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Oman Quality Network Seminar
On 17th March I
attended a seminar “Learning by Sharing: Implementation of
Oman Academic Standards for General Foundation Programmes”
held at the Middle East College of Information Technology,
Muscat. The seminar was organized by the Oman Quality
Network
www.oac.gov.om/oqn
There were 6 presenters
speaking on the following topics: Aligning Learning Outcomes
in English and I.T.; Effective teaching methods used to
attain the outcomes; Assessment Tools to measure/ evaluate
the learning outcomes in English; Challenges for the HEI –
Exit levels for the FP; and Challenges for the students.
Each set of presentations was followed by discussion
sessions with recommendations and resolutions ending the
seminar.
Personally, it was a wonderful
opportunity to do what the aim of the seminar was, share.
It was encouraging to hear that all institutions present,
seem to be going through the same teething problems, but
remain optimistic in solving them. I picked up some
interesting ideas that I would like to bring into the FP at
Dhofar University, such as, assessment matrices. It was also
an excellent opportunity to make valuable contacts.
I am very grateful for the
opportunity I had to share the practices that we employ and
connect with other institutions in Oman.
My
presentation covered the areas set out below.
Effective
Assessment Tools to measure / evaluate Learning Outcomes –
English: An Overview
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The context of Dhofar
University
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Evolution of the General
Foundation Programme at Dhofar University
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Expansion of Levels
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Extrapolation of Learning
Outcomes
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Development of In-house
material
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Assessment breakdown
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S.W.O.T. analysis impact
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I.T.P.-TOEFL vs IELTS
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Coursework Assessment
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Samples of assessment
items across the 4 skill areas
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Next step in the process:
quantifying qualitative forms of assessment.
Samantha
Leigh Burns
Coordinator
of Level 3
Foundation
Program
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