10 Things to Know About Akilah’s New Academic Model
As we approach our ten year anniversary, the Akilah Institute is excited to introduce a new academic model that will better equip students and graduates to launch successful careers.
Given the overwhelming need for accessible and affordable education for women, Akilah is in the process of revamping our academic model so we can impact more women across East Africa. For starters, we have overhauled our curriculum, added diploma options for working professionals, and doubled our student body for the 2017/2018 academic year.
Despite these changes, we’re committed to maintaining Akilah’s signature focus on providing market-aligned education within Entrepreneurship & Business Management, Information Systems, and Hospitality Management.
Here is what you need to know about Akilah’s academic transformation.
Akilah is moving to a competency-based education model (CBE). CBE is an approach to teaching and learning that requires all students to demonstrate competency in a range of concrete, measurable skills related to their diploma. CBE is now a national strategy in Rwanda designed to raise proficiency standards.
Four international experts in CBE have developed an entirely new curriculum for Akilah’s diploma programs as well as its leadership, math, and English coursework.
All diploma programs will be condensed from three years to two, allowing students to move more quickly into their chosen career paths.
Before starting the school year in September, all students will attend a mandatory, seven-week Bridge Program beginning in July. During this summer orientation, students will meet their instructors and mentors and begin to set academic goals for their future education and career.
Akilah will move to a blended learning model, which supplements in-class instruction with online exercises and coursework. In their first year, students will spend most of their time on campus in a traditional classroom setting. By the second year, select content will be delivered online so that students can progress at their own pace and revisit difficult concepts.
With our new model, academic assessments will require students to demonstrate a thorough understanding of their areas of study. Students will be tested on what they know and can do, rather than abstract concepts and time spent in the classroom.
All new students and graduates will have access toMindSky, an online talent platform that connects job seekers with regional employers. The platform simplifies the job search, and MindSky staff will offer one-on-one career coaching to students.
For the 2017/2018 academic year, Akilah will double the size of its student body by welcoming 400 new students to campus.
Akilah has introduced an Evening & Weekend Program for working professionals. The evening and weekend option offers Akilah’s full Hospitality Management and Information Systems diploma programs at night so students can work during the day or fulfill other commitments.
Akilah has partnered with Savannah Student Finance to offer a loan program exclusively for Akilah students. All Akilah students are eligible to apply. Those accepted into the program can defer up 70% of their tuition until after graduation.