Under the theme “for a Successful University Experience” Qatar University’s Foundation Program (FP), under the Deanship of General Studies and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), launched Al-Qabas Program 2022 from March 20 to March 30, 2022, for the fourth year for high school students. 330 female and male high school students participated in the program
This program educates high school students from grades 10 and 11 about university life and skills required to succeed in their university studies and improve their English and math skills to enhance their successful enrollment in STEM and health majors at Qatar University. It also aims to educate students about different majors offered by STEM and health colleges.
Alqabas Program 2022 was offered over a period of two weeks. Week 1 included virtual sessions regarding English and math skills and international tests. The second week included QU campus school visits to labs and facilities for Colleges of Engineering and Pharmacy.
To launch the Alqabas Virtual Program, students were welcomed during “Haykom” online session. Mr. Ahmed Albalam, Head of Career and Academic Guidance Section from MOEHE welcomed the students and academic advisors and informed students about Alqabas Program’s goals to introduce students to university life and different colleges at STEM and Health Qatar University. He also emphasized the importance of standardized tests like IELTS and SAT for university within and outside Qatar as they are one of the entry requirements for scientific and health fields.
Dr. Hezam Al-Awah, Director of the Foundation Program, said: “FP faculty and academics in the Foundation Program utilized latest pedagogical practices and educational trends to create an engaging and academic program to raise awareness about different math and English skills required to succeed in STEM and health fields. He also encouraged students to work diligently during high school as it opens opportunities for the next phase in their life which is university life.”
Al-Qabas Virtual Program consisted of two virtual sessions per day, which were delivered via Microsoft Teams over 5 day period. 16 FP faculty and staff members participated in organizing and delivering the program. 185 students attended the sessions and the total number of views reached 400. Al-Qabas Virtual Program sessions included various interactive and engaging activities that develop math and English language skills such as “ Math for Future Scientists” and “ Let’s Listen”. Importance of math and English skills in STEM fields were demonstrated in “Think Like an Engineer” and “Design a Helpful Mobile App.” Alqabas session also introduced students to entrepreneurial skills through “Young entrepreneurs” session.” In addition, students benefited from two test taking strategy sessions targeting skills required to successfully pass IELTS and math standardized tests, ACT and SAT.
To enhance successful enrollment in university, QU Enrollment Outreach and Engagement Department presented a session about the admission requirements, dates and policies for QU and various QU colleges. Dr. Walid Massoud, Head of Qatar University Testing Center, talked about different international exams and placement tests required for successful enrollment in STEM colleges. Representatives from Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics from the College of Arts and Science provided information about the different majors offered and their importance in the Qatari labor market. All sessions included Q&A segment to answer students’ queries.
Dr. Walid Massoud, Head of Qatar University Testing Center, stated:” Alqabas Program is one of the valuable programs offered this year to inform students about university life and how to prepare to enroll in the colleges they would like to join. Students were really engaged in the sessions and I hope that Alqabas program is offered again next year to allow us to meet with students and find out about their needs to assist them.
Following the online sessions, 18 schools participated in QU campus visits where 145 male and female students visited labs and facilities for Colleges of Engineering and Pharmacy. The schools are: Omar Bin Al- Khatab, Omar Bin Abdul Aziz, Qatar Technical, Hamad Bin Abdullah Bi Jassim, Al- Wakrah, Ahmed Bin Mohammed, Qatar secondary, Rouda Bint Mohamed, Asseliya , Al-Kawthar, and Al- Shaymaa. Students participated in activities that simulate work environment. For example, they observed how to manufacture a medicine pill. Representatives from different departments in College of Engineering informed students about different majors and offered students opportunity to do hands on activities such as building a hanging bridge.
Representative from Omar Bin Al-Khattab High School said:” We would like to thank Qatar University for providing the opportunity for our students to visit the College of Pharmacy and learn about the different majors offered. Also, the sessions about career development, QU entry requirements and international tests helped enhance student confidence to achieve success their upcoming student life.”
Al-Qabas Program 2022 presenters were able to create an engaging environment for the students as evident in the high number of student entries, comments and answers per session. Student survey showed high satisfaction rate among students regarding how much they benefited from the sessions and college visits and how Al-Qabas contributed to their knowledge about different skills development.
Student feedback from anonymous survey included comments such as the following:
“Alqabas program provided an enjoyable experience that I benefited from immensely and helped me realize that I will start a new phase in my life that requires great deal of effort. I hope to attend Alqabas Program next year.”
“Alqabas Program provided answers to many of my questions that relate to International exams. I really benefited from the sessions that deal with test taking strategies and enjoyed the activities.
“Alqabas Program is very beneficial especially for students who would like to apply to College of Engineering. It also encourages students to think about their study plan based on the presentations offered by different department representatives. .”
“We visited several departments in College of Engineering such as Architecture and Computer Programming and were introduced to characteristic of each major.”
“Program is very nice and well organized. There is a variety in the information provided especially regarding the majors offered. ”
“This is one the best programs I participated in during the pandemic. It is very motivating, and it opened our eyes to a lot of things we were not aware of. I hope the university continues with such effective programs that benefit society.”
It is worth noting that the FP at the Deanship of General Studies at Qatar University develops QU students’ English language proficiency and Math skills to a level that will allow them to succeed in the academic programs of Qatar University. Al-Qabas program is a community outreach initiative delivered by the FP whose goal is to provide students with strategies to develop their skills in math and English to positively impact their university experience. It also encourages students to join the scientific, engineering and medical majors at QU. Finally, it contributes to the fulfillment of Qatar National Vision 2030 that encourages innovative initiatives that contribute to the growth and stability of Qatar.
Source: QATAR UNIVERSITY