AOU Bahrain Hosts Successful TEFL Forum to Promote AI Integration in Teaching and Research
The MA in TEFL program at the Arab Open University (AOU) – Bahrain proudly hosted its annual TEFL Forum on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The event brought together educators, researchers, and graduate students in a dynamic and engaging setting to explore innovative trends and share best practices in the field of English language teaching, with a special focus on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pedagogy and assessment.
Held on the AOU campus, the forum aimed to:
Share best practices in teaching and research
Provide graduate students with exposure to current and emerging topics in the field
Enhance students' research knowledge and academic engagement in the domain of education
Three distinguished speakers delivered insightful presentations on how AI is transforming the TEFL landscape:
Dr. Meryem Fati (Arab Open University – Bahrain) introduced the concept of "AI as a Teaching Assistant", showcasing ways AI can support instructors in lesson planning, resource creation, and learner engagement.
Dr. Samira Farhat (Bahrain Teachers College, University of Bahrain) discussed "Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills through AI-Driven Pedagogical Approaches", emphasizing the role of AI in fostering analytical thinking in EFL learners.
Dr. Sofia Hashem (Bahrain Teachers College, University of Bahrain) presented "Redefining Assessment with AI: Advancing Feedback and Evaluation Methods", offering practical insights into how AI tools can personalize and improve student assessment.
The forum fostered vibrant discussions among attendees and provided graduate students with valuable ideas and inspiration for their research projects. Dr. Meryem Fati, the MA in TEFL Coordinator, remarked, “This forum is part of our ongoing commitment to bridge theory and practice, equipping our students with the tools and insights necessary for effective and forward-thinking teaching."
The MA in TEFL program at AOU – Bahrain remains dedicated to academic excellence, innovative pedagogy, and fostering a collaborative environment for professional growth in the field of English language teaching.
