• Weekly Department Presentation by (Asst. Prof. Dr. Asma Abbas Brime)

A weekly presentation was given to the English Department faculty members by (Asst. Prof. Dr. Asma Abbas Brime) on Monday, February 3, 2025 at English Department.

The  presentation highlighted the crucial role of technology in enhancing reading skills, especially for English language learners. It emphasized that reading is essential for vocabulary growth, academic success, and effective communication. Technology provides access to vast reading materials, such as Wikipedia, Voice of America, and Project Gutenberg, helping students engage with diverse texts. Additionally, tech tools like “NewsinLevels”, “Breaking News English”, and “digital note-takingapps” support reading comprehension and retention. By integrating technology, educators can create more engaging and effective reading experiences for students.

• Weekly Teachers’ Presentation by (Asst. Prof. Dr. Dilovan Saifuldin Saadi)

On Monday, February 10, 2025 Asst. Prof. Dr. Dilovan Saifuldin Saadi, the Head of English Department, delivered a presentation to the teachers of the Department entitled “Evolution of Language through  the Use of Emojis.” A brief account of the presentation is as follows.

The presenter addressed various aspects including the syntactic functions of emojis, culture and emojis, gender and emojis, and the use of emojis in different fields. The session concluded with a Q&A session that enriched the discussion.

Emojis are small digital images or icons used to express ideas, emotions, or concepts in electronic communication. They were originated in Japan in the late 1990s by (Shigitaka Kurita) and have since become a popular part of online communication across various platforms, including social media, messaging apps, and emails. Emojis transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.

• Workshop session on Bologna Process for First Stage Evening English Department Students

On Monday, February 10, 2025, the Head of the Department Asst. Prof. Dr. Dilovan Saifuddin Saadi and the rapporteur of the Department Asst. Lecturer Hero Ali Omer organized a workshop session to the First stage students at the Evening English Department to explain the Bologna process. In the session the issues of subjects, the distribution of marks, as well as answers to students’ questions and concerns about the system were tackled.

 

• Weekly Teachers’ Presentation by (Asst. Prof. Dr. Arev Mirza Astifo)

On Monday, February 17, 2025 Asst. Prof. Dr. Arev Mirza Astifo  delivered a published research-driven presentation entitled “Language Teaching Methods and their Impact on Language Acquisition according to EFL Teachers at Kurdistan Universities” to the teachers of the Department. The session was also attended by the Dean of College (Dr. Mazin Abdulkhaliq Othman). A brief account of the presentation is as follows.

The purpose of this research is to look into the development and implementation of innovative English teaching methods to avoid the shortcomings of EFL students. It accomplishes this by investigating teachers’ beliefs about language teaching methods used in Kurdistan universities, as well as the impact these methods have on language acquisition.

• English Department Teachers Participation in Duhok Event on Wednesday, February 19, 2025

On Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025, a group of teachers and students from English Department visited Duhok University to participate in an international symposium entitled “Literature as a Bridge Across Cultures.” One of our department’s lecturers, Asst. Prof. Dr. Shireen Saadullah Rashid, was a panelist, presenting on “Literature in terms of Globalization”. The event fostered meaningful discussions on literature’s power to connect diverse cultures.

After the symposium, the group visited Duhok Dam, where we enjoyed the scenic views and relaxed in the beautiful natural surroundings. The trip was both academically enriching and a memorable experience for all participants.

• Weekly Teachers’ Presentation by (Asst. Prof. Dr. Parween Shawkat Kawthar) entitled (Socratic Questions as a Powerful Tool for Deepening Critical Thinking of EFL Students)

On Monday, February 24, 2025 Asst. Prof. Dr. Parween Shawkat Kawthar  delivered a presentation to the teachers of the Department entitled (Socratic Questions as  a Powerful Tool for Deepening Critical Thinking  of EFL Students)

The Socratic method involves asking a series of thoughtful questions that challenge assumptions, explore concepts, and deepen understanding. It’s not about providing answers but encouraging self-reflection and discovery.

It is developed by the Greek philosopher Socrates, where teachers ask open-ended questions to guide students to discover answers on their own, promoting critical thinking (such as analyzing, evaluating, interpreting information thoughtfully, ability to organize information, setting assumptions, consider multiple perspectives and making decisions).

• Certificate Awarding Ceremony for student participants of “Supporting Future Secondary School Educators in Iraq” virtual course

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025 A certificate awarding ceremony was organized at College of Basic Education for a group of our students who completed a 10-week virtual course entitled (Supporting Future Secondary School Educators in Iraq), organized by the U.S. Consulate in Erbil and offered to English Department students at both colleges of Education and Basic Education at Salahaddin University. The U.S. Consul attended the ceremony to celebrate the students’ achievement and award them the certificates of completion. The virtual course ran between October to December 2024.

• College Festival of “Culture, Education and Renewal”

The Department of English Language headed by Dr. Dlovan Saifuddin Saadi participated in in the second festival of the college day entitled “Culture, Education and Renewal” on February 25, 2025 under the supervision of the Chairman of the Activities Committee Dr. Mohammad Qadir with a group of dear teachers and students of the department.

The Department of English language participated in the festival through the following activities.

• A play entitled “Mind Your Language” under the supervision of Dr. Mohammad Qadir
• Participation in the wearing of classical costumes by Dr. Muhammad Qadir, Asst. L. Hero Ali, and a group of students from the department. The costumes were inspired by the Victorian era.
• Traditional food and sweets
• Paintings and handicrafts.

The English Department in the festival was pleased to welcome the visits of the President of the University Asst. Prof. Dr. Kamran Yunus, the Vice President of the University Asst. Prof. Dr Sharif Mawlood, the Dean of the College of Education Asst. Prof. Dr. Mazin Abdulkhaliq, the Assistant Dean of the College of Education Dr. Hiwa Mohammad Ali, as well as the heads of departments and teachers of the College of Education.

• Appreciation Ceremony to the English Department Teachers

Fourth Stage students held an appreciation ceremony to the English Department teachers on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Honour guests included all the teachers who have once taught this cohort of students. The ceremony started with a number of the fourth stage students extending their appreciation and gratitude for the education they have received from the department and the teachers. The ceremony also included remarks by the Head of the Department Asst. Prof. Dr. Dilovan Saifulddin Saadi and several other faculty members. This was followed by awarding each teacher a certificate of appreciation by the students. Finally, the students served refreshment to the guests and the teachers.