FOUNDATION PROGRAM STUDENT’S PROFILE: WRITING, STUDY AND COMPUTER SKILLS

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a one-semester long research project conducted among exit level Foundation Program English Language (FPEL) students at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Oman. The study aimed at evaluating FPEL students’ computer, course-specific writing and study skills, in order to establish the profile of an average FPEL student with regards to the writing and study skills course learning outcomes stated in the Curriculum Document. In addition, the study tried to investigate the possibility of a consistent integration of online tasks and discussions in the writing course to facilitate the 500-word report writing process and promote students’ computer skills. An online survey and an end-of-term reflection form were devised in line with the aims of the study. The findings of the study demonstrate that FPEL students’ computer skills are not adequate to cope with the 500-word report. Also, the findings indicate that consistent engagement in online tasks and discussions can promote students’ computer literacy skills and facilitate the report writing process. Plausible suggestions were made to help FPEL students not only better achieve the learning outcomes for the writing course but also improve their computer skills which are vital in this era of technological advances.