English Language Center (ELC) of Nizwa College of Technology is dedicated to teaching English as a second language to Omani nationals. The center offers two programs: the Foundation Programme and Post Foundation Courses.
ELC is supported by 50 trained and dedicated teachers drawn from different continents who provide individual assistance to students. The Center is equipped with the following facilities which make learning an exciting experience:
Computer / Multimedia laboratories
Self Access Center
Conference Room
Internet and intranet facilities
The Foundation English language program primarily aims at developing students communication skills in English so as to meet the academic requirements of the Post Foundation specializations. Newly registered students have to appear for the placement test and they are placed in appropriate levels in accordance with the results in the placement test.
Though all three levels in the programme are non-credit courses, successful completion of these courses is mandatory for all students. Therefore, the Foundation Programme is a pre-requisite to join the Post-Foundation / Technological programs. After passing the Level Exit Exams and successfully completing the TOEFL, Pre-Algebra and Keyboard skills students go directly to the Post-Foundation programs.
ELC offers four English language courses to students to meet their mandatory Requirement at each stage in the post-foundation technological specialization programmes.
S.N. |
Code |
Title |
Credit Hours |
Mandatory Requirement |
1 |
ENGL1100 | Advance Writing 1 | 1 |
Certificate Level-Common to all specializations |
2 |
ENGL1200 | Advance Writing 2 | 1 |
Certificate Level-Common to all specializations |
3 |
ENGL2100 | Technical Writing | 3 |
Diploma Level-Common to Engineering and IT specializations |
4 |
ENGL310 | Public Speaking | 3 |
Higher Diploma Level-Common to all specializations |
Self-Access Center
The new and improved Self Access Centre (SAC) in the ELC was opened in September 2006. the vision was to create a space for students that would provide resources, guidance and an environment to support their individual learning needs and goals.
The SAC opened its doors to students in mid-February with 84 ports including listening stations, TV/DVD stations and computers. Students may choose from a wide range of resources for enhancing their skills in listening, grammar, writing, text comprehension, scanning etc. Readers, language learning CD-ROMs and DVDs will be available in the SAC once the revamping is complete.
In addition to self study, teachers are available to help students in selecting appropriate materials, checking written work and offering advice with homework, presentations and reports.
Multi-Media Courses
A Multimedia course is currently offered to Level 1 and Level 2 students as part of their Foundation Year Program at NCT. The course material consists of a series of videos. The videos are short dramas or mini documentaries/interviews on a variety of topics. Students view the videos and complete a series of activities based on the videos. The course provides students with an opportunity to simultaneously engage a variety of senses in the learning process. The course aims to enrich everyday vocabulary, increase self- confidence and communication skills, and to reinforce, integrate and consolidate learning outcomes from the other skill areas.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The 'out-of-school' activities in the English Language centre at NCT are streamlined through the English Club, Multimedia Classes, Conversation classes, and activities linked to Self Access Centre.
A major activity for every academic year will be an annual English Festival, a Year 2007 celebration of music, drama, art, photography and poetry. This is an occasion for the staff and the students to exhibit their talents.
English Club gives the students and opportunity to practice their English skills in a social setting that involves conversation, fun projects, movies and much, much more.