About Us
Gulf Association for Language Testing and Assessment (GALTA)
Founded in 2023, GALTA is a non-profit professional organization for exchanging knowledge, ideas, practices, and research on language testing and assessment in the Gulf. As a professional association and learning society, the idea of GALTA was introduced during the Language Assessment Conference organized by the British Council in 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
GALTA aims to be a leading voice in the field of language testing and assessment by providing a platform for professionals to collaborate, share insights, and develop innovative assessment practices. The organization offers workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities that facilitate professional development and enhance the understanding of language assessment principles. By fostering a community of practice, GALTA seeks to contribute to the advancement of language education in the Gulf region, ensuring that assessment methods are reliable, valid, and aligned with the needs of learners and educators alike.
Every day at the Gulf Association for Language Testing and Assessment is a privilege, surrounded by passionate professionals and dedicated learners striving for excellence in language proficiency.
Prof. Othman Z. Barnawi— President
Gulf Association for Language Testing and Assessment (GALTA)
Mission Statement
- Advance theory, research, and practice in language testing and assessment for schools, colleges, universities, employers, and other educational institutes.
- Provide training and professional development on language testing and assessment.
- Promote responsible and effective use of language tests.
- Promote transnational language testing and assessment practices in the age of mobility.
- Establish professional standards and ethical practices related to language testing and assessment.
- Develop responsible and ethical practices related to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in language testing and assessment.
Our Core Values
We foster a culture that is innovative, impactful, and empowers individuals to achieve their linguistic goals. Our commitment to excellence drives our approach to language assessment, inspiring creativity and ambition in every learner.
Our Philosophy
At the Gulf Association for Language Testing and Assessment, we embrace a learner-centered philosophy grounded in research and best practices. We believe that every individual has the potential to excel and thrive in a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity and self-directed learning.
Board of Directors
Professor Barry O’Sullivan
OBE FAcSS FAALA| Director English Language Research, British Council
Professor Ali S. M. Al-Issa
Full Professor of Critical Applied Linguistics, Department of Curriculum & Instruction, College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Dr. Lee McCallum
Lecturer in Assessment and Feedback at Edinburgh Napier University and an Associate Tutor in Language Education at The University of Edinburgh
Dr. Sahbi Hidri
Department of Education, Abu Dhabi Campus, HCT, UAE
Associate Professor, Department of English, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences of Tunis, Tunisia
Mina Patel
Head of Research, Future of English | English Research | English & Exams British Council
Dr. Diana Aljahromi
Department of English Language and Literature, College of Arts, University of Bahrain, Bahrain
Dr. Dudley Reynolds
Senior Associate Dean and Full Teaching Professor of English at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar
Muhammad Tayyab
Technology Enabled Assessment (TEA) Manager, British Council
Dr. Maryam Alhinai
Department of English Language and Translation, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
Dr. Hamza R’boul
Research Assistant Professor, Department of International Education, Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
George Kormpas
Instructor in the Humanities Department, Al Yamamah University, Saudi Arabia
Professor Awad Ibrahim
Full Professor, Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence, Holder of the Air Canada Professorship on Anti-Racism, University of Ottawa, Canada
Board member duties
Serve as a keynote/plenary speaker in one annual conference.
Attend two virtual board meetings every year to make motions and discuss and vote on
board matters.
Contribute to the development of policies and the GALTA strategic plan.
Participate in GALTA’s annual conference, trainings or workshops.
Serve on one professional development committee.
Maintain confidentiality on all internal organizational affairs.
Approve audit reports and business decisions.
Keep up with trends and issues that may affect GALTA.
Review conference themes, agendas, proposals, and other related matters.
Represent GALTA to stakeholders by acting as an ambassador for the organization.