, viewing and discovering these fantastic hidden talents. Date: 11/15/2019 Source: Ms. Maram Almalki, Student Activities Coordinator

تم تفعيل برنامج دلني بكلية اللغات والترجمة شطر الطالبات خلال ثلاثة ايام، ناقشت فيها الطالبات اهم الظواهر السلبية المنتشرة في المجتمع الجامعي و اثارها وطرق التخلص منها. وقد قد تناول البرنامج السلوك الايجابي من عدة جوانب: نفسية،اجتماعية،فكرية، و تربوية. Date: Fall 2019 Source: Women's English Club

  Two MA students named Raneem Riadh and Amani Hadi delivered a presentation titled 'Dyslexia as a Language Disorder', at the seminar organized by the Language Research Center on November 13, 2019. Raneem and Amani's presentation covered dyslexia facts, its history, the causes, the symptoms, and its treatment.   They began their presentation with some other disabilities related to learning, such as dysgraphia and dyscalculia, showing a few samples of language work done by those afflicted with same. It was noted that 'dyslexia' comes from the Greek words 'dys', meaning difficulty, and 'lexia', meaning language. Dyslexia is generally defined as a specific learning disability in basic reading skills and spelling, which is neurobiological in origin. While talking about the facts, they added that this is a common reading disorder and therefore the most common cause of reading, spelling and writing difficulties.   They mentioned its discovery in 1877 by a German neurologist Adoff Kussmaul. They also mentioned some famously successful people (Piccaso, Whoopi Goldberg, Muhammad Ali, Steven Spielberg and Cher) who had suffered from dyslexia.   The seminar was informative, interactive, and an overall success. The faculty members and the MA students at the main campus also participated in the seminar. Date: 11/13/2019 Source: Mohammad Adil Siddique

  Dr. Ahlullah Siddiqui delivered an interactive presentation on similes, metaphors, and idioms on behalf of the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT) and the English Club. The well-attended seminar included many students from the FLT and various other colleges. The purpose of the event was to discuss the importance of figurative language in learning English.   Dr. Siddiqui began by defining the different types of figuratives in the English language. He explained that we use metaphors, similes and idioms to make otherwise dull language or topics more interesting or dramatic. "Figurative language is a way of dressing up plain, everyday English and making it unique and fun. It allows speakers and writers to put their own style into language," he said. Figuratives also make the subject of a conversation or writing more relatable to many people and thereby can enhance understanding through greater clarity. Dr. Siddiqui then discussed other types of figurative language, including hyperbole, irony, etc. He noted that figuratives bring emotion, emphasis and a sense of memorable style or poetry to important concepts or points. "Colourful language provokes thoughts and emotions and adds spice to our language, engaging the audience. I am so happy to be sharing the more esoteric aspects of the English language with all of you. I encourage you all to improve your skills and language abilities continually," he concluded.   After the initial presentation, the audience participated in an exercise that helps explain the differences among various forms of figurative language. The students deciphered the latent meaning in phrases such as "time is money" and "icing on the cake". At the conclusion of the exercise, Dr. Siddiqui and the audience reviewed the figurative language as a group.   Special thanks to English Club Director Mr. Faisal Al Fadhil and the English Club for organizing the event and making this useful event possible.   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to providing world-class language education and empowering the students with the tools to succeed in challenging academic programs. Date: 11/13/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  With the commitment to advancing the practice of quality assurance, the Academic Development and Quality Committee at the Faculty of Languages & Translation (King Abdullah Road Campus) organized a workshop titled "Implementing Basic Language Assessment Principles" delivered by Dr. Sara Sevinj Huseynova on Wednesday 6th November 2019. The workshop was about the assessment principles themselves and how to provide valuable feedback while considering the local cultural tendencies. The workshop highlighted that tests are subsets of assessment; therefore, they should never be the entire basis of how to determine the students' level or progress. The teachers might want to assess the students' performance by other various forms of assessment. Also, high-quality tests should be developed in accordance with the fundamental principles of language assessment. It is highly desirable that the teachers, especially teaching the new language for students, are very clear about what kinds of assignments are expected in the evaluation. Moreover, the assessment should promote reliable and consistent judgments by the teachers teaching the same subject.   Dr. Huseynova and the participants discussed the impact that tests have on teaching and learning. She explained that feedback should utilize the new discoverers of the neuroscience and applied linguistics about the ways of providing negative feedback to the female students in a positive manner. The handout on "Giving and Receiving Constructive Oral Feedback for Improving Students' Performance" was an additional resource for the participants of the workshop. It was noted that constructive and broadminded feedback will work, which assists the students in making one further step in a non-invasive and considerate way. Finally, correct feedback can improve attention, memory, and make the student's mental capacity closer to the positive intelligence brain. Date: 11/8/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On October 10, 2019, we reported that the English Club went to Al-Souda for a camping trip. On that trip, students engaged in a competitive jeopardy-style review game. A select group of high performing students advanced to the finals, and though it ended in deadlock, a group of 6 students emerged as co-winners. On November 7, 2019, the 6 co-winners were awarded with an exclusive trip to an undisclosed location in Al-Souda. English Club Director, Faisal Al-Fadhil, led students to the precipice of the waterfall, where they spent the evening exchanging conversation, removing liter from the surrounding areas, and enjoying a traditional campfire dinner.   "The 2nd Twitter Winners' Trip was launched to reward those who follow our activities very closely and have the competitive heart to join our adventures," said Director Alfadhil. Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Yahya Asiri, commented that the event was a worthwhile endeavor. Date: 11/8/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On November 6, 2019, the Faculty of Languages and Translation, along with the English Club, sponsored a faculty member soccer tournament. The purpose of the event was to encourage camaraderie among the faculty members through friendly competition. Nine faculty members participated.   The faculty were separated into two teams with a King Khalid University student rounding out the field of players. The teams played continuously until Maghreb prayer. Everybody prayed together on the field. Subsequently, the marathon match resumed for another 60 minutes.   Each team included an outstanding player. Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Yahya Asiri, was the star of his squad. His specialty is using quick and decisive footwork to evade would-be defenders. He scored numerous goals much to the chagrin of the competent defense. Dr. Asiri was ably assisted by Ahl Allah Saddiqi, Dr. Dimitrios Michael, and Dr. Omer Sultan. They provided excellent defensive cover and were effective on offense as well. Dr. Sultan provided brief intermissions by adeptly kicking the ball out of the stadium. Several soccer balls remain missing at this time.   Dr. Basim Kanaan was the opposing star player on his team. His skills included accurate scissor kicks and adept ball handling. Teammate and English Club Director, Faisal Alfadhil, provided the speed that kept Dr. Asiri's team in constant motion. Azaad Hayat provided additional intermissions by drilling balls into opposing players, which resulted in game stoppages and some minor injuries.   Dr. Karem Abdelatif Ahmed and Hassan Costello served as goalies in the match. Dr. Ahmed, despite his best efforts, allowed many goals due to the continuous onslaught of the skilled offense by Dr. Asiri's team. Hassan Costello apparently was unaware he was playing goal. However, the opposing team was only marginally successful because Hassan is approximately the same size as the goal.   The soccer matches will be a standing event to be held every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at the Lasan Campus.   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to employee development and well-being. Date: 11/7/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Women's College Scientific Research Committee organized a workshop on 'Colourful Semantics' on Monday, November 4, 2019. The workshop, which was delivered by Dr. Sheila Simpkins focused on the use of the 'colourful semantics technique' in teaching writing classes. Dr. Simpkins started the workshop by referring to the origin of ‘colourful semantics’. This approach, which was created by Alison Bryan, uses colour codes to breakdown sentence structures to help young learners to develop their grammar but it is rooted in the meaning of words (semantics).   She further explained that colourful semantics reassembles sentences by cutting them up into their thematic roles and then colour codes them. The colour scheme for these cards relates to the types of words in a sentence. For example, verbs are orange and nouns are either yellow or green.   "Colourful Semantics, which is an approach used with learners with Autistic Spectrum Condition, is used in Speech and Language Therapy to help young learners with language development," said Dr. Simpkins. She added that she used to apply this technique when teaching students with low motivation, explaining that she found that it was really helpful in motivating students to learn. "Colour semantics is used to make building sentences fun," concluded Dr. Simpkins.   Semantics is the aspect of language function that relates to understanding the meanings of words, phrases, and sentences and using words appropriately when we speak. There are plenty of benefits to using this approach, including encouraging more extensive vocabulary, making sentences longer with more details, and helping students respond to questions developing the use of nouns, verbs, prepositions adverbs, and adjectives.   The workshop was a practical application on the use of the approach to introducing students to sentence structure in writing classes. The workshop was attended by some staff members and graduate students. Date: 11/4/2019 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally, Scientific Research Committee