Dr. Hezam Al Awah (R), Musa Abu Huzaima
The Foundation Program stems from its role in achieving Qatar University's (QU) 2018–2022 Strategic Plan that aims to keep abreast of the current global changes and satisfy the needs of both the community and the labour market in Qatar.
The programme is focused on expanding teaching and learning strategies by developing students’ skills in both English and mathematics to help them succeed when they join their academic majors at Qatar University.
The programme aims to help students achieve academic readiness through innovative, research-based educational practices by fostering their intellectual curiosity. As they develop their knowledge through study skills and critical thinking, students will integrate independent and collaborative learning with the appropriate use of information technology.
Dr. Hezam Al Awah, Director of the Foundation Program, said, “The Foundation Program at the Deanship of General Studies at Qatar University is an educational and academic bridge through which students move from schools to university. The programme provides qualitative educational skills for Qatar University students to become better qualified to complete their university studies in scientific (STEM) and medical colleges by promoting critical thinking and optimal educational technologies.”
Dr. Awah added, “The Foundation Program aims to prepare students for excellence and success in their academic path at the university by providing them with the necessary English and mathematics skills using modern technologies to keep pace with academic development, as well as to develop students’ critical thinking to enable them to succeed in their academic journey and to build a student-centred education and a stimulating social environment.”
Dr. Awah explained that the foundation programme is limited to undergraduate students on the scientific track in the Colleges of Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Pharmacy, Health Sciences and specific majors in the College of Education. As for students of Arabic and literary majors, the programme offers them a set of English language courses to develop their communication skills. These credit-bearing courses are offered during the undergraduate stage as part of their approved study plans.”
Dr. Nadeem Hashem, Associate Director for Academic Affairs at Foundation Program, highlighted the programme’s role in achieving Qatar University’s strategy 2018-2022.
He stated that Qatar University’s 2018-2022 strategy is centred on teaching and learning transformation for the university to become a recognised educational model. Its goal is to close the existing gaps and transition to a teaching style consistent with the practices of the world’s most prominent universities. The Foundation Program actively and effectively supports the university’s teaching and learning strategy. The program has conducted comprehensive reviews of study plans and learning philosophy.
Accordingly, the courses have been redesigned so that education becomes more centred around the learner. In addition, these courses have also been digitally enriched in the belief that this generation possesses the ability to interact positively with modern technologies. The concept of entrepreneurial education has also been integrated into many of the courses offered by the Foundation Program, which will enable graduates to create their small business projects and enhance their participation in the economic and social development in the country.
Musa Abu Huzaima, Head of the English Language Department in the Foundation Program, stated that the programme is designed to build students’ academic abilities in mathematics and English language skills, develop students’ soft skills, and enhance their critical thinking skills. The programme works in a way where the educational process, curricula, classroom, extra-curricular activities, and testing include those skills that improve students’ academic preparedness for their future majors of study at Qatar University and the labour market.
