ELC (283)
Dr Sepidah Damirichi was invited to speak on the applicability of neuroscience of learning in online classes at the ELC, UTAS-Ibri. One of the references she quoted states that when one has to learn something entirely unrelated to anything an individual already knows, the brain still craves a reference point, without which it can find itself in an infinite search loop. The brain neuro constructively scaffolds information. (Siros et.al 2008).
She connected the dots with the study of the biological processes and aspects that underlie cognition and cognitive activities that are affected or controlled by neural circuits in the brain.
Her main focus was on the applicability of neuroscience of learning in online classes, emphasising two significant factors: bringing neuroscience of learning to online teaching and learning principles. It was an apt discussion for teachers to ponder and execute in their classrooms.
Profile
Dr. Sepideh Damirchi holds BA. in English Language and Literature, MA. In Linguistics. She is a PhD student of Cognitive Science language. She is interested in research in the field of Cognitive Linguistics, Cognitive Semantics, Neuroscience of language, Neuroscience of bilingualism and Neuroscience of learning.
The English Language Center at UTAS-Ibri launched the IELTS course as part of its commitment to provide high-quality services to its students and the community. The first batch was offered a four-day training course from 21st to 24th November 2021 at the new ELC building. The students were informed to register through the British Council IELTS Online Application to get admitted to the course.
The selected students were divided into two classes (Classes A & B) with 19 students each. They were given IELTS study materials to become conversant with the concept-based questions, which guided them to think and answer the questions well. They were also familiar with the tips and techniques to answer using LSRW skills. Dr Miriam shared some websites that students can use to get writing & speaking feedback.
The participants who were from different age groups and professional backgrounds appreciated the efforts exerted by the English Language Center to train IELTS aspirants.
The PDC of ELC, UTAS-Ibri, hosted an online workshop on Collocational Competence on December 9, 2021. The focus of the presentation was on Assisting B2 learners to enhance their collocational competence by applying the TTT Procedure and principles of Collaborative Learning. She stressed the seven main collocational categories, teaching strategies, and the contextual use of collocations using the TTT(task-teach-task) method. She engaged the audience with interesting activities through collaborative learning techniques.
Ms Zenovia focused on the principles of TBL(task-based learning) and their applications in various language learning contexts too. The audience found customized strategies and techniques suitable and ready to use.
Profile
Zenovia Efstratios Michael is an EFL and DELTA certified English language teacher. She is a teacher trainer and works as a Volunteacher in Aviva Ingles Project Brazil.
The ELC Students’ Activities Committee organized its first Debate Competition on December 9,2021 and the topic of the debate was Online Study vs. Offline Study. Ms Archana, Ms Adeeba and Mr Jabez Syam organized the event and their efforts were laudable. The society invited the alumni to the event to motivate the contestants.
Dr Mohsen Amiri moderated the session and his energy levels were matchless. The eight contestants were in two groups. The following students were in Group A debated favored Offline Study: Almu'Taz Hamood Muslem Al Shukaili, Saif Muhanna Saif Al Hinai, Al Muntaser Nasser Salim Al Kalbani,Al Moatase m Said Saleem Al Shakaili. Group B had Samah Mubarak Said Al Ghafri, Sultan Khalifa Ahmed Al Abri,Mithaa Saud Fadhil Al Qatbi, Omaima Hafedh Mohammed Al Shaibani.
Ms Sandra and Mr Andries who were on the selection panel declared Group B as the winners. Dr Maryam Al Ghafri thanked the contestants and announced the winner.
The English Society of UTAS-Ibri ELC is always at the forefront of organizing events that motivate students to learn English through various modes and channels. The society initiated its second activity by organizing an event to promote and motivate the Foundation students on Thursday, 2 December 2021, in the ELC Shade area. Dr Abdulsalam graced the event and highlighted the role of the English Society.
The event started with a short drama by Balarab Al Shukaili, and Mohammed Al Alawi from Level 1-Group 5 entertained the young audience. The members of the society encouraged students to contribute to Hues Magazine and participate in large numbers by enrolling in the English Society programs. The competitions “Tongue Twister” and “Spell Bee” fueled the enthusiasm among the students.
Dr Mohsen thanked the English Society members for their teaching and motivating other students. He extended his heartfelt thanks to the Students Activities Committee for their support and assistance.
The ELC Students Activities Committee of UTAS-Ibri, conducted a Writing workshop for the Level 1 students on 14.11.2021 to promote and enhance English language skills. These are highly favoured in the ELC as they ensure that all students are fully prepared for their midterm and final exams.
Mr Sultan Al Sawafi, the coordinator of the Level 1 and Dr Mohsen, organized the workshop to enhance students' writing skills. It instilled confidence in students and motivated them to learn more.
The Students Activities Committee lauded the efforts of Mr Sultan Al Sawafi for his commitment and extended its heartfelt thanks.
The global spread of English has impacted teaching and learning practices and has several implications in an educational context. Some of these implications are teaching pronunciation and grammar, language assessment, and the role of learners’ first language (L1) in the context where English is used as the primary medium of instruction.
The Professional Development Committee of the English Language Centre, UTAS-Ibri, hosted a webinar titled “Global English and Teaching: Diversity and Inclusivity in Educational Settings” on Thursday, December 2, 2021. In her presentation, the guest speaker Dr Wafa Zoghbor focused on enhancing inclusivity within linguistically diverse contexts through contextualized learning and retaining individuals’ accents and cultural identity.
Profile
Dr Wafa Zoghbor is an associate professor of Applied Linguistics, Zayed University, United Arab Emirates. She is an accredited professional international trainer in strategic planning. Her research interest in applied linguistics covers phonology, ELF, Translanguaging in Higher Education, and Sociolinguistics.
Areej Jaafar, in her presentation at UTAS-Ibri, on 11.11.2021, shared her perspectives on self-limiting beliefs. She focused her presentation on three questions: How are the self-limiting beliefs blocking your ability from living your best life? Where do self-limiting beliefs come from? How to overcome self-limiting beliefs?
She was of the opinion that can often creep into our thoughts and lower our self-regard (respect and acceptance for ourselves, despite any shortcomings). She also added that it is possible to consciously change how we think about ourselves, reframing unhelpful beliefs and building more confidence to achieve goals and positively move forward in life even in challenging times.
The presentation engaged the audience with the pointers that led to self-introspection.
Profile of the Speaker
Areej Jaafar, an office manager, working for Data United General Trading & Contracting Co. in Kuwait, Certified Trainer from Bristol Science Academy & awarded as a Distinguished Members from Toastmasters International. Areej joined Toastmasters in 2013, a member in multiple clubs in Kuwait and a Club in Greece and has been associated with them to date.
The growing importance of research at academic colleges of education can help teachers identify, conceptualize problems, activities and outcomes related to teaching and learning. Scholarly research is an effective medium for the knowledge -seekers to exchange their know-how.
The Research and Consultancy committee of the English Language Center at UTAS-Ibri hosted the second webinar titled Lecture Series 2: Writing the Review of Related Literature for Publication on Thursday, 11 November 2021 by Dr Maria Elena Paulma.
Dr Maria began her presentation with a succinct and pithy definition of the literature review. A literature review broadly includes guiding concepts, surveys, scholarly sources on a specific topic, an overview of current knowledge and gaps in existing research.
She stated that a literature review equips the researcher information seeking ability and critical appraisal. She further added how organizing the thesis one is developing, summary, areas of controversy, and formulating questions that need further research help the researcher write a literature review.
Ms Maria concluded her presentation with a quick ready reckoner for RRL. The webinar proved to be a great channel to further research activities at the ELC.
Profile
Dr Maria Elena-Paulma has a doctorate in creative writing from the University of the Philippines-Diliman. She is a Palanca winner, which the Pulitzer Prize of the Philippines and was a fellow in the 2016 Fullbright Senior Scholar’s program.
“Happy hour” hosted by the English Language Center at UTAS- Ibri on 28.10.2021 entertained the ELC staff by making them indulge in fun-filled activities and kept them away from a typical work-day for a while. The hosts of the event, Ms Hind and Ms Maha Al Derai, subtly garnered the attention of the staff and the vibrant, positive vibes were contagious enough to encourage participation. The contours of the corridor greeted the teachers in all possible languages and the numbers started gradually swelling up.
The audience enjoyed responding to funny questions, puzzles, questions on general knowledge, exciting visuals and a quick test to identify polyglots from the crowd. Teams were formed and prizes were announced amidst the cheering crowd and the team was “Zahra” was declared as the winner. Refreshments added glamour and meaning to the whole event.