SAUST faculty members: Shift the focus onto the learner

The recently held International Conference on Teacher Education in the Muslim World, organised under the aegis of International Islamic University, Malaysia, saw a commendable participation from Ajman University of Science and Technology represented by Dr. Abdul Haq al-Nuaimi, Director-General of the Department of Community Service, and assistant professor in the Faculty of Media and Information and Human Sciences, and Nida Hadi, Lecturer, English Department, College of University Requirements. The opening session was addressed by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad. Mrs. Hadi presented her paper in the first session entitled: "Focus of the learner: language related skills". Dr. Abdul Haq's presentation covered: "Functional Syllabus Design and Needs Analysis". It delved into the different kinds of syllabus and programmes of teaching with a focus on communicative syllabus that would develop the speaking skills of foreign language learners. Divided into 2 major parts, theoretical and practical designing of the syllabus were deliberated in detail. The needs can only be analysed after a thorough analysis of the social and linguistic background of the learner in light of the socio-psychological aspects. Ajman University encourages and supports participation in conferences and other platforms of academic progression. Participation at international level assists in cross-pollination of ideas and scientific research for the honing of academic members' skills and thereby, such engagements also benefit the students with the expanded experiences and expertise.