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 by xxx 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
- Prof. Barry O’Sullivan, OBE FAcSS FAALA| Director English Language Research, British
Council (barry.osullivan@britishcouncil.org) - Prof. Awad Ibrahim, Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
Holder of the Air Canada Professorship on Anti-Racism, University of Ottawa, Canada - Mina Patel, Head of Research, Future of English | English Research | English & Exams
British Council (Mina.Patel@britishcouncil.org) - Dr. Lee McCallum is a Lecturer in Assessment and Feedback at Edinburgh Napier University
and an Associate Tutor in Language Education at The University of Edinburgh
(L.McCallum2@napier.ac.uk) - Dr Dudley Reynolds, Senior Associate Dean and Full Teaching Professor of English at Carnegie
Mellon University in Qatar (dreynolds@cmu.edu) - Prof. Abdurahman M. Alfahadi, Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Tabuk, Saudi
Arabia. - Muhammad Tayyab, Technology Enabled Assessment (TEA) Initiation Manager, British
Council. - Dr. Hamza R’boul, Department of International Education, Education University of Hong Kong,
Hong Kong (hamzarboul4@gmail.com) - George Kormpas, The Humanities Department, Al Yamamah University, Saudi Arabia
(georgekormpas@gmail.com) - Dr Diana Aljahromi, Department of English Language and Literature, College of Arts, University
of Bahrain, Bahrain (daljahrami@uob.edu.bh) or (daljahromi@gmail.com) - Dr. Maryam Alhinai, Department of English Language and Translation, College of Arts and
Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman (maryama@squ.edu.om) - Prof. Ali S.M. Al-Issa, Department of Curriculum & Instruction, College of Education, Sultan
Qaboos University, Oman (ali2465@squ.edu.om) - Dr Sahbi Hidri, Department of Education, Abu Dhabi Women’s Campus, HCT, UAE
(shidri@hct.ac.ae)
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.