Page 24 - Foundation Programs in Higher Education: Gateway to Success

Abstracts

Anna Hasper

‘Making authentic materials accessible’

Adult learners need relevant input that inspires, educates and motivates,
especially when it comes to developing reading skills. However, when teaching
reading we commonly begin with the text and at times students don’t easily
identify with authentic content. In this session we will look at how we can
facilitate the reading process by starting from the students’ own reactions
and experiences. This interactive session will explore how personalization
can help to explore authentic materials and deliver meaningful lessons to
your learners.

Carolyn Doyle

‘A case study on Bahrain Polytechnic’s Foundation Programme
review’

A gap analysis of students’ educational backgrounds and the requirements
of degree programs was undertaken. This gap is the mandate of the
Foundation Program and ensures that the program is fully relevant to its
stakeholders. Data analysis, interviews and a series of focus groups with
stakeholders provided information that led to affirmation of parts of the
program, reconfiguration of others and an opportunity to use externally
benchmarked exit examinations for some courses. Core elements of
the program are unchanged and students will continue to study English,
Mathematics, ICT and study skills but the review has initiated changes in
delivery.

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