English العربية کوردی
03011016

Dr. Ivan Hasan Murad

Assistant Professor
College of Humanities / Department of English Language
07512237216
ivan.murad@uoz.edu.krd
Number of Publications: 12
1
Awards
12
Published Journal Articles
3
Thesis
1
Training Course

1
Book Chapter
3
Conference
0
Presentation
0
Workshop
2026
PhD in Applied Linguistics

University of Zakho
University of Zakho

2012
Master

Education, TESOL
University of Huddersfield

2010
Bachelor

English Department
Univeristy of Duhok

Currently the Director of Language Advisory Centre at the University of Zakho.

TOEFL iBT Administrator

• Participated in IREX series of workshops on Developing Professional Teacher in Erbil held between January 6, 2014 and March 14, 2014.

• Worked with IREX NGO as an educator for two years in holding TOT workshops and strengthening the educational level in Kurdistan region. 2014-2015.

• Have reviewed a number of Academic Research Papers for some distinguished international journals like European Scientific Journal, Research Journal for Educational Studies and Review…etc. 2015-2016.

A member of the board of the University of Zakho Journals

Google scholar
Publons
Research gate
Orcid

2020

Member

Language Centers Committee

2020-09-15,current

2017

Humanities Journal of the University of Zakho

Linguist

2017-02-06,current

2016

Scientific committee

English dept

2016-10-12,2020-10-01
Assistant Professor

Date: 2021-03-07

Lecturer

Date: 2017-01-30

Assistant Lecturer

Date: 2013-05-01

2016

IREX Workshop

Developing students' soft skills for the workforce

2016-11

2026

University-level Kurdish EFL teachers’ perceptions of assessment: purpose, design and validity, reliability, and practicality
Ethical Lingua (Issue : 1) (Volume : 13)
Abstract Within educational systems, assessment is regarded as a central element of the educational process, shaping teaching and learning and guiding instructional practices and learning outcomes. Nonetheless, the impact it makes on the educational process is hugely contingent upon teachers’ perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes regarding assessment practices. This is because the way teachers value assessment determines the way it is used in their classrooms. The current study tries to study the perceptions of university level Kurdish EFL teachers’ perceptions of assessment in terms of the purposes it serves, the way it is designed, its validity, reliability, and practicality. To achieve this aim, a mixed-method approach is employed, utilizing a survey and semi-structured interviews for data collection. The samples of the study included 110 teachers responding to the survey especially designed to gather quantitative data for the study, and 16 teachers to be interviewed to provide more in-depth data for the study. A random sampling strategy was followed so that every teacher has a chance to participate in the study. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, whereas a thematic approach was used to analyze the qualitative data following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step framework of analysis. Results revealed that teachers perceive the purpose of assessment as effective and serving multiple purposes. Regarding the design and validity of assessment, their perception was generally positive; however, they see that the design of assessments needs to effectively address a diverse level of students. Positive perceptions were found regarding the reliability of assessment. However, they perceive the grading process as weak and not consistent across teachers. Finally, teachers have positive perceptions of the practicality of assessment.
2026-03

2025

Kurdish EFL Teachers' Perspective on Assessment at University-Level: Factors, Challenges, and Washback
Journal of English Education and Linguistics Studies (JEELS) (Issue : 2) (Volume : 12)
Abstract: Assessment constitutes a fundamental component of educational process, shaping teachers’ instructional practices. However, its efficacy largely depends on the way teachers perceive assessment. Thus, this research article investigates Kurdish university-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ perspective on assessment in terms of the factors that influence their choice of assessment methods, their challenges in assessment, and the washback effects of assessment on students’ learning and study habits. Employing a quantitative approach, the study utilized a Likert-scale survey to collect data from a random sample of 75 teachers from 11 public universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings revealed several factors influencing teachers’ assessment choices, including strict institutional regulations, large class sizes, and students’ growing reliance on AI tools. The study also found that teachers face numerous challenges, such as detecting AI-generated work, limited access to technological resources, and balancing formative and summative assessments. Moreover, the results indicate that assessment practices generate both positive and negative washback, influencing students’ motivation, effort, and learning approaches. The study highlights the importance of aligning assessment practices with Kurdish EFL higher education principles to promote effective learning outcomes.
2025-11
EXPLORING KURDISH EFL STUDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL
HJUOZ (Issue : 2025) (Volume : 13)
The current study aims to investigate Kurdish EFL students’ views of the assessment process conducted at EFL departments of public universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Due to the fact that assessment is the core factor for students’ learning, involvement, and evaluation as the only gauge for their progress and development, much attention needs to be given to the assessment process. This study specifically aims at studying the perceptions of the Kurdish EFL students of the criteria including design, administration, purpose, effectiveness and washback, scoring and grading, and feedback of testing and assessment process. Hence, for the purpose of data collection, a questionnaire was administered to 116 students of semesters 3, 5, and 7 at the English language departments of some public universities in the KRI during the academic year 2024-2025. Cronbach Alpha was used to analyze the reliability of the items of the questionnaire along with SPSS (version 25) to analyze the mean values of the items and ANOVA was utilized to compare the mean values across the six criteria. Findings indicate significant challenges in the alignment and execution of testing and assessment processes in higher education. While testing and assessment items align with course objectives, they often fail to adequately measure critical thinking and comprehensive language skills. Procedural issues, including unclear instructions, unfair scoring and grading practices, and overemphasis on grading rather than fostering students’ progress and engagement, have badly affected the effectiveness of assessments. Additionally, environmental factors such as …
2025-03

2022

The Impact of Online Teaching on English Language Learning at University level
International Journal of Arts and Social Science (Issue : 6) (Volume : 5)
ABSTRACT: This paper aims at investigating the impact of online teaching on the process of English language learning. Online teaching nowadays has been an important component in education around the world. That is to say, technology integration is increasingly being used in the process of teaching and learning languages. There is a considerable number of studies observing the entry and use of online teaching, yet no studies have examined the impact of online teaching on English language learning at the university level in Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Thereby, for the purpose of achieving the aim of the study, i.e., investigating the impact of online teaching, a questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 25 senior students at the Depts. of English Language and Literature from some selected universities in Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Results revealed that the majority of the students are not in favor of e-learning. In other words, students’ attitudes towards e-learning indicated that they are not really ready to deal positively with this mode of learning. Accordingly, online teaching or as it is known e-learning does not seem to improve students’ skills and needs in English language learning.
2022-06

2020

KURDISH STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE USE OF FILMS IN TEACHING LITERARY WORKS IN EFL CLASSROOM
JEELS (Journal of English Education and Linguistics Studies) (Issue : 1) (Volume : 7)
Abstract: The current study investigates Kurdish students’ attitudes towards the use of films in teaching literary works at universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The study also highlights whether using films in teaching literary works is beneficial or not and what challenges are faced by them. The data were collected by using questionnaires and interviews from 60 students aged between 18-24 years old from both private and public universities. Out of 60 students, 15 were randomly chosen to be interviewed. Results show that some students consider teaching literary works using films is beneficial, as it encourages students to study and read more literary works and it also makes them actively interact with the content which helps them remember the events more effectively. However, the study also reveals that some Kurdish students consider teaching literary works using films is a waste of time, and this discourages interaction between students and their teacher. In addition, ‘boredom’ and ‘language difficulty’ are the other two major challenges faced by Kurdish students.
2020-05

2017

The Impact of the Application of Lexical Approach on Developing Students’ Writing Skills at a University Level
European Scientific Journal (Issue : 32) (Volume : 13)
Abstract This paper aims at investigating experimentally the effect of applying the Lexical Approach (henceforth LA) on the achievement of third-year University students of English in the cause and effect essay writing. It examines theoretically and practically the LA and the notion of lexical units in English along with explaining some other relevant points. The two groups, pre-test and post-test experimental design were adopted to ensure group matching control over the intervening variables. After six weeks of instruction based on the LA, the results revealed that the experimental group had statistically significant gain scores between their pretests and post tests in the essay-writing test. The control group, however, did not have statistically significant gain scores on the dependent measure. The LA was beneficial to the third-year students. Consequently, the major findings validated the hypothesis of the study. In view of the findings obtained, application of the LA has been recommended and a number of pedagogical implications have been presented.
2017-11
INVESTIGATING ENGLISH TEACHERS' AWARENESS OF THE TEACHING METHODS THAT SHOULD BE USED IN TEACHING THE SUNRISE SERIES IN ZAKHO CITY, DUHOK-IRAQ
Humanities Journal of University of Zakho (HJUOZ) (Issue : 1) (Volume : 5)
ABSTRACT: This is a small-scale study that aims to investigate Zakho city English teachers' awareness of the teaching methods that should be used in teaching Sunrise Series. The current study collected both qualitative and quantitative data utilising different data collection methods. The participants of the study were 38 teachers from Zakho city teaching in different levels (primary, secondary, and high school). These 38 teachers were chosen to respond to a questionnaire especially designed to achieve the objectives of the study. Nine of these participants were chosen to be interviewed. Each three were chosen to represent a level of education mentioned above. This study also employed different data analysis methods so as to obtain valid results. Results revealed that the majority of the teachers at Zakho city are aware of the English teaching methods but do not know which ones should be used in teaching the Sunrise curriculum. It was also revealed that they are using classical methods in teaching a curriculum which is especially designed to be taught according to the CLT approach. Finally, this study also found that the majority of the teachers need improvement in their teaching practices, particularly in teaching the Sunrise Series.
2017-03
Investigating the Influence of Setting on Language Learning: The Case of Bahdini Kurdish Learners of English
European Scientific Journal (Issue : 3) (Volume : 13)
Abstract It was argued that those learning the language while mingling with the community are better learners than those learning in the academic setting where they only opt to use the academic language. The current small scale study investigates the influence of the setting on two Bahdini Kurdish learners of English living in the UK in two different contexts. One of the learners has been learning English in an academic setting, while the other has been learning English through daily interactions with the community in a non-academic setting. Data were collected through interviews and observation. Results revealed that both learn English effectively for the context where their language will be used. However, the academic language learner was capable of expressing himself more than the one learning the colloquial language. The academic leaner could use a variety of strategies to express different situations and had a clearer language than the one learning the colloquial language even though the academic language learner did not mingle with academicians like the colloquial leaner did with the community.
2017-03

2015

THE EFFECTS OF KURDISH LEARNERS' CHARACTERISTICS ON THEIR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING
European Scientific Journal (Issue : 10) (Volume : 11)
Abstract This paper is conducted at the University of Zakho, department of English language studies in (2013-2014). It investigates Kurdish learners' characteristics and their effects on the process of their second language learning. The data of the current study was collected throughout a methodological triangulation utilizing a questionnaire which consisted of 13 questions and it was given to a 100 students from different level in English department. Also a number of students were interviewed (2 students from each level) in order to obtain as reliable and authentic data as possible; the interview questions were 10. This research paper has been conducted to provide a detailed presentation of the learners’ characteristics and investigates their effects on the process of second language learning. It is revealed that the majority of the students are affected by some main characteristics such as anxiety, personality and motivation. And also the results and findings revealed that the majority of the students have some characteristics that affect their level in the process of second language learning in both ways negative and positive.
2015-04
A STUDY ON KURDISH STUDENTS' ATTITUDES TO GROUP WORK IN THE EFL CLASSROOM
European Scientific Journal (Issue : 11) (Volume : 11)
Abstract Throughout the last two or three decades, group work has become a part that cannot be separated from other classroom activities. This research study identifies the different opinions of Kurdish students concerning the advantages and disadvantages of group work in the classroom. The research was conducted on 100 Kurdish university students who had at least two years experience of group work at Universities in Kurdistan (Zakho, Dohuk, Salahaddin, and Sulaimani universities). Anonymously, a questionnaire was completed and its results were submitted by the respondents, hoping that their responses could directly address the research aim. Then, 20 students from the ones who participated in filling in the questionnaire were chosen and interviewed so as to gain as valid and reliable data as possible for the results of the study to be authentic. Thus, a triangulation methodological strategy was followed in this research study to produce valid results. The findings from both instruments revealed that “better communication”, “group work is a mutual interest”, “group members clarify difficult things to each other” and ''it takes a short time to finish a task in group work'' were students’ positive opinions, while “some members prefer to relax and stay silent”, “some members do not like to work”, ''group work is a waste of time as students talk about external things and they cannot reach any agreement' 'and “students depend on each other” were their negative opinions concerning group work. Suggesting further considerable studies on attitudes of students concerning group work, the research concludes.
2015-04

2014

A Critical Review Study Conducted on Two Academic Articles Published in the Educational Field: From a Research Perspective
Education (Issue : 6) (Volume : 4)
Abstract The primary focus of this study is to critically analyse two academic papers published in the educational field in terms of the validity and reliability of their methods of data collection and analysis, research design, and ethical implications. This is done in an attempt to demonstrate the valid procedure of conducting a research paper as a general aim for the current study. This is a desk research study conducted primarily for educational purposes. Data was collected from different resources found in the library of the University of Huddersfield in the United Kingdom. The analysis of the current research was conducted in the light of many educational resources specialized in research papers and publication. Results from the current study show that due to the lack of many standards, Brown's research is not reliable, valid and authentic, whereas Ornprapat and Saovapa's research is outstanding, valid, reliable, and authentic.
2014-03
Investigating Kurdish Students' Reading Strategies
Education (Issue : 6) (Volume : 4)
Abstract This study is conducted to investigate the reading strategies used by students at University of Zakho/English department. This paper has been conducted through designing a questionnaire out of 13 questions which was sent out to 100 participants from a total number of 240 students from different levels at English department. Along with that, semi-structured interviews were utilised with students and teachers to produce valid and reliable results. It is revealed that there are many strategies of reading that students use while they read. These are concentrate on the text only, summarizing the text by using the students' own words and thoughts, skim the text and also using scanning technique, previewing the text, writing some questions about the passage, and taking notes and drawing graphs. Also, the findings indicate that the majority of students in English department follow the strategies of reading and depend on them in their daily reading activities.
2014-03

2026

A Study of EFL University Teachers and Students' Perceptions of the Assessment Process
The current study aimed to study EFL university teachers and students' perceptions of the assessment process at public universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Particularly, it investigated teachers' perceptions of assessment in terms of knowledge, administration, purpose, design and validity, reliability, practicality, and washback. Moreover, it studied EFL university students’ perceptions of assessment design, administration, purpose, grading and scoring, washback, and feedback. Additionally, the study investigated the factors influencing teachers' choice of assessment methods from teachers' and students' perspectives. It also identified their encountered challenges in assessment
2026-10-07
A Study of EFL University Teachers and Students' Perceptions of the Assessment Process
The current study aimed to study EFL university teachers and students' perceptions of the assessment process at public universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Particularly, it investigated teachers' perceptions of assessment in terms of knowledge, administration, purpose, design and validity, reliability, practicality, and washback. Moreover, it studied EFL university students’ perceptions of assessment design, administration, purpose, grading and scoring, washback, and feedback. Additionally, the study investigated the factors influencing teachers' choice of assessment methods from teachers' and students' perspectives. It also identified their encountered challenges in assessment
2026-10-07

2012

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SPEAKING TEACHING MATERIALS THAT ARE USED IN A PARTICULAR LANGUAGE ORGANIZATION IN KURDISTAN REGION/IRAQ
Abstract This is a small scale piece of research that has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the speaking teaching materials that are used in a particular language organization in Kurdistan region/Iraq. The participants of the study were (20) students enrolled in the organization and their practitioner. This study collected a mixture of qualitative and quantitative data via employing three effective instruments. The instruments employed were; observation, semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire. Therefore, it is obvious that a methodological triangulation strategy was utilised in this piece of research. This was done in an attempt to find answers to the three research aims which are: (1) How are the speaking materials adapted by the practitioner of the language organization?, (2) Do the materials used effectively promote the students’ proficiency level? And (3) what sort of problems do students face when they study the materials adapted? The major outcomes that emerged from this research study were very positive. It was found that the adaptation of the speaking materials by the practitioner of the language course was fruitful. The choice of materials was worthy and fit the context where they were used. The way of dealing with the materials was also found to be worthwhile as well as the methods employed in teaching them. The findings also indicated that the content of the materials and the tasks employed were influential in terms of promoting students’ speaking skills and their overall proficiency skills. However, as far as the third aim of the study is concerned, the difficulties that students faced when they were studying the materials adapted were found to be the colourless and the unappealing pictures included in the materials adapted by the practitioner. Moreover, the instructions given by the practitioner were found to be confusing for the students as well.
2012-10-06

2019

Qualification for Inclusive Education Iraq
Qualification for Inclusive Education Iraq
Participant
2019-08

2017

VESAL Conference
VESAL 2017
Visitor
2017-08
''Investigating English Teachers' Awareness Of Teaching Methods That Should Be Used In Teaching Sunrise Series In Zakho City, Duhok-Iraq
Zakho 2nd international conference: Zakho, life, civilization, Culture
ABSTRACT: This is a small-scale study that aims to investigate Zakho city English teachers' awareness of the teaching methods that should be used in teaching Sunrise Series. The current study collected both qualitative and quantitative data utilising different data collection methods. The participants of the study were 38 teachers from Zakho city teaching in different levels (primary, secondary, and high school). These 38 teachers were chosen to respond to a questionnaire especially designed to achieve the objectives of the study. Nine of these participants were chosen to be interviewed. Each three were chosen to represent a level of education mentioned above. This study also employed different data analysis methods so as to obtain valid results. Results revealed that the majority of the teachers at Zakho city are aware of the English teaching methods but do not know which ones should be used in teaching the Sunrise curriculum. It was also revealed that they are using classical methods in teaching a curriculum which is especially designed to be taught according to the CLT approach. Finally, this study also found that the majority of the teachers need improvement in their teaching practices, particularly in teaching the Sunrise Series.
2017-04

2013

Iraqi Kurdish Rural University Partnership Program (IKRUPP)
TOT
2013-01-15,2015-11-30

2024

Preparing teachers for Inclusive Education in Iraq and Kurdistan
Murad, IH & Bartels, F. (May, 2024). Preparing teachers for inclusive education in Iraq and Kurdistan. In F. Bartels, M.-C. Vierbuchen & C. Hillenbrand (Eds.), Inclusive (Teacher) Education After War . Munster, New York: Waxmann.
2024-05-28