SQU Teaching Philosophy

Sultan Qaboos University emphasizes active, student-centered learning to develop essential 21st-century skills, fostering effective and lifelong learning.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

1. Augmented Reality (AR)

   • Description: AR serves as a cognitive tool aligning with constructivist learning theory. It enhances faculty instructional practices and transforms classrooms by embedding digital information in the physical environment.

   • Benefits: Increases student engagement, promotes interactive experiences, enhances memory, improves motivation, and facilitates hands-on learning.

2. Blended Learning

   • Description: Combines traditional face-to-face teaching with online methods (videos, chats, webinars). It integrates technology into course design and delivery.

   • Benefits: Promotes practical learning, engages and motivates students, and allows flexible, self-paced learning.

3. Discovery-Based Learning

   • Description: Encourages students to use their experiences to construct knowledge through self-directed inquiry-based learning.

   • Benefits: Facilitates practical and sticky insights relevant to problem-solving.

4. Flipped Classroom

   • Description: Shifts instruction to a learner-centered model, where students learn material outside class and engage with content through discussions and activities in class.

   • Benefits: Enhances understanding and application of knowledge through active, collaborative learning.

5. Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

   • Description: Focuses on co-constructing knowledge through complex, open-ended problems. Uses case studies and scenarios to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

   • Benefits: Reinforces teamwork, communication, and creativity, and accelerates cognitive growth.

6. Project-Based Learning

   • Description: Involves long-term projects incorporating student voice and inquiry, often involving community partners and public presentations.

   • Benefits: Encourages real-world impact, integrates theory and practice, and develops employability skills.

7. Student-Led Learning

   • Description: Moves away from one-size-fits-all to personalized learning, emphasizing student autonomy and critical thinking.

   • Benefits: Develops student confidence, encourages ownership of results, and relies on collaborative problem-solving.

8. Team-Based Learning

   • Description: Structured group learning that combines individual testing with group collaboration. Teams work on projects with defined roles and responsibilities.

   • Benefits: Promotes accountability, diverse thought processes, and collaborative learning.

9. Work-Based Learning

   • Description: Integrates university curriculum with workplace experiences, immersing students in real-life work environments.

   • Benefits: Prepares students for future workplace challenges by merging theory with practical work experience.

These strategies collectively aim to enhance teaching practices, build strong communities of practice, and improve student academic performance.