Qatar- QU's Al-Qabas program attracts 250 students

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) The Peninsula Doha: Qatar University's (QU) Foundation Program (FP), under the Deanship of General Studies and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), launched the Al-Qabas Virtual Program 2021 for high school students.  A total of 250 female and male high school students participated in the program, which ran from March 21 to 29. Under the theme 'For a Successful University Experience, this programme aimed 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 enrollment in STEM and health majors at Qatar University.  Dr. Hezam Al Awa, Director of the Foundation Program, said: 'The program provides various sessions that simulate classes at Qatar University to prepare high school students for their future studies and enhance their success in their university life. The FP continuously aims to develop Al-Qabas Program to provide more educational opportunities for both male and female students interested in joining STEM and health fields of study to develop their life and academic skills and experience university learning firsthand. We are pleased to have male Qatari students from secondary schools interested in joining STEM attending Al-Qabas 2021. Students were actively engaged in Al-Qabas Program's multiple sessions, reflecting their eagerness to successfully join university and develop their academic skills in English and Mathematics.    Fawzeya Al Malki, Academic and Career Counseling Specialist from the Education Supervision Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, welcomed the students and explained the importance of the Al-Qabas Program in enhancing high school students' opportunities to be acquainted with STEM majors offered by Qatar University.  She considers Al-Qabas Program important to raise awareness among students regarding admission requirements and the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their university studies after completing their high school studies.  Dr. Mohammed Ben Haj Rhouma, Head of the Foundation Program Department of Mathematics, explained that Al-Qabas Program's goal is to encourage students to apply to STEM majors and emphasized the importance of the English language and Mathematics in succeeding in the STEM fields.  He added that STEM disciplines impact our everyday life in different areas, such as fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, engineering, and technology. Al-Qabas Virtual Program consisted of two to three virtual sessions per day, delivered via Microsoft Teams over seven days. 16 FP faculty and staff members participated in organizing and delivering the program. Student participation increased by 80% from the previous Al-Qabas Program delivered in 2020.  Al-Qabas Virtual Program 2021 sessions included various interactive and engaging activities that develop Math and English language skills.  During sessions such as 'Study Skills for Math and 'How to Apply Math in our Everyday Life, students applied problem-solving skills and learned about different learning strategies to enhance their math skills. Similarly, sessions targeting English skills, like 'Let's Listen, ' allowed students to learn about listening, reading, and writing skills through different interactive programs such as Quizlet, Kahoot and Joinmyquiz.  Also, students benefited from two test taking strategy sessions targeting skills required to successfully pass IELTS and math standardized tests, ACT and SAT. During the 'Succeeding in University Studies session, students learned about necessary academic skills such as time management and prioritization needed for a successful university experience. MENAFN07042021000063011010ID1101875210