Dr. Ali Al-Issa, Associate Professor of English Language Education, Department of Curriculum & Instruction, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) conducted a workshop entitled  “Constructing and Deconstructing ELT Education Ethics and Values: “A Bottom-Up Approach” at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Engineering Building, on May 10, 2018.

Dr. Ali emphasized on what he termed ‘the bottom up approach’ where the educators can get themselves involved in the formulation of the ethics and values governing their profession since they are the ones in close contact with the students.

In their groups, participants discussed and write down different qualities of what they perceive to be a professional teacher. Different group members were given an opportunity to present to the audience. The discussion went on to how educators can merge and consolidate the qualities of professionalism to the policies and curriculum for instance.

The changes discussed included the shifting of the Syllabi from local content to predominantly global content and how to strike a balance between the two. Participants noted that local content has been proven to have a positive impact on learner motivation.

The workshop ended with the teachers submitting the drafts they made to the Head of Section (HoS)- Curriculum and Teaching Methods CTM Mr. Nasser Al Hindasi to consolidate the drafts into one document.

In his closing remarks, English Language Center (ELC) Head Mr. Ali Abdullah Al Balushi thanked Dr. Ali for having accepted the Staff Professional Development Team (SPDT)’s call for a workshop. Mr. Ali also thanked the ELC staff, guest participants from International Maritime College (IMCO), Sohar.

The workshop was organized by the SPDT led by Mr. Ossama El- Sayyed under the supervision of the Staff Support Committee Coordinator, Mr. Given Chakalisa.