International English Language Teaching Symposium (IELTS-2022) Paradigms, Pathways and Possibilities in ELT 

The University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Ibri, hosted the International English Language Teaching Symposium- (IELTS-2022): Paradigms, Pathways and Possibilities in ELT on June 29-30, 2022. The English Language Centre was back after a hiatus of two years with its striking initiatives, and the two-day symposium was the result of the collaborative efforts of the ELTPDW. Mr Faisal Al Shamali, the head of the Professional Development Committee led the team. The symposium provided a platform for virtual and in-person presenters and participants from 35 countries. More than 3,000 participants registered for the mega-event. 

The opening ceremony was hosted by Dr Mobina Rahnama and  graced by Shaikh Saif Bin Abdullah Al Mamari, the Wali of Yanqul; Dr Hamdan Al Manthari, the Dean of UTAS, Ibri; assistant deans Dr Naser Al Kalbani and Mr. Rashid Al Hinai; heads of  department Dr Sultan Al Ghafri (ELC), Dr Maryam Al Ghafri (ELC), Dr Nasser Al Shammaki (Department of Engineering)  and Dr Abdulrahman Al Ismaili (Department of Business Studies). Dr Abdulsalam Al Manthari, the Head of the English Language Centre, addressed the audience and underlined the significance of the symposium in the national and international arenas. 

Day one of the symposium was virtual and hosted ten keynote speakers and 42 presenters. The keynote speakers who graced the occasion on day one were Prof Stephen Krashen, a linguist, educational expert, political activist and honorary professor from the USA; Dr Mick King from Community College of Qatar; Dr Christine Coombe from Dubai College of Men, UAE; Dr Christel Broady, from Georgetown College, USA; Dr Fouzia Rouaghe from University of Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Sétif 2; Prof Khalil Motallebzadeh from Tabaran Institute of Higher Education, Iran; Prof. Carol Evans, an honorary visiting professor at Cardiff University; Dr Wafa Zoghbor Associate Professor, from Zayed University, UAE; Dr Jamila Al Siyabi, from SQU, Oman; and Prof. Liz England, Founder of TESOL International Association Career Path Development Professional Learning Network, USA. The canvas of their talks was huge, and the impact was immense on the audience. There were experiences and lessons replete with inspiration, expertise and novelty for all. 

Day two session was hosted exclusively for in-person keynote speakers, presenters and participants who took immense interest to benefit from the event. The keynote speakers who graced the occasion were Dr Hashil Al Saadi, Language Lecturer, Oman; Dr Fatemeh Ranjbaran from UTAS-Nizwa; Dr Anfal Al Wahaibi, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Social Services at Sultan Qaboos University; Dr Misida Al Jahwari, College of Economics and Political Science from SQU, Oman; and Eva Grayzel, Master Storyteller and Visionary Survivor from USA.  

The  virtual and in-person keynote speakers, presenters and participants were awarded certificates and mementos as a token of appreciation. 

The closing ceremony celebrated the joyous moments of the much-awaited success. Dr Abdulsalam thanked the virtual and in-person keynote speakers, presenters and participants, the heads of departments/centres, ETC staff, and all the ELC staff who made their presence felt with their support, motivation, and commitment.