924. Walaa Mouma Returns (Part 1) 📚 PhD Studies in Wales & Teaching English for Refugees
Mar 3, 2025
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Walaa Mouma, a Syrian refugee pursuing her PhD in Wales, shares her inspiring journey of learning English amidst the chaos of war. She discusses her marriage and transition to a supportive environment in Wales, while advocating for refugees and teaching English. Walaa dives into the unique challenges faced by asylum seekers in language acquisition and highlights the importance of innovative teaching methods. Her personal story reflects resilience and determination, emphasizing the need for advocacy in education and a brighter future for displaced individuals.
Walaa Mouma shares her inspiring journey of learning English during the civil war in Syria, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Her academic pursuits, including a PhD focused on English education for refugees, highlight the need for relevant pedagogical practices in diverse contexts.
Walaa emphasizes the importance of inclusive learning environments that support both language acquisition and social integration for vulnerable learners.
Deep dives
Walla's Inspiring Journey
Walla from Syria shares her remarkable journey of learning English amidst the challenges posed by the civil war in her country. After winning a competition on a podcast, she became a guest and recounted her experiences, detailing how she improved her English through her own determination and innovative methods. During a difficult period marked by upheaval and displacement, she prioritized her education and achieved academic success at university. Walla's story not only highlights her resilience but also serves as an inspiration for others seeking to overcome obstacles in their learning journeys.
Academic Pursuits and Philosophies
Walla discusses her academic journey, particularly her master's degree in TESOL, followed by her pursuit of a PhD focused on English education for asylum seekers and refugees. During her studies, she recognized the importance of gaining practical experience alongside her theoretical knowledge, prompting her to volunteer and work with various charities in Wales. This experience deepened her understanding of the unique challenges faced by learners with diverse backgrounds, particularly those lacking prior literacy education. Her goal is to enhance educational practices and support systems for vulnerable groups through her research and future contributions.
The Challenges of Teaching English
Walla emphasizes the complex challenges faced by asylum seekers and refugees when learning English, which intertwine social and linguistic factors. Students often come from different educational backgrounds, causing disparities in their understanding of basic concepts such as classroom structures and expectations. Those with little or no literacy in their first languages face additional hurdles, complicating their English learning process. Walla's insights highlight the crucial need for tailored teaching approaches that recognize and address the diverse needs of these learners.
Contribution to Educational Reform
Through her work and research, Walla aims to bring attention to the importance of understanding the multifaceted realities of teaching English to refugees. She discusses the lack of specific training for teachers working in this field and the necessity for educational systems to support both learners and instructors. Walla's project focuses on creating inclusive learning environments that leverage the students' native languages alongside English, promoting a more integrated approach to language education. This progressive vision aims to foster better outcomes not only in language acquisition but also in the broader context of social integration.
Future Aspirations and Commitment to Service
Walla expresses her commitment to giving back to her community after completing her PhD, aiming to implement her findings in charitable organizations and educational institutions. She envisions creating a positive impact on the lives of asylum seekers and refugees through targeted programs and support systems. Additionally, Walla is also hopeful about eventually returning to Syria to assist her home country as conditions improve. Her dual focus on immediate community needs in Wales and long-term contributions to Syria reflects her dedication to supporting vulnerable populations globally.
Walaa Mouma returns to the podcast after 4 years to give us an update about her academic studies and personal story, including getting married and moving to Wales, details of her PhD doctorate, as well as her other studies and volunteer work helping to teach English to refugees and asylum seekers. Walaa's passion for this work is inspired by her own personal story of learning English, seeking asylum in the UK and studying in the UK's academic system, which she first talked about in episode 703 of this podcast. Part 1 of a 2-part episode.
Episode page with more information and links to Walaa's social media 👉 https://teacherluke.co.uk/2025/03/03/924-walaa-mouma-returns-part-1-phd-studies-in-wales-teaching-english-for-refugees/