CLER Conversation Series with Bayan Al-Hashmi, Ruaa Hariri, Nada Al-Sheehri, and Amal Basheikh

 Navigating the currents of educational transformation:
researching EFL teaching, learning and assessment at Saudi Universities

This presentation reflects the relationship between research and the strategic objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Transformation Programme, as part of the country’s 2030 vision for educational development in Higher Education (HE). The transformational plan aims at improving teacher training, curricula, and the learning environment through stimulating creativity and innovation. However, in classrooms where English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is believed to be composed of mixed-ability students, this posits a challenge for teaching, learning, and assessment. In addressing curricula, Bayan Al-Hashmi will discuss the application of differentiated instruction in mixed-ability classrooms. This is built on the assumption that a one-size-fits-all approach to language teaching, in general, and grammar instruction, in particular, is not of much effectiveness in large classrooms. In addressing teacher training, Ruaa Hariri will discuss the shared role of feedback provision in writing assessment, through activating learner engagement in the EFL classroom. She will discuss how this serves in developing sustainable feedback practices that may enhance learners’ life-long learning skills. In terms of improving the learning environment, Nada Al-Sheehri, will discuss how English language oral fluency is operationalized in dialogue and monologue classroom discourse. Her research is built on the assumption that teaching speaking in an interactional context is neglected in many EFL classrooms. Finally, Amal Basheikh will talk about how mobile devices and the internet provide learners with opportunities for self-initiated English language learning and use. She will discuss how Saudi university students perceive these resources and interact with them in the context of English language learning, to gain insight into how to maximise educational outcomes. Implications for educational development will be provided based on each case study research.