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On Monday, November 18, 2019, Dr. Merzin Al-Shahrani, the Vice Rector of Academic Development and Quality, led a critical learning session titled "Improving the Outcomes of the Bachelor of Arts in English Program at King Khalid University in the National Center for Assessment (QIYAS)". The session, jointly sponsored by the Deanship of Academic Development and Quality, was hosted by the Faculty of Languages & Translation's senior leadership. The event witnessed the participation of faculty members from both the main campus and the King Abdullah Road campus via teleconference.

Dr. Al-Shahrani initiated the session by underlining the Ministry of Education's efforts to enhance the quality of program outcomes across all Saudi universities. He pointed out that educational outcomes remain a key area of focus for His Excellency, Minister of Education Dr. Hamad Al-Shaikh. He noted that while institutional accreditation and university rankings hold significance, it is the outcomes that are paramount. Drawing from the European Bologna Process, the National Center for Assessment has re-emphasized learning outcomes (LOs), focusing on key domains: Cognitive achievement (essential knowledge), behavior (skills and abilities), and affectivity (attitudes, values, or beliefs).

The Vice Rector elaborated on the main and sub-components of the LOs, essential for our undergraduate program. He stressed that the national standardized examination for English teachers, which our alumni take, aligns with these LOs, carrying significant importance for their career prospects with the Ministry of Education. The test score parameters comprise Linguistics (15%), Applied Linguistics (12%), Translation (9%), Literature (20%), Language Skills (42%), and Research Methods (2%).

Addressing the audience, Dr. Al-Shahrani reiterated the importance of LOs, emphasizing that improved learning outcomes can lead to enhanced employment opportunities for our students. He presented data on the performance of 677 clt graduates on the exam in the year 1440. Despite results falling short of expectations, there were positive indications for potential improvement.

A 'road map' for enhancing test scores based on teacher actions was proposed by the Vice Rector, followed by a comprehensive question-and-answer session. Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi expressed his concern over the results but also voiced optimism about the plan for improvement. Dr. Yahya Asiri, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, the Vice Dean for Academic Development and Quality, echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the program's ability to address the identified issues.

There were tough questions raised during the Q&A session, including the interplay between the existing basis for the undergraduate program and the LOs as per the Saudi Arabia Qualifications Framework (SAQF). Dr. Al-Shahrani agreed, stating that both sets of requirements apply to the undergraduate program and the curriculum must align with the current requirements set forth by Minister of Education Dr. Hamad Al-Shaikh. He acknowledged the significant challenges involved in implementing these changes.

The Bachelor of Arts in English program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to excellence in all facets of its education. The department is determined to reform its curriculum to ensure optimal learning outcomes and better results on standardized national exams, in a bid to earn national recognition for the quality of the degree program.