The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST), together with The Centre for Learning and Employability (CLE) organised a seminar for lecturers that teach key skills units within the college’s MQF Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 programmes.

This seminar included keynote presentations, workshops, and an open discussion session focusing on how to ensure that such key skills units remain relevant and attractive within the different vocational programmes at the College in terms of content, pedagogy, and assessments.

Lecturers had the opportunity to put forward their questions and suggestions to management. This event also followed an extensive review of all key skills units carried out in 2022-2023 with feedback from management, coordinators, lecturers, students, and the industry. These revised units, providing more flexibility and contextualisation will be introduced in the upcoming academic year.

The College is tackling a persistent issue affecting students following courses between levels 1 and 3. Industry professionals working with MCAST have voiced concerns about students lacking transversal skills.

For level 1-3 students, MCAST is promoting a “bottom-up” approach to address the issue, focusing on students and their acquisition of these essential skills. The college is now considering how educators across various professions can make their subjects more relevant and engaging for their students.

As educators gear up for the new academic year starting in October, MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja said, “How can we adapt our teaching methods and content to keep students engaged and committed to their education?” Finding professional methods to make these adjustments is paramount in the quest to reduce the dropout rate at Levels 1-3 and ensure students stay on the right educational path”.

MCAST is committed to the success of its students and will continue to explore innovative methodologies and approaches to address this critical issue to make sure all students succeed.