Exploring nascent trends and developments emanating in the domain of learning and assessment of English as a Foreign Language at undergraduate English majors of Saudi Arabia

Keeping abreast of emerging trends and developments that affect teaching and learning directly or indirectly, is the central plank in which the field of language education actively functions. Consequently, the traditional way of learning and assessment of English language in Saudi Arabia has now given way to newer and more innovative ways. The present study aimed at identifying the latest trends in learning and assessment of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and their effectiveness in students' attitudes and learning in Saudi Arabia's undergraduate programs. The study collected and analysed both quantitative and qualitative data. An interview was conducted with 18 faculty members to collect qualitative data, and responses received from it were analysed thematically. The interview brought out some budding trends and developments in the domain of learning and assessment at undergraduate English majors of Saudi Arabia. It revealed that technology-assisted learning, blended learning, role play, task-based learning, inquiry-based learning, neuro-linguistic programming, project-based approach, lexical approach and eclectic method were the common trends and developments that teachers adopted those days. On the other hand, quantitative data was collected from a survey of 250 students on their perceptions towards the latest trends and developments in learning and assessment of EFL in their courses. The study used the SPSS software, in which correlation and regression analysis were applied to test the hypothesis. The survey pointed out that new methods of learning and assessment of English language do have a significant impact on student effectiveness. However, students faced certain challenges as well like distraction, lack of interaction, difficulty to retain concepts etc.