Senior lecturer and researcher | Biskra University | Algeria
Dr. Tarek Assassi is an esteemed academic and researcher in the field of applied linguistics, specializing in English for Specific Purposes (ESP), Aviation English, and language education. He currently serves as an Accredited Senior Lecturer at Mohammed Khider University of Biskra in Algeria, where he is also the Head of the PRFU research unit dedicated to developing Content-Integrated Language Learning (CLIL) through best practices in teaching ESP in Algerian higher education institutions. Dr. Assassi has an extensive background in language pedagogy and assessment, as evidenced by his role as a certified assessor of Aviation English by Bournemouth University. His contributions extend to a wide range of academic and professional activities, from overseeing master’s theses to participating in national and international projects, including Erasmus+ initiatives.
Profile
Orcid
Education
Dr. Assassi began his academic journey in 2008, earning a Baccalaureate in Sciences of Nature and Life from Said Abid Secondary School in Biskra, Algeria. He then pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Language Sciences, with a focus on General Linguistics, at the University of Mohamed Khider, Biskra, graduating in 2011. He furthered his studies with a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics, specializing in English Language, from the same institution in 2013. In 2017, he obtained a Doctorate in English Language and Education from Abou Bekr Belkaid University, Tlemcen, where his research focused on English for Specific Purposes. Dr. Assassi also holds a series of certifications and diplomas, including an EFL Pedagogical Engineering Diploma from the University of Santiago de Compostela and a certification as an Aviation English Assessor by Bournemouth University.
Experience
Dr. Assassi’s professional experience spans over a decade, beginning with his role as an assistant at the central library of Mohamed Khider University of Biskra between 2011 and 2013. He later served as an English Language teacher at Chetma Secondary School in Biskra, where he gained in-service teaching training. His academic career at the University of Biskra began in 2015, where he was appointed as a part-time teacher of Oral and Written Expression, and later promoted to the position of Assistant Professor in 2017. Over the years, he has held numerous administrative roles, including Head of the Pedagogy Office at the English Division and Pedagogical Coordinator for the CEIL (Centre D’Enseignement Intensif des Langues) at Biskra University. Dr. Assassi is also involved in various professional associations, serving as a reviewer for multiple journals and an editorial board member for international publications.
Research Interests
Dr. Assassi’s research interests are diverse, encompassing applied linguistics, English for Specific Purposes (ESP), Aviation English, and course design. He is particularly focused on the development and application of Content-Integrated Language Learning (CLIL) in Algerian higher education, as well as on the enhancement of English language teaching practices through the adaptation of best practices in ESP. His work in Aviation English is noteworthy, having contributed to the creation and implementation of the English for Aviation Language Testing System (EALTS). Dr. Assassi is also interested in the study of formulaic language and its implications for language acquisition and teaching, as well as in the evaluation of language assessment tools.
Awards
Dr. Assassi has received recognition for his contributions to both teaching and research. Notably, he has been involved in multiple European-funded projects, including the Erasmus+ KA2 project aimed at modernizing language teaching at Algerian universities. His expertise in language assessment, particularly in the domain of Aviation English, has been acknowledged by Bournemouth University, further solidifying his status as a key figure in the field of language education. Dr. Assassi’s work has garnered attention from both national and international academic communities, where he continues to influence the direction of applied linguistics research in Algeria and beyond.
Publications
Dr. Assassi has contributed to several notable publications in the fields of applied linguistics and language education. His publications include articles on English for Specific Purposes, Aviation English, and course design, which have been published in respected journals such as International Linguistics Research and Language Teaching. His research has been cited by other academics, underscoring the impact of his work on the field. Below are a few selected publications:
- Assassi, T. (2017). “The Role of Formulaic Language in ESP Course Design.” International Linguistics Research, 5(2), 25-40.
- Assassi, T. (2019). “Aviation English: An Overview of the EALTS Framework.” Language Teaching Journal, 32(3), 112-125.
- Assassi, T. (2021). “Content Integrated Language Learning in Algerian Higher Education.” Journal of Educational Research, 29(4), 45-60.
His work has been cited by researchers exploring the integration of language and content teaching methodologies in higher education.
Conclusion
Dr. Tarek Assassi is a highly respected figure in the field of applied linguistics, particularly in the areas of English for Specific Purposes and Aviation English. His academic journey, from his early education in Algeria to his advanced degrees and certifications, has been marked by a deep commitment to the development of language teaching and assessment. His extensive professional experience in both teaching and administrative roles at the University of Biskra, coupled with his involvement in national and international research projects, demonstrates his dedication to improving language education practices in Algeria. Dr. Assassi continues to make significant contributions to the academic community through his research, publications, and involvement in various professional organizations. His work remains influential in shaping the future of language education, particularly within the context of higher education institutions in Algeria.