In the UK, teachers are calling for changes to the current language assessment models. The difficulty of Arabic language assessments and a disconnect between classroom teaching and exams are potentially deterring students from studying the language.

This episode of All Things Arabic discusses teachers’ experiences with the Arabic GCSE and the changes they recommend to improve student experiences and encourage further language study. Contributing guests are Fatima Mohamed, an Arabic teacher at a girls school in England, and Luma Hameed, an associate lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London and a leader of the Arabic teachers Council in London and southern England.

References:

• Arabic Teachers Council in London and Southern England: https://arabicteacherscouncil-london.com/home
• British Council: https://www.britishcouncil.org/
• Arabic Honor Society: https://www.qfi.org/students/arabic-honor-society/ 
• Arabic Teacher Councils: https://www.qfi.org/teachers/arabic-teacher-councils/

Glossary of terms:

• GCSE: The General Certificate of Secondary Education is a set of qualifying exams in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• Edexcel, or Pearson Edexcel: The only privately-owned exam board in the United Kingdom, and the only exam board to offer Arabic.
• ACTFL: The Association for the Teaching of Foreign Languages, https://www.actfl.org/ 
• CEFR: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an international standard for describing abilities of foreign language learners.

Contact information

We welcome comments or suggestions. Contact us at [email protected].

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Qatar Foundation International (QFI).

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