Teachers’ English Language Training Programmes in Saudi Arabia for Achieving Sustainability in Education

Abstract

Achieving sustainability is a major objective of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This study investigates one Ministry of Education initiative to achieve sustainability through the establishment of its Optimum Utilisation of Teaching Staff Programme (OUTSP). The study focuses in particular on the OUTSP’s two-term English Language Programme (ELP). First, it details the ELP’s modules; then, it analyses the overall results for 170 of the 431 candidates who joined the programme, before going on to examine the results of a sample group of 56 of those 170 candidates in more detail. Microsoft Excel data analysis tools were used to analyse the data. The results show that the candidates generally scored high marks in both terms. The analysis of the sampled group suggests that the noticeably higher marks gained in the second term could be explained by the fact that the candidates were all experienced teachers. The study concludes that the ELP section of the OUTSP is an effective way to achieve sustainability in education through upskilling teachers. It further concludes that the ELP benefits teachers who are willing to move away from their specialist areas or who simply wish to advance their knowledge. Finally, the study recommends that future iterations of the ELP should be spread over three terms rather than two. We also recommend providing more incentives to encourage more candidates to join the ELP.

Effectiveness of LEP activities in enhancing EFL students' oral communication skills at King Khalid University

“…Given the ongoing transformation in Saudi Arabia, Alqahtani and Albidewi (2022) emphasized that sustainability is the central focus of these reforms. Alqahtani and Albidewi (2022) conducted a study to assess the extent of sustainability in the English Language Program (ELP) by analyzing the results of 431 candidates enrolled in this program. The findings of the study reported the significance and sustainability of the ELP program to ameliorate the students' ability to have effective communication in English as a foreign and academic language.…”

“…The findings of the study reported the significance and sustainability of the ELP program to ameliorate the students' ability to have effective communication in English as a foreign and academic language. The study recommended increasing the incentives for encouraging more enrollments in EL programs to inculcate expertise in English among the native speakers of students in Saudi Arabia (Alqahtani and Albidewi, 2022). Moreover, Alanazi (2022) designed a curriculum program named World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) to help teachers who were instructors of English to teach English at the proficiency levels to students of higher education in Saudi Arabia.…”

“…As reported by Alqahtani (2022), the total number of English teachers is about 33,000 employed at secondary and intermediate educational institutes. The inclusion of new courses with the medium of answer and instruction in English raises the need to increase the quality and efficiency and adopt state-of-the-art techniques and methods for providing education (Alqahtani and Albidewi, 2022). Notably, the enhancement of English communication skills and the development of language in the region will assist the country in its achievement of Vision 2030; Mitchell and Alfuraih (2018).…”

Effect of teaching strategies on students’ German writing skills at Saudi international schools

“…The integration of technology in teaching strategies is an emerging factor with significant implications for students' writing skills. The use of digital tools and platforms can enhance the teaching of writing through interactive activities, feedback mechanisms and online resources (Alqahtani and Albidewi, 2022). The extent to which technology is incorporated into teaching strategies is contingent on infrastructure and access, which may vary in Saudi international schools (Yawman and Appiah-Kubi, 2018).…”

“…Traditional strategies have their strengths whereby they provide structure and consistency in the learning environment (Alqahtani and Albidewi, 2022; Irmawati, 2015). Teachers often use textbooks and focus on grammar and vocabulary, aiming to build a strong foundation.…”