According to a feasibility study aimed at gaining an understanding of how alumni rated their teaching and learning experience at Bahrain Polytechnic, the majority of participants (over 90%) agree that the Polytechnic’s teaching methodology helped them gain the necessary work skills and ethics they need to meet labor market requirements. This allowed the graduates to be preferred in the labor market due to their analytical and problem-solving skills, which lead them to take on major responsibilities and projects at their respective companies.
The data gathered for the study were done quantitatively through the Quality, Measurements and Planning Unit (QMAP) and a qualitatively by the Teaching and Learning Unit of the Academic Development Directorate (ADD).
The findings of this study highlight the overall impact and outcomes for Bahrain Polytechnic alumni who have completed their studies in the institution. Majority of both the alumni who answered the survey and those who were invited to the focus group meetings agree that the active student-centred, problem- and project-based learning methodologies used in the Polytechnic provided a firm foundation upon which their work skills and ethics are now based on. As reflection was constantly required from them, they are able to bring this practice into their workplaces and have found it very helpful in sorting out problem issues, challenges and even improving their own work perspectives, as well as how they deal with their co-employees. The authenticity of learning at the institution provided for them an easy transition from the classroom and into the workplace.
The Polytechnic’s Acting Chief of Teaching & Learning, Dr. Rogelio Levardo, explained: “Bahrain Polytechnic has always endeavored to ensure that all of its students obtain an authentic, robust, and wholistic learning experience. Aside from a comprehensive approach in the provision of theoretical concepts, the institution’s emphasis on the use of active, student-centred learning methods such as problem- and project-based learning integrated with work-based learning and the embedding of employability skills development has proven over the years that this teaching and learning model works. Over the years, several top-tier companies in Bahrain have hired the Polytechnic’s graduates and have commented on the unique characteristics and work ethics they have. Our constant communication with the alumni has also brought excellent feedback regarding the core learning methods and how these have shaped them to become the industry professionals they are today. Bahrain Polytechnic has never been remiss in its commitment to supply the Bahrain market with work-ready professionals and will continue to strive to do more in the years to come.
In turn, Ms. Khadija Malallah, Data Analyst at the Polytechnic, indicated that “Bahrain Polytechnic constantly seeks to communicate with its stakeholders, especially students and the labor market, in order to identify the graduates’ performance levels and develop plans in order to enhance its current services for our students.”
She added: “The results of this study are encouraging, as it shows the extent of the Polytechnic’s impact on the labor market, and the extent of our students’ satisfaction with the services we provide them, in addition to its contribution to supporting the national economy by providing the labor market with work-ready graduates in order to raise productivity.”
It is worth noting that the graduate data research project was launched in 2017 to look into the learning journey experience of Bahrain Polytechnic graduates. The purpose of the study is to gain an understanding of how alumni rated their teaching and learning experience at Bahrain Polytechnic. It is also important for the Polytechnic to identify whether the programme intended learning outcomes are being met to deem the programme as effective, resulting in a well-prepared career path for the graduate. So far, three cycles have been done: 2017, 2019 and 2021.
