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ـه1445 رفــــس� ددـــــ ـــــعلا Forum 19
م2023 س�طس�غأا

The Applied Linguistics Research Lab Bootcamp 9:

Designing Effective Language Tests

Ms. Laila Mardini, ALLAB Intern students. She then went over some of the misconceptions, such as implementing were discussed in depth. Attendees then
principles of testing terms, ensuing a discussion textbook questions in exams, were cleared. participated in a fun activity identifying defects
The Applied Linguistics Research Lab (ALLAB) on authenticity, discrimination, reliability, Moreover, she went over the pros and cons in test items from test tasks and skillfully
held its 9th bootcamp on designing language validity, practicality, and more in relation to of multiple choice questions (MCQs) along pointed out the errors and inconsistencies
tests from May 8 to 10. The bootcamp language testing. In addition, she discussed with the general guidelines for writing them. within the test items. The third session, like
entitled ‘Designing Effective Language Tests’ and differentiated between the different types Following MCQs, samples of test specifications the previous two sessions, was very engaging
was attended by 13 participants from various of tests. The tests included standardized, were provided to the attendees. The samples as several activities and discussions were held.
universities including Princess Noura University, diagnostics, placement, formative, and were comprised of objectives, the weight of
Imam University, King Khalid University, and summative tests. Characteristics of these tests tasks, format, and the expected tasks test The bootcamp was very enlightening as Dr. Dina
more. The bootcamp was hosted by Dr. Dina were discussed before wrapping up the first takers would be assessed for. El-Dakhs held three comprehensive sessions on
El-Dakhs, the leader of ALLAB and chair of the session. designing language tests and assessments. The
Linguistics and Translation Department. Third session session was very beneficial as the attendees
Second session The third and final session of the bootcamp were given a variety of activities to enrich
First session The second session of the bootcamp was more started with general guidelines for effective their understanding of language tests. The
For the first session of the bootcamp, Dr. practical as it consisted of several activities. test design, such as writing clear instructions Applied Linguistics Research Lab holds several
Dina El-Dakhs began by bringing awareness Attendees were given 13 tasks and were and minimizing the test taker’s effective activities and events throughout the year. For
to the pressures that students face when asked to state whether or not the tasks were use of guessing to pass the test. Specific more updates regarding future bootcamps and
taking exams, as well as the factors that need appropriate to be used as test questions. guidelines for certain tests, including reading, activities please follow ALLAB’s Twitter account
to be considered when preparing exams for This activity was highly informative as certain listening, writing, vocabulary, and grammar, @ALLAB_PSU.

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Importance of mental health to a

successful entrepreneurial venture

With its youthful energy, enthusiasm, Marketing Officer of UXBERT Labs and Hala of entrepreneurs are directly or indirectly
and positive thoughts, the Psychological Yalla Super App. He shared his journey as affected by mental health issues compared to
Awareness Club at Prince Sultan University an entrepreneur and how he led his team 48% of non-entrepreneurs. He emphasized
aims to raise awareness on mental health in delivering UX and Usability projects for on the importance of having a strong
among students and faculty members. The Saudi corporates and government entities mentality throughout the entrepreneurial
club held a seminar on the "Importance of (e.g. STC, Saudi Aramco, and Ministry of journey, as it is a "rocky road" with many ups
mental health to a successful entrepreneurial Health), as well as in specialist research and downs. Lastly, he shared great tips for
venture" on 3rd May, 2023. Farrukh Bandey, for international tech companies (e.g., everyone to look after their mental health
the guest speaker, raised awareness among Amazon, Spotify, and Skyscanner). Despite while they go through their entrepreneurial
ambitious students on the importance of his leadership role, he adamantly refuses to journey. The session ended with an active
taking care of their mental health before get an MBA before starting a new business question and answer session.
starting an entrepreneurial venture; in venture, declaring, “Why study the rule book The Psychology Awareness club is supervised
addition to providing handy tips on some when you can play the game.” In his talk, by Ms. Arooj Yaswi, and the President and
of the do’s and don’ts in this journey. he shared some statistics on mental health Vice President for the club are Reema
Farrukh Bandey is the Co-founder & Chief and entrepreneurship. He shared that 72% alKhelaifi and Saud AlSaif.

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