News

Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, was a distinguished guest at The First International Conference on EFL Education (ICEFL 2016). The conference, hosted by the University of Jeddah at the Hilton Hotel from October 31 to November 2, 2016, gathered a diverse group of keynote speakers and workshop facilitators from across the globe to discuss and enhance English Language teaching practices.

The event, which had a primary focus on expanding research and improving educational outcomes, saw prominent representation from our university through Vice Dean Dr. Ali Alamir, and Lecturer Mr. Md Mahmudul Haque. Both contributed significantly to the discussions through their respective papers:

• "The L2 Performance of Saudi EFL Students in the Online Environment," by Dr. Ali Hussein Alamir.
• "The Catalytic Role of Metacognition in Fostering Learner Autonomy for ESL/EFL Learners," by Mr. Md Mahmudul Haque.

The conference attracted esteemed L2 researchers from various parts of the world, including the USA, the UK, and Canada. It was also well attended by a significant number of Saudi educators from diverse public and private sectors. This varied audience ranged from students and teachers to advisers, educational consultants, and managers from both domestic and international educational institutions and publishers.

In addition to the main conference, the event also featured training workshops that drew active participation. Our MA students found these sessions particularly enlightening.

ICEFL 2016 marked an exceptional milestone in EFL Education in Saudi Arabia, providing a stimulating forum for exchange and learning for Saudi EFL educators. Participants enthusiastically appreciated the wide array of conference papers, presentations, and workshops, expressing their excitement about their involvement in the event. The conference not only allowed them to gain fresh insights into the current issues of Saudi EFL education and research but also gave them the opportunity to share constructive comments and feedback with keynote guests and fellow participants. Overall, the conference was a comprehensive event that contributed significantly to the collective understanding of creative teaching methodologies and active learning.