Foundation Program
In most countries foundation programs are usually designed for those students who must acquire skills that are needed to enter universities at a bachelor's degree level. The courses in such programs are designed to meet students' practical communicative needs in an academic environment. In many developing countries foundation programs enable universities to maintain higher level of teaching. The foci of such programs are usually English, mathematics, computers and basic study skills. In Western countries foundation programs are designed to serve the needs of overseas students and they mostly focus on teaching academic English skills.
In general, foundation programs aim to extend students' competence and confidence in English, Computers, Mathematics and Study Skills. The programs consist of two semesters and they can be called Foundation 1 (Semester 1) and Foundation 2 (Semester 2). The duration of each semester is from thirteen to eighteen weeks, depending on the students' needs. The number of weeks can also be reduced depending on the degree of the students' competence.
Placement Test
A placement test is usually administered a few days (or even weeks) before the program starts. The aim of the placement test can determine whether a candidate will be able to enter Foundation 1 (F1), Foundation 2 (F2), or go directly to a bachelor degree program.
Here is some information about the administration of a placement test and the courses (modules) that could be taught in a foundation program. This is an example only. You can make a few modifications and apply this example to the needs of your college or university.
The Placement Test consists of two parts, written - 85 points, and oral - 15 points. The oral part of the test is conducted face-to-face between the candidate and the ESL tutor (the procedure of oral test is similar to the procedure of oral IELTS test). The total number of points awarded is 100 (85+15). A candidate who earned 60 points or less is allowed to enter Foundation 1. A candidate who earned 61-85 points is allowed to enter Foundation 2. A candidate who earned 86-100 points can be allowed to enter directly to Degree Program.
Placement Test Table
Points
|
Placement
|
86 - 100
|
Diploma / Degree
|
61 - 85
|
Foundation 2
|
60 - less
|
Foundation 1
|
Modules
The following modules can be introduced into the Foundation Program.
Foundation 1
General English Skills (F1-GES) module consists of 2 contact hours per week lectures in a large lecture theatre (for many students) and 6 contact hour tutorials - small groups of students (2+2+2). Lectures focus on language study skills, critical thinking, English grammar, and other challenging areas. A lecture outline on one A4 page can handed in to each student at the entrance to the Lecture Theatre. Students should be encouraged to take notes. The aim of the lectures is to develop students’ listening skills, motivation, and to help them understand the importance of the basic academic issues such as time management and self-study.
Foundation 2
English for Academic Purposes (F2-EAP) module consists of 2 contact hours of lectures in a large lecture theatre and 4 contact hour tutorials (2+2). Each week a different lecturer delivers a lecture on a topic which is related to students’ study skills. Guest speakers from outside the college can be invited, from time to time. The purpose of these lectures is to improve students’ listening, note-taking and critical thinking skills, to develop skills of academic culture and to give a deeper insight into the bachelor degree courses. Students are required to take notes. Their note-taking skills can be assessed (as a part of continuous assessment).
Credit Points
The total number of credit points in Foundation Program can be 120. One credit point equals the learning outcomes attained in 10 hours of learning. This applies to both the semesters comprising the Foundation Program. Based on standard requirements, 120 credits can be considered as one year’s academic work which includes both contact and self-study hours. Foundation Program credit points should not be transferable to bachelor degree programs, otherwise it would cause some confusion in the university bachelor degree programs.
Foundation 1 (Semester 1)
|
Module
|
Contact Hours/Semester
|
Minimum of Self-Study Hours/Semester
|
Total Hours/Semester (Contact + Self-study)
|
Credit Points
|
|
F1-GES
|
144
|
106
|
250
|
25
|
|
F1-BSS
|
72
|
28
|
100
|
10
|
|
F1-IRS
|
72
|
28
|
100
|
10
|
|
F1-CBL1
|
72
|
28
|
100
|
10
|
|
F1-M1
|
36
|
14
|
50
|
5
|
|
Total
|
396
|
204
|
600
|
60
|
Foundation 2 (Semester 2)
|
Module
|
Contact Hours/Semester
|
Minimum of Self Study Hours/Semester
|
Total Hours/Semester (Contact + Self-study)
|
Credit Points
|
|
F2-EAP
|
108
|
92
|
200
|
20
|
|
F2-ERS
|
90
|
60
|
150
|
15
|
|
F2-PSS
|
72
|
32
|
104
|
10
|
|
F2-CBL2
|
72
|
32
|
108
|
10
|
|
F2-M2
|
36
|
18
|
54
|
5
|
|
F2-BCC
|
18
|
18
|
36
|
-
|
|
Total
|
396
|
252
|
652
|
60
|
Assessment
Each module can be assessed through a combination of continuous assessment, mid-semester, and final examinations. The overall pass mark for Foundation 1 students who wish to enter Foundation 2 should be 51 or above in the Foundation 1 exam. The overall pass mark for Foundation 2 students who wish to enter Degree Program should be 51 or above in the Foundation 2 exam.
Assessment Procedure
Assessment criteria should be determined for every assignment, test or examination paper within each module.
Final Integrated Written Examination
At the end of each semester all students take integrated English language written examinations in Foundation 1 and in Foundation 2. Examinations include all the skills that were developed during the two semesters.
Moderation
Moderation should be conducted for written examinations.
Supplementary Examinations
Supplementary examinations can be conducted for those foundation students who were unable to attend final examinations due to a valid reason, subject to approval by the concerned authority.
Evaluation of Courses
At the end of each semester courses are evaluated by teachers and students. The results of questionnaires are processed and discussed at meetings.
|
