Learning methods

The Australian Foundation Program is delivered through face-to-face lectures, tutorials and supervised self-directed study. Tutorial class sizes are limited to 15 students. The concepts that teachers introduce in lectures are then examined, amplified and explained in tutorials, with practical examples to improve each student’s understanding. Online supplementation is available for most units through Moodle, which is the Learning Management System used by Aspire Institute.

Learning methods used in the Australian Foundation Program include:

• Direct instruction: Whole class expository teaching techniques, including lectures and demonstrations.
• Discussion: Whole class or smaller group, face-to-face interactions in which students exchange ideas.
• Group work: Two or more students working together, without direct intervention from the teacher for at least some of the time (or indirect guidance), within a structured learning environment focused on achieving specific learning outcomes.
• Co-operative learning: Students working collaboratively to achieve common learning goals. Requires positive inter-dependence, on-going direct interaction, individual accountability, appropriate interpersonal skills, and a reflective approach to learning.
• Problem solving: Strategy for posing significant, contextualised, real-world situations, and providing guidance and instruction to learners as they develop content knowledge and problem-solving skills.
• Student research: Inquiry that is carried out systematically and purposefully, and focuses on revealing some new knowledge.
• Role play/simulation: Students demonstrate playing a specific role in relation to a specific scenario/situation/set of circumstances to develop skill/competency. Provides practice opportunities for practical application.
• Case study/case method: Requires students to seek feasible ways of resolving contextualised realistic issues, developing the ability to identify a range of potential answers, while developing an understanding of theory and problem-solving skills simultaneously.

Characteristics of the Australian Foundation Program

The Australian Foundation Program supports international students from a wide variety of educational backgrounds, helping them meet the academic entry standards of college or university-level study. Students develop the study, language and cultural skills they need to succeed in higher education.

The Australian Foundation Program stands out for the following reasons:

• The pace, style and teaching philosophy are focused on supporting international students, almost all of whom have English as a second (or third) language
• Tutorial class sizes are limited to 15 students
• Students can access academic and pastoral support staff from ICMS, as well as receive invitations to social gatherings and sporting activities
• The use of English in the academic context is studied as two separate subjects, providing specific, focused support to English as a second language speakers
• An integral part of the program is getting familiar with Australian society and culture
• Choose a start date that suits the academic calendar of the student’s home country
• Apply to stay in on-campus or off-campus accommodation through ICMS

The curriculum is designed by ICMS academic staff. It incorporates the specific knowledge and skills that have been identified as prerequisites for studying a diploma or bachelor’s degree at ICMS. The format familiarises students with the teaching style used at ICMS and develops the learning skills required. Academic quality is overseen by the ICMS Academic Board. Students study at the ICMS campus and have full access to its facilities.

Students complete a total of 728 hours of study, made up of small group classes and self-guided learning.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for admission, students need to complete the equivalent of Australian Year 11 standard education and be at least 17 years of age when they start the Australian Foundation Program.

Minimum GPA requirements must be met (4.5 or higher for degree entry and 2.0 or higher for diploma entry).