Job Discussion Forums

Derkugelschrieber · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 6 Location: Crab Nebulae

I heard a rumor that MOHE (Minstry of Higher Education) Colleges are going to take on a new status as universities? Does anyone have any facts regarding this rumor? Specifically, I would like to know if these changes will affect things like: abolishing foundation year, increasing requirements to Masters and above, and of course, will there be an increase in salary? I would like to hear if anyone has any serious facts and not speculation from the DAVESESLCAFE usual list of suspects who feel a need to share their two cents on everything... Cool

Duffy · Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Oman

Herr Derkugelschrieber,

As always, WTS!! (Watch This Space). There are things going on in the MoHE, like grading of ALL the levels of instructors in order to offer more realistic salaries compared to other Gulf states, even maybe regardless of relevant certification, perhaps promoting incompetence?? It may take the day???

Oh yes, as regards Foundation year - ALL true English (native speaking that is) Instructors are requesting that there be a 2 year Foundation course. As they all know that the students do not get "it" (as in basic English) in the first Foundation year.

The official government line is that by Class 12 of the secondary school year, students have enough English (as in 4.5 on the IELTS scale) to enter Higher Education. CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is really happening is that most students, when they arrive at MoHE colleges are less than 2.00 IELTS. But they are still sent to colleges of "Higher Education" and are expected to perform at that higher level. They just cannot,

My worry, and it is real, is that in 4-5 years time there will be an influx of several thousand post graduates into whatever industry, with a piece of paper saying that they can "do the job", though, as we all know, they cannot, but will be accepted into an already flawed system.

How many teachers have done this speaking test:

Teacher; "Hi, tell me why have you chosen Business as your Major?

Student; Well teacher, I want to be a Manager."

Teacher; Yes but, what kind of business?"

Student; (querilous look) But teacher I want to be a Manager"

Teacher; yes, but what business do you want to be in??

Student; Business

Teacher. Excuse me but I want to know what kind of industry you want to be employed in??

Student; I want to be a manager.

Duffy Shocked

Nuff said

Sleepwalker · Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Posts: 454 Location: Reading the screen

Duffy - you made me laugh.

Reminds me of a depressing set of 'programme reviews' I sat through once:

Programme Reviewer: So, please tell us the aim of your programme?

Head of Department: Our students will be ******* managers.

Programme Reviewer: And what will they do exactly?

Head of Department: They will be managers.

Programme Reviewer: And what will they manage?

Head of Department: Everything.

Programme Reviewer: How will they be able to do that as diploma holders with no experience?

Head of Department: (Look of puzzlement) Because they will be ******** managers.

This was the Middle East - how does anyone expect the students to be realistic........

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Thanks for the laugh.

I will be watching with interest for further reports Duffy. Now wouldn't it be nice if the Ministry cloned the highly successful hiring practices and HR of SQU and extended it to these colleges... Just think of the improved system for both the teachers and the students.

I don't think I'd hold my breath for the salaries to go up much though... Crying or Very sad

VS