ELC (283)

The Preparatory Studies Centre (PSC) conducted a training session for the new teachers and part-timers, on the use of “Web-portal, Moodle, and Smartboard”, on February 22, 2024. A team of experts from ETC comprising Mr Said Al Mantheri, Mr Musabah Al Bloushi, and Mr Roderick Oandasan, conducted the training session. The trainers explained with practical demonstration how to use Moodle, web-portal and Smartboard in the classroom. They highlighted the importance of smartboard, and demonstrated how to use it effectively for classroom teaching and learning. The attendees showed keen interest in the use of technology and online resources for teaching purposes.

In another session, Mr Jabez Syam explained the importance of portfolio, and how E-portfolio can be maintained properly. The session was received well with positive feedback from the participants.

The Community Engagement Committee of the Preparatory Studies Centre (PSC) at UTAS-Ibri organised a comprehensive two-week IELTS preparation course from January 21st to February 1st, 2024. The course aimed to equip students with the necessary skills and strategies to excel in the IELTS test, focusing particularly on speaking and writing modules.

The course featured both online and in-class sessions to cater to diverse learning preferences. Online sessions were conducted by esteemed IELTS experts, including Dr Mohsin Amiri, Ms Lubna Zia, Mr Jabez Konatham, and Mr T Rao. Additionally, in-class sessions were facilitated by a team of experienced tutors, including Mr John Bathula, Mr Michael Keeton, Ms Frizha Melgarejo, Mr Sulaiman Al Ghareebi, Mr Faisal Al Shemali, Ms Amal Ashour, Dr Mohammed Amir, and Dr Dennis Corbita. Throughout the course duration, participants engaged in a variety of speaking and writing activities, as well as grammar exercises. The IELTS tutors shared valuable tips and strategies tailored to improve students' performance in the IELTS test.

Dr Sultan Al Ghafri, the Head of Centre (PSC), commended students for their consistent attendance and active participation throughout the course and presented certificates of participation to them. He extended his heartfelt wishes to all participants for their forthcoming IELTS test, emphasizing the PSC's commitment to hosting regular IELTS courses aligned with community needs and UTAS-Ibri's vision.

The course received positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the depth of knowledge shared by the instructors and the interactive nature of the sessions. Students reported feeling more confident and prepared to tackle the challenges posed by the IELTS test following the completion of the course. The collaborative efforts of the Community Engagement Committee and the esteemed team of IELTS experts have significantly contributed to the effectiveness and value of the courses.

The Community Engagement Committee of the Preparatory Studies Centre (PSC) at UTAS-Ibri organised a General English course from January 21st to February 1st, 2024. The course was tailored to students seeking to enhance their spoken and written communication skills.

The success of the course owes much to the expertise and dedication of the teaching staff. Ms. Adeebah Al Sawafi, Mr. Humaid Al Mamari, Mr. John Bathula, Mr. Sipho Israel, Ms. Moza Al Abri, and Ms. Samiya Al Ghafri demonstrated unwavering commitment to the students' progress throughout the duration of the course. Ms. Adeebah Al Sawafi took the initiative to design a comprehensive booklet comprising a compilation of existing general English material. This resource served as a valuable tool for students' learning journeys. Moreover, the teachers employed a variety of online games and activities to create engaging learning experiences.

Dr. Sultan Al Ghafri, the esteemed Head of Centre (PSC), presented certificates of participation to the students. He lauded them for their dedication and encouraged them to capitalise on the opportunities provided by the PSC at UTAS-Ibri to further refine their English language skills.

The successful completion of the General English course underscores UTAS-Ibri's commitment to fostering academic excellence and facilitating holistic development among students. The collaborative efforts of the Community Engagement Committee, dedicated teachers, and supportive leadership have played a pivotal role in empowering students to excel in their English language proficiency.

The Community Engagement Committee of the Preparatory Studies Centre at UTAS-Ibri organised a two-day IELTS Intensive workshop on the 23rd and 30th of December, 2023. The session focused on providing valuable insights, strategies, and practice to improve candidates' proficiency in the four key areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The workshop was led by Dr Mobina, Ms Adeeba, Mr Jabez Syam, and T. Rao, whose expertise was well applauded.

The participants were mostly from the Indian School-Ibri and Ibri Hospital. They displayed consistent enthusiasm and active involvement throughout the workshop, eagerly participating in discussions, exercises, and practice sessions.

This workshop reflects UTAS-Ibri's commitment to community engagement, fostering academic growth, and providing valuable resources for skill enhancement.

Community Engagement Committee of PSC organised a workshop titled “English in Various Communication Contexts” on December 14, 2023 at the Al Akhdar Campus of UTAS-Ibri

This workshop was conducted by Ms. Taiba Al Waili, a senior staff member and a skillful resource person of PSC. The participants were Grade 11 elective course students from Al Ghaliya bint Nasser School.

Ms. Taiba Al Waili led an immersive and dynamic workshop that showcased the versatile use of the English language across both formal and informal contexts. The session, centred on a hands-on approach and practical examples, and provided attendees with a unique learning-by-doing experience.

The workshop's success was attributed to its interactive nature and the positive feedback received from participants. It also echoed their thirst for knowledge and their appreciation for more experiential learning opportunities.

Continuing UTAS-Ibri’s mission to engage with the local community, the ELC Management reached out to the local government ministries to offer a general English course for its officials. The course ran from November 26th to December 21st, 2023. The month-long course assessed the officials’ current level of English and helped them identify their language goals. Participants attended the course from a variety of government departments. The popularity of the course stemmed from the students’ enthusiasm for remembering, practicing, and expanding their language skills.

The participants reviewed and practiced fundamental tenses, vocabulary, and collocations through highly interactive activities led by Ms. Zumrut Cassidy and Mr. Michael Cassidy. It was a lively and enjoyable experience for both the teachers and the students. The participants quickly re-familiarised themselves with the language and improved their speed and accuracy. Their passion for learning made the lessons more fun, fruitful, and productive.

The English for Communication Course at Utas-Ibri culminated with the assistant vice chancellor of Utas-Ibri, Dr AlAmir Nasser Salim Al-Lawi, commending the dedication of the teachers in making the course a success. Dr. Al-Lawi also extended his appreciation to the enthusiastic attendees. In recognition of their achievements and commitment, Dr. AlAmir Al Lawi presented certificates to the deserving teachers and participants, acknowledging their dedication and successful completion of the course.

Last but not least, the remarkable contributions of Dr Maryam Saif Said Al Ghafri, Head of Studies (PSC), and Dr Sultan Hamad Hilal Al Ghafri, Head of Centre (Preparatory Studies Centre), were recognised and celebrated. Their consistent support, encouragement, and guidance were instrumental in fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth of the local community members.

By Professor Khaled Hussainey from University of Portsmouth

University of Technology & Applied Sciences (UTAS) organized a webinar entitled Publishing Research Papers in highly ranked journals on 26th October 2023.The distinguished resource person for the session was Professor Khaled Hussainey from University of Portsmouth (UK). The webinar covered various aspects related to research publication process like editor’s decision, review, revise, resubmit, withdrawn, and final outcome. The speaker of the webinar also highlighted the importance of drafting appropriate reply emails to the editors in response to the manuscript rejection. He also brought to limelight the necessity for the usage of accurate phrases while drafting emails. The webinar served as a platform for the participants to comprehend the varied nuances and processes of the research articles submission and their publications in highly ranked journals. This informative and enlightening session was highly appreciated by the participants as it offered a comprehensive outlook on the research publication processes of research articles.

Douglas J. Cumming

Florida Atlantic University

UTAS organized a webinar titled “Reviewing Scientific Papers”, on December 4, 2023. The presenter was a well renowned person, Douglas J. Cumming.

Mr. Cumming delivered a highly informative online presentation to researchers and lecturers at the University of Technology & Applied Sciences. During his presentation, he shed light on the criteria that reviewers consider when accepting or rejecting an article.

He emphasized the importance of addressing new and innovative topics in research, expressing skepticism towards articles that merely replicate studies conducted in other countries, referring to them as "me-too" papers. He noted that when a topic has already been explored in another country, reviewers may not appreciate a simple replication for a different location.

Additionally, Cumming highlighted the significance of including an online appendix in research papers, deeming articles with this feature as more reliable. He further advised authors to disclose any potential conflicts of interest with editors. Such transparency, he explained, fosters the perception of fairness and integrity.

Furthermore, Cumming provided valuable guidance to researchers, urging them to thoroughly address all points raised by reviewers before resubmitting their work. This, he emphasized, contributes to the enhancement and credibility of the submitted manuscript.