Dr. Hezam Al Awah, Director of QU Foundation Program
Qatar University’s Foundation Program (FP), under the Deanship of General Studies, in collaboration with the Office of the Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOE), launched Al-Qabas Virtual Program 2020 on June 7, in response to Qatari government and Qatar University’s precautionary measures against COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 84 female high school students participated in the programme from June 7 to June 11, 2020.
Under the theme “For a Successful University Experience,” this programme aims to educate high school students from grades 10 and 11 about the study skills required to succeed in their university studies and improve their English and math skills to enhance their successful enrolment in STEM disciplines at Qatar University.
Dr. Hezam Al Awah, Director of the Foundation Program, welcomed the participating students and the presenters. He said: “This programme enhances the chances of success in future university life and paves the way for those wishing to join scientific (STEM) and health and medical majors that Qatar needs. These majors are considered as pillars for building a knowledge-based economy, which promotes innovation and increases productivity required to build the country.
“We hope that you graduate from high school and join the university, and that Qatar University will be your first choice. I also thank the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for the effective cooperation and communication with schools and female students during these circumstances, to ensure that students participate and benefit from the programme,” he said.
Fawzeya Al Malki, Academic and Career Counseling Specialist from the Education Supervision Department at the Office of the Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs in the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, welcomed high school students and explained to them the importance of Al-Qabas Program.
She encouraged students to make the most of the programme and expand their knowledge regarding admission requirements at the university and the test taking strategies required to pass placement exams and international tests to join their selected colleges successfully. She concluded her speech by advising the participating students to interact and engage in the sessions to achieve the maximum benefit from the programme.
Al-Qabas Virtual Program consisted of two virtual sessions per day delivered via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra platform for the duration of one week. Student participation increased by 50 percent from the previous Al-Qabas Program delivered in 2019. As for the number of female students who attended Al-Qabas Virtual Program, 84 students attended the sessions.
Al-Qabas Virtual Program 2020 sessions included various interactive and engaging activities that develop math and English language skills. During the sessions, students solved various math problems using critical thinking and learned about different study strategies to enhance the development of their math skills. Similarly, sessions targeting English skills, like Brainiac Live, provided opportunity for students to learn about reading skills, guessing vocabulary form context, and writing skills through different programmes.
Besides, students benefited from two test taking strategy sessions targeting skills required to successfully pass IELTS and math standardised tests, ACT and SAT.
Dr. Al Awah said: “The various sessions of Al-Qabas Program provide an opportunity for high school students to learn about university life and the required skills in a way that simulates studying at the university. This enhances student success in their future academic journey and chances of having a positive university experience.”
Hayat El Samad, FP Assistant Director for Student Affairs, said: “Al-Qabas Program team selected the sessions’ topics carefully to cover important skills and delivered the sessions using innovative educational practices to ensure student engagement despite the virtual nature of the sessions. We were pleasantly surprised with the level of engagement and interaction among students online. In the end, our goal is to facilitate the smooth transition from high school into university life.”
