CAMPUS
St. Nicholas
UNIT
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
American School of Linguistics
POSITION
Senior Lecturer in Linguistics
PHONE
John Armstrong
He/Him/His
Faculty
British-born English teacher with global experience, teaching English as a foreign language internationally since 1997.
SHARE PROFILE
Originally from Great Britain, I have been teaching English as a foreign language since 1997, with professional experience in Slovakia, Turkey, Poland, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. Each country has shaped not only my teaching approach but also my worldview, reinforcing my belief in the power of education to bridge cultural divides and foster mutual understanding.
I view language teaching as more than just instruction—it's about creating a supportive, engaging environment where students feel confident to express themselves and embrace learning as a lifelong process. My approach is student-centred, informed by curiosity, empathy, and a strong belief in the value of intercultural exchange.
Beyond the classroom, I have a deep interest in 19th- and early 20th-century literature, psychology, traditional music, and fitness. These passions often influence my teaching style, helping me connect with students through storytelling, critical thinking, and creativity. I believe that sharing who we are helps build authentic relationships, which are key to meaningful learning experiences.
Professional Statement
Experienced English as a Foreign Language (EFL) educator with nearly three decades of international teaching experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Committed to student-centred learning, I focus on creating supportive and engaging classroom environments where learners develop confidence, communicative competence, and a genuine interest in language. My teaching is informed by intercultural awareness and a belief in the role of education in fostering mutual understanding across cultures. Alongside my professional work, I maintain strong interests in literature, psychology, traditional music, and fitness, which often enrich my teaching through storytelling, critical thinking, and creative engagement.
In my current position, I teach General English and IELTS preparation courses to adult learners at levels ranging from A2 to C1. My classes are designed to build learners' confidence and competence in all four language skills, with a strong focus on communicative effectiveness and exam readiness. In addition to language instruction, I teach and assess introductory modules in Applied Linguistics for Master’s level students, helping them develop a foundational understanding of key theoretical and practical concepts. I also contribute to teacher development by delivering Teaching English as a Foreign Language training and conducting demonstration lesson observations and assessments of new teachers, providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
English Language Instruction: Extensive experience teaching grammar, vocabulary, functional language, and the four key skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) using current, research-informed methodologies.
Skills Integration: Skilled in designing lessons that integrate linguistic accuracy with communicative fluency, tailored to diverse learner needs and contexts.
Applied Linguistics Instruction: Competent in teaching foundational concepts of Applied Linguistics to Master’s level students, connecting theory with classroom practice.
Teacher Training: Experienced in delivering introductory TEFL training for new teachers, with a focus on practical methodology, lesson planning, and classroom management.
Curriculum & Assessment Design: Proficient in adapting and developing curriculum and designing level-appropriate diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments to measure language progress effectively.
Intercultural Communication: Strong cross-cultural awareness developed through teaching in diverse educational settings across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Professional Areas
Faculty Affairs and Academic Human Resources
Human Capital and Organizational Development
Academic Areas
Linguistics and Applied Language Sciences
English Language Teaching
Language Acquisition
Linguistics
TEFL
TESOL
Linguistics, Language Education, and Assessment Research
Applied Linguistics
Language Assessment
ResearchAreas
[Domain]
[Field]
Senior Lecturer in Linguistics
The American University of Science (AUS)
St. Nicholas Campus
2024 - Present
Teach General English and IELTS preparation courses to adult learners (A2–C1), focusing on communicative competence and exam readiness
Design lessons that strengthen all four language skills while building learner confidence and fluency
Deliver and assess introductory Applied Linguistics modules for Master’s-level students, fostering foundational theoretical and practical understanding
Conduct Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) training sessions for teacher development
Observe and assess demonstration lessons of new teachers, providing constructive feedback to support professional growth
English Preparatory Year Lecturer
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
Saudi Arabia
2008-2024
Taught English to preparatory year students at a Saudi university, supporting their transition into English-medium undergraduate programs
Guided students from A2 level to a minimum IPT TOEFL score of 500+, with targeted development of speaking and writing skills to at least B1 level
Delivered intensive, outcomes-driven instruction in academic reading, listening, and structured essay writing
Developed students’ ability to elaborate and support ideas effectively in both spoken and written English
Implemented continuous assessment and provided tailored academic support to ensure achievement of university-level linguistic benchmarks
English Preparatory Year Lecturer
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
Saudi Arabia
2008-2024
Taught English to preparatory year students at a Saudi university, supporting their transition into English-medium undergraduate programs
Guided students from A2 level to a minimum IPT TOEFL score of 500+, with targeted development of speaking and writing skills to at least B1 level
Delivered intensive, outcomes-driven instruction in academic reading, listening, and structured essay writing
Developed students’ ability to elaborate and support ideas effectively in both spoken and written English
Implemented continuous assessment and provided tailored academic support to ensure achievement of university-level linguistic benchmarks
English Lecturer
University of Nizwa
Oman
2005 - 2008
Taught English to preparatory year students at a university in Oman, preparing them for entry into English-medium undergraduate programs
Supported students progressing from A1 level to a minimum IPT TOEFL score of 400, with A2-level proficiency in speaking and writing
Developed students’ academic writing skills, emphasizing idea development, paragraph structure, and clarity of expression
Integrated critical thinking development into reading, writing, and discussion activities to enhance academic readiness
Designed structured, outcomes-focused lessons aligned with university language benchmarks support to ensure achievement of university-level linguistic benchmarks
BIOGRAPHY
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