Doha: The Academic Bridge Programme (ABP) of Qatar Foundation held workshops for colleagues from the Qatar Aeronautical College recently.
Three members of the ABP’s English faculty — Bob Marcacci, Suzzanne Pautler and Magda Rostron — shared pointers on how to improve writing..
Pointers included using supplementary readings to provide context and stimulate ideas; using technology to motivate and spark discussion; taking a process-oriented approach to writing that first generates ideas and then turns them into sentences, paragraphs and finally into essays; writing across the curriculum; providing academic support for writing; and sponsoring extra-curricular activities that foster writing.
Kim Tresohlavy, a member of the ABP’s computer faculty, highlighted some technologies and how they could be used in the classroom. Among the technologies highlighted were blogs, wikis, and survey software.
Dr Mark Newmark, the ABP’s Assistant Director of Academic Affairs, discussed how to foster the use of technology in education and evaluate the effectiveness of technology. He also gave a presentation on how to improve teaching and learning in the Gulf.
He also encouraged collaboration with colleagues in the Gulf and pointed out that many of the challenges facing Qatari students are also challenges facing students in other Gulf countries.
About 20 people from Qatar Aeronautical College attended the workshops.
Questions raised by participants suggested areas that would benefit from collaboration research.
Qatar Aeronautical College has been endeavouring towards higher educational goals in the field of aviation for 36 years.
The Peninsula
