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Specification Document of English Studies Program

Faculty of Education

Basic Information about the Program:

Program Title and Final Award

English Language

Awarding Body/ Institution

Faculty of Education – Sana’a University.

Teaching Institution/ Responsible Department

 Department of English Studies and Teaching Methods.

Other departments involved in teaching the program

Department of Educational Sciences

Medium of Instruction

English

Program Start Year (for Newly Specified Programs)

2020–2021

Study Mode

Regular

Place of Study

Faculty of Education – Sana’a University

System of Study

Two semesters

Duration of the Program

Four years of study (eight semesters)

Possible Future Career Options for Graduates

English teacher, researcher, translator & author

Levels of Award/ Final Award

Four-year Bachelor’s Degree. Students who withdraw before graduation shall receive a Non-Graduate Transcript reflecting the scores earned in their completed courses.

Prerequisite Qualifications

High School Degree in any specialization according to the University relevant Regulations and Bylaws.

Required Average Grade for Admission

70%

Other Requirements

Requirements adopted by Sana’a University/ Faculty of Education

Program Coordinator

Dr. Bashir Ahmed Mufarreh

Date of Program Specification/


Latest Accreditation

2022.

Department Mission

Preparing English language teachers for primary and secondary education by offering specialized teacher preparation programs tailored to both stages, and enhancing their teaching skills, creativity, and competitiveness in both local and regional labor markets.

Department Aims

 

Aligned with the overarching aims of the Faculty of Education to cultivate proficient educators, the Department of English endeavors to achieve the following aims through its programs and curricula:

 

1. Qualifying English language teachers for primary and secondary education by providing pre-service training and specialized teacher preparation programs of high quality.

2. Contributing to in-service English teacher training for primary and secondary education through professional development programs that enhance their teaching profession skills, values, and positive attitudes, and promote the principle of lifelong learning.

3. Providing consultations by departmental teaching staff and their active participation in conferences and workshops dedicated to discussing educational issues pertinent to the advancement of English language curricula as well as teaching methods and strategies for primary and secondary education.

4. Conducting educational research focused on English language curricula for primary and secondary education, integrating modern teaching methods, strategies, and models into the curriculum teaching process.

Program Mission

Empowering student teacher candidates to efficiently teach English by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice the teaching profession.

Program Aims

 

The program seeks to achieve the following aims:

1. Equipping students with essential concepts in English skills.

2. Empowering students to express themselves effectively in English.

3. Providing students with essential principles of pronunciation, phonetics, psychology, teaching methods, and curriculum design.

4. Enabling students to develop professional skills, self-confidence, respect for people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and the ability to work individually or within a team.

5. Enabling students to master good communication skills, use computers, and apply modern tools and techniques to improve professional performance.

Program References:

The program design and development were based on the following:

  1. Yemeni Universities Law and Executive Regulations, 2012.
  2. First level standards developed by the Council for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Republic of Yemen.
  3. Faculty of Education (Sana’a) Guide, 2003.
  4. Regulations and Outputs of the Academic Development and Quality Assurance Center, Sana’a University.
  5. Similar Accredited Programs in Universities at the International, Regional & National Levels, as follows:
  • Major of English Language Teacher, Ibb University, Yemen.
  • Department of English, Gaza University.
  • Non-Arabic Languages, University of Baghdad, Iraq.

Program Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOs):

First: Knowledge and Understanding

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

A1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, theories and rules pertinent to the English language.

A2 Exhibit knowledge and comprehension of the construction and structure of linguistics across diverse contexts.

A3 Display knowledge and understanding of general culture concepts and principles.

Second: Intellectual Skills

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

B1 Analyze texts and paragraphs relevant to the English language.

B2 Employ scientific methods required to fulfill professional duties.

B3 Create a learning and teaching environment to encourage creative and critical thinking among students.

Third: Professional and Practical Skills

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

C1 Engage in English conversations proficiently.

C2 Use the integrative approach in writing and communication.

C3 Design lessons and educational materials, and efficiently manage the teaching and learning environment.

C4 Apply a variety of assessment techniques to diagnose educational problems and participate in professional development opportunities.

Fourth: General and Transferable Skills

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

D1 Use modern information and communication technology to enhance their professional and communication skills for continuous lifelong learning.

D2 Practice leadership, supervision, management and teamwork skills.

D3 Execute educational tasks in adherence to ethical, legal, and professional standards and regulations.

 

Curriculum Map

I   = Introduced

R  = Reinforced

M  = Mastered

Course Title

Sub-PILOs:

First Semester

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

B3

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

D1

D2

D3

D4

Grammar

I

I

 

I

I

 

I

I

  

I

I

I

 

I

 

Reading

 

I

 

I

  

I

I

  

I

I

I

I

  

Writing

I

I

 

I

I

 

I

I

   

I

I

I

I

 

Arabic 1

  

I

         

I

   

English 1

  

I

          

I

 

I

Islamic Culture

  

I

          

I

 

I

Arab-Israeli Conflict

  

I

          

I

I

 

General Chemistry 1

  

I

          

I

  

Second Semester

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

B3

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

D1

D2

D3

D4

Grammar 2

I

I

 

I

I

  

I

I

  

I

I

I

  

Reading 2

 

I

 

I

  

I

I

  

I

I

I

I

  

Speaking and Listening 1

I

I

 

I

I

 

I

I

   

I

I

I

I

I

Computer Skills

I

 

I

I

I

 

I

  

I

     

I

Arabic 2

  

I

          

I

 

I

English 2

  

I

          

I

 

I

National Culture

  

I

          

I

 

I

Third Semester

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

B3

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

D1

D2

D3

D4

Grammar 3

R

  

R

R

 

R

   

R

R

 

R

  

Writing 3

R

R

 

R

R

 

R

     

R

R

  

Grammar 3

 

R

 

R

R

 

R

   

R

R

R

R

  

Electronic Learning Media

R

  

R

R

R

   

R

   

R

  

Teaching and Learning Skills

I

 

I

I

   

I

 

I

I

   

I

I

Educational Psychology

 

I

 

I

I

I

  

I

I

  

I

I

  

Foundations of Islamic Education

 

I

 

I

    

I

    

I

I

 

Fourth Semester

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

B3

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

D1

D2

D3

D4

Advanced Grammar

R

R

 

R

R

 

R

R

R

   

R

R

  

Advanced Writing

 

R

 

R

R

 

R

R

  

R

R

 

R

R

 

Speaking and Listening 1

R

  

R

      

R

R

R

R

  

Curriculum Construction and Evaluation

R

  

R

R

 

R

R

  

R

 

R

R

  

Curriculum Construction and Evaluation

I

I

  

I

 

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

  

Developmental Psychology

R

 

R

R

   

R

R

  

R

R

R

 

R

Faith-based Identity Education

I

 

I

I

    

I

     

I

I

Teaching Strategies:

Teaching Strategy

Description of how it will be used

Lectures

Lectures stand as one of the most prevalent teaching methods for conveying knowledge and elucidating theories. They serve to expound upon the theoretical aspects of the program courses to a sizable group of students within a classroom setting, facilitating opportunities for discussion, reading, commentary, and questioning. Typically, lectures are conducted for large groups of students ranging from 50 to 150 or more.  They are a common feature in educational science courses, specialized subjects, and general culture.

Seminar

Seminars are an academic sessions to discuss research presented by a student or researcher for the purpose of evaluating the research or modifying its plan. They will be applied to graduation research.

Cooperative learning

Cooperative learning entails the organization of students into small groups, wherein they collaborate to accomplish tasks, engage in educational activities, or solve problems collectively. Each student actively participates in the activity, exchanging ideas and assuming various roles, while also assisting their peers in learning as per their individual abilities and capabilities. This strategy will be used in many of the program courses.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is an educational technique that involves a group of students using the brain to collaboratively find a solution to a problem by collecting ideas that spontaneously come to their minds. The goal is to reach creative solutions.

Dialogues and discussions

Dialogues and discussions are encouraged by allowing students to pose questions during lectures, which are then answered either by the instructor or fellow students. This interactive strategy serves to strongly reinforce and clarify the lecture topics, enhance students’ engagement and comprehension, capture attention, and prevent boredom from setting in.

Problem-solving

Problem-solving is a teaching method that begins with a situation, question, or phenomenon that students observe but cannot understand. It raises questions in their minds as well as desires to find relevant solutions. The process commences by identifying and formulating the problem, followed by proposing potential solutions and evaluating their effectiveness.  Finally, a solution is selected to be implemented and verified. This method is employed to address educational, personal, or societal issues that may be related to the curriculum topics. It primarily aims to cultivate critical thinking skills among students.

Graduation Project

The graduation project involves students being assigned or choosing a topic pertinent to their educational specialization, dealing with a field problem related to the elements of the educational process: teacher, student, curriculum, or the educational process itself.

Inquiry-based learning

Inquiry-based learning involves presenting students with real-world issues and problems and asking them to analyze and address them. It encourages high-level thinking skills among students.

Research

 

Research assignments involve a student or a group of students conducting in-depth studies on a topic relevant to the course, utilizing fundamental research skills. These assignments are expected to be a minimum of 20 pages in length, with their tools and components tailored to the nature of the topic and course material. Research assignments are predominantly utilized for graduation projects and in courses where instructors deem it necessary for students to engage in research activities.

Symposiums

Symposiums are primarily conducted with small groups of students, typically ranging from 20 to 30 participants, to facilitate enhanced opportunities for discussion and active participation in the educational process. In all courses, they are allocated one hour per week. (serving as an exercise)

Practical training

Practical training is implemented in courses that necessitate hands-on experience and application, including: Tajweed, learning and teaching strategies, grammar and morphology, computer skills, research fundamentals, and graduation research.

Microteaching

Microteaching employs authentic teaching situations in a simulated classroom environment, providing student teachers with opportunities to practice real-world teaching scenarios in a simplified setting. It will be used to train student teachers in the Practicum course 1.

 

Assessment Strategies:

Assessment Method

Its description (in which course it will be used and in which rate)

Written exams

Written exams, in their various formats and types, are conducted using traditional paper and pen methods, allowing students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the course material they are studying through clarification, explanation, and discussion. These exams encompass different types of tests, including midterms and finals, tailored to the nature of the course.

Evaluation is based on a distribution of marks, with 50% allocated for semester work. This includes 20% for monthly and midterm exams, and 30% for attendance, activities, assignments, and research. The remaining 50% is allocated for the final exam.

It is noteworthy that, with the exception of Holy Quran courses, oral exams are the primary assessment tool.

Oral exams

Oral exams involve the examiner posing questions to the student verbally, who then provides face-to-face verbal responses. These exams measure comprehension, as well as knowledge and analytical skills. They are utilized to evaluate specific areas of achievement, such as Quran recitation, oral reading, presentations, speaking ability, pronunciation, etc.

 
Oral exams serve as a formative assessment tool across courses and are particularly used for assessing Holy Quran courses and as the final assessment for the Tajweed course. In all courses except those related to the Holy Quran, oral exam scores contribute to the overall course work scores. However, in Holy Quran courses, oral exams are the primary assessment tool.

Report and research evaluation

Report and research evaluation strategy is implemented through various means such as short research papers, presentation reports, textbook analyses, and field observation reports. It is utilized in most courses, particularly in education-focused ones. It is also employed to evaluate graduation research projects, assessing students’ adherence to scientific methodology, research skills, ethical considerations, among others.

Observation

Observation is used to assess students’ performance during presentations and group work, with their scores being included as part of the coursework assessment.

Mark Distribution

Student’s performance in each course is assessed based on the evaluation procedures outlined in each course plan, as follows.

 100 marks is the maximum score for a two-credit-hour course.

 150 marks is the maximum score for a three-credit-hour course.

 

Program Study Plan

Total Credit Hours Required for Program Completion

140 Credit Hours, 60 Courses.

Distribution of Credit Hours and their Percentage out of the Program Total Credit Hours:

Requirements

Percentage

General cultural courses (University Requirements) and their percentage out of the program total credit hours

6 courses (13 Credit Hours) with a percentage of 10.33% out of the program total credit hours

Faculty courses (Faculty Requirements) and their percentage out of the program total credit hours

19 courses (38 Credit Hours) with a percentage of 31.67% out of the program total credit hours

Core specialization courses and their percentage out of the program total credit hours

35 courses (89 Credit Hours) with a percentage of 56.00% out of the program total credit hours

Field training and its percentage out of the program total credit hours

2 Credit Hours with a percentage of 1.29% out of the program total credit hours

Other Courses (if required) to be specified and justified, and their percentage out of the program total credit hours

 

N/A

Admission Requirements:

Having successfully completed High School Degree with a minimal average of 70%.

Passing the Aptitude Test

Passing the Entrance Test

Passing the Personal Interview

Fulfilling any additional requirement specific to the specialization as determined by the academic department.

In addition to the conditions stipulated in the Student Affairs Regulations and the University’s laws in force.

 

Attendance and Program Completion Requirements:

The regulations and procedures governing student’s academic progression specify the conditions and rules for moving from one academic level to the next, as well as the guidelines for withdrawal from the program or transfer to another program within the same Faculty.

From Level One to Level Two

From Level Two to Level Three

From Level Three to Level Four

Attendance requirements dictate that students must attend a minimum of 75% of total classes for each course, as outlined in the Regulations.

 

Graduation Requirements:

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation:  140 Credit Hours, 60 Courses.

Minimum marks to pass in each course in the Program:  50% of the total marks for each course

 

The Facilities & Equipment Required to Achieve the Program

‌ Learning Resources:

  •  Available library facilities housing necessary references for program implementation.
  • Available adequate teaching staff within the Department.

 

Laboratories, Facilities, Equipment and Learning Devices:

  • Accessible computer laboratories within the Faculty.
  • Available sufficient classrooms.
  • Available display screens or data show projectors.
  • Accessible workshop, laboratory and educational aids within the Faculty.

 

 

Program Assessment and Enhancement:

Targeted/ Assessed

Assessment Strategy

Sample

Final Year Students

Questionnaire + Interview

100 students

Graduates

Interview/ Questionnaire/ Observation



Non-predetermined (available participants)

Employers

Questionnaire/ Interview

Non-predetermined (available participants)

Teaching Staff

Questionnaire/ Interview

All instructors

External Evaluator

Interview/ Questionnaire