Let's discuss the less-discussed issue! The Realities of Attaining Graduate Attributes

PSC Staff Professional Development committee organized a training session for the teachers’ training on May 9, 2024 at D003, UTAS, Ibri. The topic of the presentation was “Let's discuss the less-discussed issue! The Realities of Attaining Graduate Attributes”. Ms Hiba Behram, PSC staff member, was the presenter of this activity. It’s the destination and prime objective of our teaching to attain Graduate Attributes (GAs) mentioned in UTAS’ Strategic Plan. However, some of the educators do not focus on attainment of GAs. They find it difficult to integrate GAs into their syllabus, course materials, delivery plans and lessons.

Ms Hiba cited references of various researches conducted by Global and Omani researchers. They have found that GAs are very important part of teaching and learning, and they help the HEIs prepare their students for the job market. But unfortunately, it has been pointed out in these researches that in most of the cases, GAs are either neglected in teaching and learning or not given focus. Therefore, OAAAQA has urged upon HEIs in Oman to establish and implement GAs more effectively to meet both the OAAAQA’s expectations and good international practices.

In order to make their teaching focused and meaningful one, the teachers must keep GAs in mind while teaching their courses. According to OAAAQA’s findings, there seems to be a lack of awareness of GAs across student cohorts and some staff, and there is a need for a systematic awareness-raising and embedding of GAs within the institutions’ teaching and learning activities. Furthermore, Omani employers also complain that local graduates lack communications skills and higher critical thinking ability. So it’s need of the time that Oman’s HEIs should take some practical measures for the attainment of GAs in their respective institutions.

The session ended with QAs, and discussion on how GAs can be integrated in to the syllabus and delivery plans. At the end, Dr. Sultan, HoC of PSC, gave certificates of appreciation to the presenter and the moderator. The participants showed keen interest in this enlightening session.