King Khalid University

  On January 29, 2019, the Faculty of Languages & Translation (FLT) held a joint freshman orientation and departmental student awards ceremony. The event was hosted by English Club President, Abdulaziz Dahlan, supervised by Student Activities Director, Faisal Alfadhil, and led by the Dean of the Faculty of Languages & Translation, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi.   In recognition of the inaugural student activity programs, Dean Al-Melhi conducted a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. The purposes of the ceremony were to celebrate the improvements in student activities and emphasize their importance to the incoming freshmen.   One of the main objectives of the freshman orientation is to help new students make the transition from high school to college life. Dean Al-Melhi welcomed the students and expressed his excitement at seeing so many new faces. He then introduced several members of the faculty and staff, each of whom gave a brief explanation of how they can assist the students. Academic Counselor, Dr. Dawood Mahdi, then gave a short presentation about what the students can expect from their teachers and the administration. He also provided further information on how the faculty and staff can assist the students.   Dean Al-Melhi concluded the freshman orientation by saying 'You are all embarking upon a wonderful journey. Undoubtedly, each of you will have accomplishments and setbacks, joy and frustration. By the time you graduate, you will have learned so much about your major and about life. All of us here in the department hope that, years from now, you will remember your brief time at King Khalid University as one of the most valuable experiences in your life'.   Following the orientation, Dean Al-Melhi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Yahya Asiri, Chairman of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Munassir Alhamami, and Counselor Mahdi conducted the student awards portion of the program. This semester the FLT recognized the following students for achieving a grade point average at or above 4.75:   Mohammed Al-Buhairi Nasser Asiri Rayan Jabar Faisal Asiri Nasser Al-Shahrani Mohammed Al-Qahtani Fuad Fayad Hamad Ghannam Mohanad Mushabab Ahmed Ahmed Abdullah Nasser Abdulelah Hussein Turki Shamakh Abdulaziz Hussein Fares Shafi Khalid Hamza Ali Mohammed Asim Asiri Khalid Shehri Abdulrahman Ahmed Hussam Asiri Abdulaziz Hassan Mohanad Al-Dosari Ahmed Qadi Abdulelah Saad Mohammed Al-Shabi Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Dhafer Abdulmoshin Mohammed Hazza Salem Awadh Hassan Wael Ahmed Abdulrahman Asiri Musa Mohammed   After the awards ceremony, Registrar at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Nasser Hawamdeh, conducted a brief presentation concerning a variety of registration policies and procedures. He reviewed the methods by which students can register, change classes, and add/drop courses during the semester. This was important information as it covers frequently asked questions, especially among newer students.   Director Alfadhil then encouraged all of the students to participate in the English Club. The purpose of the extracurricular club is to help students improve their English skills and knowledge in an informal and collegial setting in which the focus is on teaching each other. 'The English Club can be a valuable and enjoyable means of improving your language skills while having fun. I encourage you to join the English Club at your earliest convenience', said Director Alfadhil.   At the end of the program, all of the participants enjoyed the refreshments. Students, both new and experienced, expressed their enthusiasm for their studies in the department. Date: 1/29/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  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

As part of the international cooperation initiative at King Khalid University, His Excellency King Khalid University Rector, Pro. Falleh R.M. Al-Solamy, was pleased to welcome a delegation from Swansea University in the United Kingdom. Swansea University is a world recognized top-400 educational institution and is Welsh in origin. In fact, in Wales, the university is also known as 'Prifysgol Abertawe' in the Welsh language.   Dr. Parfitt is the Head of the English Language Training Services. She, along with her entourage, visited the Faculty of Languages and Translation. Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi, Vice Dean Yahya Asiri, Chairman Munassir Alhamami, and ELC Director Musa Al-Ahmari led them on a tour of the labs, the LEP, the IELTS Center, and other related facilities.   In addition to touring the facilities, there was a roundtable discussion on international cooperation led by Dean Al-Melhi. 'We welcome our honored guests to Abha. Cooperation among universities from around the world is a worthy objective. We all have much to learn and to teach one another. In the spirit of international cooperation, we are most pleased to collaborate with Dr. Parfitt and Swansea University. We are most grateful to His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy for organizing and supporting this worthwhile endeavor. It is worth noting that other representatives from Swansea visited and toured other colleges within the university. These efforts are of mutual benefit to everyone at both universities', said Dean Al-Melhi.   Dr. Parfitt said 'We are privileged to be welcomed to King Khalid University. We plan to establish a mutually beneficial and on-going educational cooperation initiative with the Faculty of Languages and Translation. We hope to implement such useful projects like internship programs, faculty and student exchanges, and joint degree programs. Everyone we met at King Khalid University and in Abha were most gracious and inviting. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with King Khalid University'.   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to developing our university, students, and faculty through international cooperation and bilateral agreements with top universities throughout the world.   If you are a representative of a foreign educational institution, organization, or enterprise and interested in establishing a memorandum of cooperation, please send an email to amalmelhi@kku.edu.sa. Date: 12/15/2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

On December 8, 2018, the 4th Annual Forum was held which was titled Modern Methods in Teaching English as a Second Language in collaboration with Oxford University Press at Saudi German Hospital. The event was conducted under the supervision of the Faculty of Languages and Translation Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, and Dr. Mowafiq Al-Momani. The purpose of the forum was to raise awareness of modern concepts of English language teaching. Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi began the program with a welcome speech. In his speech, he explained how teaching methods could be improved through such a forum. He reiterated that it would help share innovative ideas about modern pedagogy. He suggested that we make greater use of such events. Faculty development through forums and the like are an integral aspect of our goal of continuous improvement in delivering a world-class language education, he added. The participants included both male and female faculty members working at King Khalid University. The morning session included a presentation by Mr. Zaid Ben Hamad from Oxford University Press titled Teaching ESP highlighting practical teaching with reference to English for Specific Purposes. He showed how to model a warm-up task, the importance of having proper knowledge of the specialism before designing an ESP course, and how to design a fact-sheet. The session included some activities with questions that actively involved the participants. The afternoon session included six presentations. Dr. Eman Alzaanin gave a presentation titled EFL Writing Instruction from a Cognitive Ecological Perspective. She highlighted pedagogical practices in L2 writing classrooms and L2 writing teacher cognition. She also explained the contribution of the cognitive-ecological model that gives insights into cognition networks, broader understanding types of knowledge, context, and stimulus for teacher cognition. The bottom line was the fact that in EFL writing instruction, a teacher must have a clear idea about ecology impact on the class. Dr. Munassir Alhamami spoke on the subject of Digital Presentations in EFL Classrooms that focused on various ways to use digital presentations in class. He emphasized the need of appropriateness of material we choose, and understanding copyright issues before applying them in class. He showed how digital presentations facilitate the learning process by making difficult ideas easy, playing the role of ice-breakers. Later he showed the steps of creating such presentations by understanding rubrics. Mr. Chris Harris spoke about Classroom Management in the context of Saudi Arabia that emphasized creating a rapport with students. Dressing appropriately may create a good impression, he added. Classroom management is successful, he said, if the lesson gives proper satisfaction and enjoyment in teaching. He also focused on how to address other related issues such as disruption, coming late, and not bringing books and pens. Some culturally sensitive topics, he said, must be avoided. He concluded that a happy teacher makes happy students. Mr. Stephen Sampliner’s presentation focused on giving accurate instructions. It was titled How do You Measure a Successful Day of Teaching?  The role of instructions might play an important role in determining how successful a lesson is, he said. He then highlighted some key aspects of giving instructions. He emphasized making use of visual demonstrations in giving instructions. He reiterated that instructions should be easy, direct and short. Mr. Michael Maschmeier's presentation was about Writing in the Classroom. He began by the benefits of writing in class – observing and replicating real-world text. He emphasized involving students in writing a complete unified piece of writing instead of just getting them involved in language-related tasks. He explained the process of writing – pre-writing, making the first draft, revising and editing, and publishing and feedback. He also focused on self-editing, practicing writing long essays, academic essays, articles, cover letters, and emails. Dr. Sara Sevinj Huseynova spoke about the Key Concepts in Language Assessment. She particularly highlighted the types of assessment and assessment principles. While talking about assessment principles, she explained reliability, validity, practicality, and washback. Teachers should have a clear idea about why, what, and how the assessment is done. She also focused on how feedback should be given to learners in a non-judgmental and unbiased way. The attendees greatly benefitted from all the presentations. Then there was a Q&A session after each session in which many participants raised important issues, and all benefitted from the discussion. Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi gave a concluding speech in which he emphasized sharing experience through such a forum. He thanked all of the participants, attendees and those working behind the scenes. The Faculty of Languages and Translation, he added, is committed to a culture of on-going improvement in language education and professional development in teaching. The dean, vice dean, and chairman are committed to holding forums such as this in support of this worthy objective. The event was worthwhile and well-attended. Date: 12-10-18 Source: Mohammad Adil Siddique and Mahmudul Haque Multimedia Source: Mohammad Taisir Albukaai

The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education collaborated with the Faculty of Languages and Translation to deliver an introductory level short course to primary, secondary, and high school teachers who work for the Ministry of Education.  Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, and Dr. Omar Alwan Aqeel, Dean of Community Service and Continuing Education, led the program.  Over the course of 4 weeks, nearly 100 registered participants were deeply engaged in a mix of active lesson types. The practical sessions involved a variety of communicative formats with a focus on grammar and vocabulary that utilized pair work, group work, and class activities. At the end of each week, participants had the chance to test their abilities to use collocations, complex grammar, and discourse markers in a tailored IELTS speaking exam workshop.  Director of the English Language Center, Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Rezgi, Hashim Ali Asiri, lecturer, Khalid Mater Asiri, lecturer, and Hassan Costello, language instructor, delivered the program. Date: 8/12/2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Source: Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education

Abdullah Omar, the recipient of the First-Class Honors Award for his outstanding academic performance in the M.A. in Applied Linguistics Program, says he obtained his most important life lessons and ambition to succeed from his mother. From his perspective, “This achievement not only brings honor to my mother– it brings honor to the Faculty of Languages and Translation, and I hope it will have a positive impact on other students in the college.” Dean of the FLT, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, said that his most important duty on the 20th Graduation Ceremony sponsored by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Khalid was to offer a warm welcome to honored guests, faculty members, and graduating students. He then related he was moved by many stories of students where he learned about the distances and obstacles they overcame to graduate. "As 2018 concludes, I would like to thank our faculty members, students, and staff for another extraordinary semester filled with numerous accomplishments. Abdullah Omar's award is one example among many that illustrate the upward trajectory of the Faculty of Languages and Translation." The CIO of King Khalid University, Dr. Salem Aleyani, said in a tweet: "His Royal Highness, the Prince of the Asir Region, is honoring our distinctive colleague for achieving first-class honors in his master's degree. Abdullah is one of the best IT employees for the University in his work ethics. I wish all the best to my friend." Date: 3/30/2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

A training course was recently held at the First Quran Based Intermediate and High School in Abha by the Supervisor of the Community Service Committee at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Ms. Asma Alqahtani.The subject of the training session was "Self-Study of the English Language by Modern Methods." In that training, Ms. Asma Alqahtani introduced teachers to the online learning resources on the Faculty of Languages and Translation's website that will help further their language studies. She also introduced students to popular mobile phone applications that make studying English more engaging and fun. At the conclusion of the event, Asma trained students on other well-known language learning strategies that they can utilize in their pursuit of learning English as a foreign language. Date: 10/7/1439 Source: FLT Female Campus

Dr. Munassir Alhamami, assistant professor, was honored for excellence and achievement in research, service, and extracurricular activities at an awards ceremony held earlier this week. In support and recognition of academic excellence, Rector Al-Solamy congratulated Alhamami for the significance of his contributions and the long-term impact of his research during his time at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.  Conferred by the Office of the University Vice Presidency for Academic Development and Quality, the Excellence Awards program recognizes faculty who exemplify a commitment to enhancing the university experience for their peers and colleagues. Date: 3/15/2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

The Language Research Center organized a seminar on November 22, 2017, which included a presentation by Mr. Rizwan Ghani titled, ‘Under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, KKU Can Help Bring the Asir Region’s Education and Admission Process to International Standards in 3-5 Years.’ His presentation attempted to familiarize the participants with the multipronged approaches being used by numerous countries including America, the UK, Europe and Asia to align the Asir region’s education and admissions system with international standards. In the start of the presentation, he outlined the role of national and international level education assessment programs, international indicators of education systems showing global trends in education, the role of accelerated education programs, entry and admission tests, international testing centers (ITCs), and admission processes and frameworks in improving the standards. It was also highlighted that these steps are not language specific.  Mr. Rizwan explained in detail the features of programs such as National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) USA and OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) that is available in 90 languages including Arabic. While explaining the role of entry and admission tests, he suggested the introduction of critical thinking and reasoning skill (CARS). He talked about America’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) policy and its role in improving education in the fields of science and technology. The importance of establishing ITCs to enhance education standards was also highlighted.       Mr. Rizwan concluded with positive results of those programs and recommended King Khalid University should play its role to help improve the education system in the Asir region including school education. The King Abdullah Road girls’ campus also participated in the seminar online. The presentation was very interactive and overall a great success. Please click here to view Mr. Rizwan Ghani's presentation. Date: 11/22/2017 Source: MD Adil Multimedia Contribution: Mohammad Sherajul Islam

Under the supervision of the Vice Presidency of Student Affairs, the Faculty of  Languages and Translation (Female Campus) participated in the program "Proud Of My Femininity" which aimed at strengthening the instinctual feminine nature and fighting the unnatural behaviors. The English Club presented a corner titled "Proud of My Look and Proud of My Innateness."  The corner included different models, brochures, and slogans. The English Club students provided brief instructional presentations to the students about the program and offered generous gifts.  Date: 10/18/2017 Source: Public Relations & Media Office.