General Foundation Programs (GFPs) Student Entry and Exit Standards

Abstract

This paper assessed the performance of General Foundation Programs (GFPs) in Oman in the area of 'Student Entry and Exit Standards'. Data was collected from the GFP quality audit reports prepared and published by Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA). The study adopted a simple descriptive data analysis method, consisting of identifying the formal conclusions issued by OAAAQA (Commendations, Affirmations, and Recommendations) and analyzing their distribution (frequency of occurrence and percentages) and the issues they covered. The study found out that (a) HEIs are yet to establish sustainable practices in their GFPs in relation to entry and exit standards; and (b) the systems in the GFP are still underdeveloped and practices are largely unsystematic. The paper ended by highlighting four improvement suggestions in order to ensure GFP effectiveness.