Walid M. Shawky (Dr.)
Modern Col. of Business and Science
Oman
Dr. Walid Shawky is an ELT educator, teacher trainer, and academic coordinator at MCBS, Oman. He holds a Ph.D. in ELT & Teacher Training and an MA in TESOL from the University of Edinburgh. A Cambridge-certified trainer and DELTA holder, he has trained hundreds of teachers across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Turkey, and Spain. His research focuses on blended and online teacher training, language assessment, and innovative teaching practices.
Featured: Cultivating Critical Minds: Strategies for Enhancing Critical Thinking in the 21st Century Classroom
26/07/2025 11:00 UTC
In today’s English language classrooms, developing learners’ critical thinking skills is as vital as building their linguistic competence. This interactive session offers practical techniques for integrating critical thinking into language teaching, from task design to questioning strategies. Participants will explore ways to encourage learners to analyze, evaluate, and create meaning in English, fostering both language proficiency and independent thought essential for academic and real-life communication.
Key takeaways:
Recognize the role of critical thinking in enhancing language learning outcomes.
Implement practical activities and questioning techniques that promote critical thinking in ELT contexts.
Integrate critical thinking skills into language lesson planning to develop learners' cognitive and communicative abilities.
🟨 Panel 2: Humans + AI — The New Harmony in Education
26/07/2025 05:00 UTC
AI is rapidly reshaping education—but how do we ensure it augments rather than undermines human connection and teacher agency? This panel investigates how educators and intelligent tools can collaborate to unlock learner potential. In particular, we’ll dive into the evolving role of AI in English language learning, feedback systems, and classroom innovation.
Topics to explore:
AI in English classrooms: friend or foe?
Amplifying the human element through automation
Ethical and inclusive AI design in schools
Smart assessment tools and learner voice
Moderator: Gülbin Özdemir