The new compulsory “critical thinking” unit is a “positive first step,” however, more information surrounding the unit is required, the University Students’ Council (KSU) told The Malta Independent.
According to the University's website, CASP or the Communication and Academic Skills Programme, is aimed at providing students with the skills needed to develop their academic voice by helping them to "think critically" through practising their writing and presenting skills.
Over 1,300 University of Malta students have signed an online petition to remove a compulsory study unit from their curricula. Students signing the petition have said that CASP has been forced onto first-year university students against their consent.
“In principle, CASP presents a beneficial opportunity for university students to hone more holistic academic and practical skills over and above their respective areas of study. In an educational system that seldom considers critical thinking and the ability of students to clearly express themselves within academic contexts, such a program is a positive first step,” the KSU said.
KSU said that this had been discussed at Senate and emails were sent out to students in November.
“As KSU and student representatives at Senate noted, in order for students to fully embrace CASP, a strong informational marketing campaign was integral to ensure that students fully understand the concept, in due time.”
“KSU is currently in communication with the University of Malta to fully understand how and when CASP was initially presented to students, in an effort to put forward our feedback for years to come and to establish a way forward for the current cohort.”
“We are also gathering information from first-year students to understand their perspectives on the matter. From the feedback presented thus far, there seem to be misconceptions about the compulsory nature of the unit and what the unit entails.”
“The unit is not mainly targeted toward English proficiency, but rather toward communication skills in general. It would be of benefit to all involved to possibly reintroduce further information clarifying the above.”
“It is KSU’s understanding, that University will be clarifying queries regarding ECTS and the respective credits conferred through CASP and how this will come to impact a student’s eventual degree. As always, KSU will be offering the necessary feedback.”
It added that these types of programs should be holistically incorporated at all levels of education, to deviate from the “parrot-like” learning system.
“KSU invites all impacted students to put forward their concerns and queries to us in order for us to provide the best possible feedback and information to both students and the University of Malta.”