The Staff Professional Development Committee (SPDC) of the English Language Center (ELC) presented a seminar titled ‘Feedback in EFL Contexts’ at the ShCT Multi-Purpose Hall on November 30, 2017.

SPDC tapped ELC lecturer Dr. Joseph Decena Dayag as resource speaker.

In his opening remarks, ELC Head of Section for Curriculum and Teaching Methods Mr. Nasser Al Hindasi thanked the speaker for having the courage to tackle this topic as he underscored that “Feedback is a controversial and sensitive issue in teaching English as a Foreign Language(EFL).”

Noting the findings of significant empirical studies in various EFL contexts, Dr. Dayag encouraged the ELC faculty to apply the effective feedback strategies in their Speaking and Writing classes.

“I suggest that you consider applying some of these effective strategies as these would help us foster autonomy and critical thinking among our EFL learners,” said Dr.  Dayag who also serves as ELC Communication Team leader, Listening Skill leader (Level 3), ShCT Website News Editor, and group tutor.

“Let us boost the confidence of our Omani EFL students by providing them appropriate positive and corrective feedback at the right time,” Dr. Dayag added.

Moreover, the speaker also persuaded the participants to let students give peer feedback to their writing outputs and to conduct an empirical study on this topic.

At the end of the seminar, ELC Head Mr. Ali Abdullah Al Balushi expressed gratitude to the speaker as he awarded him a certificate of appreciation.

SPDC Chairperson Mr. Given Chakalisa thanked Dr. Dayag for engaging the participants and for providing them valuable insights on providing feedback.