LEARNING METHODS

The ICMS Foundation Program is delivered through face to face lectures, tutorials and supervised self-directed study. Tutorials will be limited to 15 students. Concepts introduced in lecture format will be examined, amplified and explained in tutorials with the generous use of practical examples. On-line supplementation will be available for most units through the ICMS Learning Management System “Moodle”.

Learning methods utilised in the Foundation Program include Direct Instructions, Discussions, Group work, Co-operative Learning, Problem Solving, Student Research, Role Play/Simulations and Case Studies/Case Methods. A brief description of learning methods and how they assist international students for higher education studies in Australia is as follows:

• Direct Instruction: Whole class expository teaching techniques. Example: Lecture, Demonstration.
• Discussion: Whole class or smaller groups, face-to-face group interaction 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 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 etc to develop skill/competency, providing 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, whilst developing an understanding of theory and problem solving skills simultaneously.

Characteristics of the Program

The Foundation Program will help international students from a wide variety of educational backgrounds meet the academic entry standards of ICMS and concurrently to develop the study, language and cultural skills needed to succeed in degree study in Australia. The characteristics of the Foundation Program are:

• 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.
• The ICMS team of student support staff provides academic and pastoral support to students and organises social gatherings and sporting activities.
• The use of English in the academic context is studied as two separate subjects as part of the ICMS Foundation Program providing specific, focused support to ESL speakers.
• A familiarisation with Australian society and culture is an integral part of the program.
• Students may enter the program at various times throughout the year to suit their differing home country academic calendars.
• We can also provide or arrange accommodation.

The curriculum is designed by ICMS academic staff to incorporate the specific knowledge and skills identified as prerequisites for study in the ICMS specialisations. The program students study on the College campus and have full access to campus facilities. The teaching format is designed to familiarise students with the teaching style used in ICMS and to develop the learning skills required by this style of teaching. Academic quality is overseen by the ICMS Academic Board.

Students complete a total of 728 hours 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 at the commencement of the Foundation Program.

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

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