Lecturers’ Perspectives on Fostering Future Skills among Omani EFL Learners

Abstract

Developing future skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy is essential for Omani EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students to meet contemporary educational and workforce demands. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of 18 lecturers from the English Language Unit at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Salalah, Oman, focusing on their roles in fostering these skills among EFL students. Additionally, the study identified the challenges lecturers encounter and the strategies they employ to overcome these obstacles. Through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews, the findings indicated that lecturers significantly contribute to skill development by motivating students, updating teaching methodologies, and integrating modern technologies into their instruction. Nonetheless, lecturers face considerable challenges, including students’ limited English proficiency, time constraints within the curriculum, and a lack of student motivation. To address these issues, the study suggested strategies such as enhancing student motivation, increasing student participation in the learning process, and utilizing innovative teaching methods with new technologies. Implementing these strategies is recommended to effectively develop future skills among Omani EFL students.