Academic and English Support
Starting out at college is an exciting prospect. However, it’s easy to overlook some of the changes college entails, particularly when comparing the academic environment in Muscat College with that of your home country. We know there’s a lot to get your head around, so we’ve outlined some basic differences and support services to help you. If you need help to adapt to college life you can book an appointment with Student Affairs Department to discuss your options. Here are some areas we can assist you with:
Improve your English
There are many opportunities to improve your English language skills, both on and off campus. You should first consider if you would like to improve your academic or your conversational English-language skills. You may want to consider engaging yourself in:
Independent Learning and Language Labs:
At the Language Centre we believe that learning is enhanced when students are active, independent learners. Hence, we have ensured that we provide students with English labs that include all the equipment and software required to enrich their learning experience. For more information please visit English Language Centre page
English Language Clubs:
The English Club is a place where members get to practice their English and build a community for students whose interests lie in the different uses of the English language. For more information please visit student clubs page.
Improve your Academic Skills
Muscat College will provide a different learning context compared to your home country and may require you to take a new approach to assessment tasks. We conduct a multitude of learning workshops which can help you to adjust to this unfamiliar academic culture and understand what is expected of you here to succeed. Here are some of these methods:
Independent learning and critical thinking
Independent learning is about taking responsibility for yourself, without anyone to hold your hand. You are responsible for your own learning – everything from keeping up-to-date with assigned readings, to knowing when exams or assessments are due. You need to understand that lecturers won’t be chasing you to do your homework. They will impart their knowledge and then it’s up to you to be responsible for yourself. You’re also expected to do more amount of reading, seek out material outside of your reading lists and textbooks that will give you more information and help you develop a wider understanding of your topic.
Critical thinking is a major part of Muscat College learning experience. When you’ve gathered the information from your textbooks, journal articles and other sources, you’re expected to critically analyse it. You should develop your own opinion about the topic, rather than just repeating what you’ve read. Don’t worry too much though. During each of your courses, your lecturer will provide you the knowledge framework to develop your own informed point of view.
Peer Mentoring
If you would like to talk to a current student before and during the first few months of College, peer mentoring is available for any first year undergraduate. Your mentor will usually study a similar subject to you. They are there to listen when you need to talk, and to answer any questions you have about your course in general or college life. Many students say that it is nice to know that there is someone to talk to, even if you don’t need them. The aim of this option is to help you settle in. For more details please visit student services page.
The Academic Advisor
The Academic Advisor plays a very important and key role in the students’ study life. He/she provides expert guidance and valuable advice to the student in helping him/her to do what is best in their study path. The Academic Advisor is the helping hand the student may need when faced with any problems or complications. The Academic Advisor also helps the student to manage and budget time. The Academic Advisor will arrange meetings at regular intervals during the semester, however you may arrange special meetings with the Academic Advisor if you run into an urgent problem which you need to discuss. Where necessary, the Advisor could liaise with other members of staff on your behalf. Later on, during your working period, Academic Advisors will often act as referees for job applications.
