MADINA: A conference at Taiba University here on how to improve the preparatory year English language program at Saudi universities said that greater coordination was needed with schools to prepare students for entrance to university. Recommendations were also heard for foreign language teachers to receive training in language learning strategies and for students to receive preparation to develop their skills. The three-day conference said that language teachers should have greater awareness of different cultural standards and that continual professional development was required at all English language centers across the Kingdom. The conference heard 24 research papers by academics focusing primarily on teaching English for academic and special purposes, electronic learning, curricula and testing and issues concerning Saudi teachers. Further recommendations focused on writing skills and students' ability to take responsibility for their learning and development of their “thinking skills” language.
