Focus on Foundations was the main topic of the Al Ain Colleges' 4th Centre of Excellence English Conference.
Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, the Al Ain Colleges hosted the Fourth Centre of Excellence for English Conference, ‘Focus on Foundations’, on the 27th March 2011 at the Al Ain Men’s College.
Mr. Tim Smith, Acting Director of the Al Ain Colleges opened the conference. In his thought provoking and inspiring opening address Mr. Tim Smith stressed the professional value and expertise English faculty bring to the Higher Colleges of Technology’s Foundations program and how faculty make an impact on young Emiratis studying at the Higher Colleges of Technology.
The welcoming remarks set the scene for 23 breakout sessions delivered by 44 Higher Colleges of Technology Foundations faculty from the 17 campuses across the United Arab Emirates.
The breakout sessions provided the opportunity for faculty to share best practices in the delivery of the Foundations curriculum and to exchange ideas on current teaching and learning methodologies. Sessions included how to develop Foundation learners’ English skills, integrating educational technology in the English classroom, and reflecting on teaching practices.
Mr. Tim Smith commented: ‘The conference brought together English Language Teaching faculty from all HCT colleges during Independent Learning Week for a Professional Development learning experience focusing on the importance of teaching English on the Foundations program.’
The event was brought to a close with a raffle and closing comments by the Associate Dean, Centre of Excellence for English, Al Ain Colleges. All delegates attended this before they departed Al Ain for other emirates with their expectations fulfilled.
