T.C.

İSTANBUL KÜLTÜR UNIVERSITY

English Preparatory Program

2024-2025 Student Support Plan

Introduction
The 2024-2025 academic year will focus on enhancing student learning experiences within the
English Preparatory Program through a comprehensive set of academic and extracurricular activities.
Our aim is to provide students with the tools and support they need to succeed both academically and
personally. This year’s plan includes remedial classes for all levels, tutorial sessions, self-paced online
modules and ELS (Empowering Language Skills) workshops, which focus on both academic skills and
language skills development. These initiatives are designed to ensure that students receive
personalized attention and the opportunity to improve their proficiency in all areas of English, while
also developing essential academic skills.

Extracurricular Activities
Each student is required to participate in extracurricular activities across both the fall and
spring semesters. Each semester is divided into two periods.
• For each period, students must complete one activity, either a face-to-face workshop,
remedial class, or an online module.
• At the end of each period, students earn 5 participation points for completing one
activity (either face-to-face or online).
• To earn a badge, students must complete one face-to-face activity and one online
module across both periods in a semester.
• At the end of each semester (after completing two periods and earning 10 points),
students who have completed both a face-to-face and an online activity will receive
an Empowering Language Skills (ELS) badge on PUMA.
Students can choose an online module once per semester, ensuring that both face-to-face and
online activities are completed. Additionally, students who choose workshops will receive a certificate
of attendance, but self-paced modules or remedial classes do not provide certificates.
This system ensures a balanced and flexible approach to learning by requiring students to
complete at least one extracurricular activity in each period; face-to-face workshops, remedial classes
and self-paced online modules. It promotes engagement throughout the academic year,
accommodates different learning styles, and develops key skills like communication, collaboration,
and independent learning.
Graded Extracurricular Activities
A. ELS Workshops (Pathway to Academic Success, Language Through Creativity, Newsletter
Workshop)
B. Remedial Classes
C. Self-paced Online Module
Ungraded Extracurricular Activities for Student Support

D. Tutorial Classes
E. Online Resources

GRADED EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A. ELS (Empowering Language Skills)

The ELS Workshops are designed to help students develop both academic and language skills
through targeted and interactive sessions. The workshops are divided into three modules, each
consisting of three workshops. Students who complete all workshops in a module will receive a digital
certificate of achievement.

Eligibility

These workshops are open to all students enrolled in the English Preparatory Program. For
some modules, a certain level of English is required for full participation.

Attendance Policy

Full attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate. Students who miss any session do not
qualify for a certificate or badge, but they still receive participation points.

Registration

Students interested in participating in the ELS Workshops must register between 14th and
18th of October 2024. Please note that spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-
served basis. In case a workshop or class reaches its participant limit, students are advised to choose
and indicate two other options when registering. If their first choice is full, they will be placed in one
of their other choices.
 PERIOD 1 ELS WORKSHOPS (OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2024)
The first period of workshops will take place from October to November 2024. These sessions
are designed to provide students with essential academic skills and creative language development
opportunities. Each workshop is carefully scheduled to ensure maximum engagement and skill
enhancement.

PATHWAY TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS

The workshops are designed for students at B1 level and above. Each workshop is limited to
25 students to ensure an interactive and personalized experience. Students who complete all 3
sessions of a workshop will be awarded a certificate of achievement.

PAS1 Effective Time Management and Study Techniques

Struggling to find enough hours in the day to study? This workshop introduces students to practical
strategies for organizing their time and planning their studies. You'll explore various time-
management techniques and learn how to calculate the study hours you need each week. By the end,
students will create personalized schedules that fit their academic and personal lives.

PAS2 Test-Taking Skills and Exam Preparation

Looking to improve your test scores? This workshop covers a range of test-taking strategies tailored
to different types of exams. Learn how to better prepare for tests, enhance your memory retention,
and implement effective exam strategies. The session can also focus on preparation for key exams like
midterms and finals, helping students feel confident and ready.

PAS3 Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Staying Motivated

Feeling overwhelmed by exams or assignments? This workshop provides students with strategies to
manage academic stress and anxiety, especially during high-pressure times like exams. You’ll learn
techniques to stay motivated, reduce stress, and maintain a balanced approach to studying and self-
care.

Workshop 1 Dates Days Time

23.10.2024 Wednesday 14.00 -15.30
PAS1 Effective Time Management
30.10.2024 Wednesday 14.00 -15.30
and Study Techniques
6.11.2024 Wednesday 14.00 -15.30

Workshop 2 Dates Days Time

24.10.2024 Thursday 14.00 -15.30
PAS2 Test-Taking Skills
31.10.2024 Thursday 14.00 -15.30
and Exam Preparation
7.11.2024 Thursday 14.00 -15.30

Workshop 3 Dates Days Time

25.10.2024 Friday 14.00 -15.30
PAS3 Managing Stress, Anxiety, 1.11.2024 Friday 14.00 -15.30
and Staying Motivated 8.11.2024 Friday 14.00 -15.30
 LANGUAGE THROUGH CREATIVITY

The workshops are open to students from all levels. Each workshop is limited to 20 students
to ensure an interactive and personalized experience. Students who complete all 3 sessions of a
workshop will be awarded a certificate of achievement.

LTC1 Creative Writing

Explore the beauty of language through creative writing. In this workshop, students will practice
expressing their thoughts, emotions, and ideas creatively in English. You'll learn different poetry forms
and creative writing techniques while improving your vocabulary and fluency in a relaxed, supportive
environment. This session is perfect for those who want to explore English in a more artistic way.

LTC2 Role-Play and Improvisation

Develop your speaking and listening skills through fun and dynamic role-playing exercises. In this
workshop, students will participate in scenarios that encourage spontaneous dialogue and creative
problem-solving. Whether it's simulating real-life situations like job interviews or improvising fictional
scenes from tv series, this session helps boost confidence and fluency in conversational English.

LTC3 Cultural Exchange Magazine Workshop

This workshop offers a unique opportunity for students to collaborate and create a “Cultural Exchange
Magazine”. Students will work together to contribute articles, interviews, and stories that highlight
cultural experiences, traditions, and perspectives. You'll practice writing, editing, and communication
skills while gaining insights into different cultures. The final product will be a magazine that showcases
the diverse voices of the group.

Workshop 1 Dates Days Time

23.10.2024 Wednesday 14.00 -15.30
LTC1 Creative Writing 30.10.2024 Wednesday 14.00 -15.30
6.11.2024 Wednesday 14.00 -15.30

Workshop 2 Dates Days Time

24.10.2024 Thursday 14.00 -15.30
LTC2 Role-Play and Improvisation 31.10.2024 Thursday 14.00 -15.30
7.11.2024 Thursday 14.00 -15.30

Workshop 3 Dates Days Time

25.10.2024 Friday 14.00 -15.30
LTC3 Cultural Exchange Magazine
1.11.2024 Friday 14.00 -15.30
Workshop
8.11.2024 Friday 14.00 -15.30
 NEWSLETTER WORKSHOP

To expand extracurricular activities and offer students more opportunities to contribute to

the school community, a student-led newsletter will be launched during the 2024-2025 academic year.
This newsletter will provide students from all levels with a platform to enhance their English skills
through writing, editing, and creative design. It will focus on school-related news, academic advice,
student life, and cultural pieces. Participation in the newsletter team will allow students to work
collaboratively and develop valuable communication and teamwork skills. The newsletter workshop
is limited to 20 participants per period to ensure a focused and collaborative environment for all
students involved. The newsletter workshop will be held separately for each level (A2, B1, and B1+),
ensuring that students are grouped according to their language proficiency.

The team will consist of the following roles:

Editors (2):
Responsible for managing the overall content of the newsletter, ensuring that all articles are well-
written, accurate, and adhere to the publication's guidelines. Editors will work closely with writers to
provide feedback and make necessary revisions.
Assistant Editors (2):
Assist the editors by reviewing submissions and managing the editorial process. They will also help
coordinate the production schedule, ensuring that all sections of the newsletter are completed on
time.
Writers (10):
Writers will contribute a variety of content, including articles on academic topics, student life,
cultural events, and creative writing pieces. Writers will be expected to meet deadlines and
collaborate with editors to refine their work.
Graphic Designers (2):
Graphic designers will be responsible for the layout and visual presentation of the newsletter. They
will ensure that the design is visually appealing and aligns with the tone and theme of the content.
Photographers (2):
Photographers will capture key moments from school events or provide images that accompany
articles. They will collaborate with writers and graphic designers to ensure the images enhance the
storytelling in the newsletter.
Proofreaders (2):
Proofreaders will review all content for grammatical accuracy, spelling, and coherence. They will
work closely with editors to ensure that all submissions are polished before publication.
 Participation and Selection Process

Students interested in participating in the Newsletter Workshops must register between 14th
and 18th of October 2024. Students interested in joining the newsletter team will be invited to apply,
detailing their preferred role. Positions will be filled based on availability.

Frequency of Publication

The newsletter will be produced once per period. To facilitate this, a three-week workshop
will be held every Wednesday starting from the 23rd of October. During this workshop, students will
work together to create content for the newsletter, with guidance from faculty and student leaders.

Certificate of Accomplishment

Students who actively participate in the newsletter workshop and contribute to the final
publication will receive a certificate of accomplishment at the end of the period.

Newsletter Distribution

The final newsletter will be distributed in the School of Foreign Languages at the end of each
period, showcasing student contributions and highlighting key events and topics from the term.

Dates Days Time

Newsletter Workshop 23.10.2024 Wednesday 14.00-15.30
30.10.2024 Wednesday 14.00-15.30
6.11.2024 Wednesday 14.00-15.30
*A2-B1-B1+ in separate classes. (NWSA2/NWSB1/NWSB1+)

In addition to regular meetings, the instructor may require students to join the CATS classroom, where
they can upload materials, articles, and collaborate, and receive feedback.

B. REMEDIAL CLASSES (REMA2/REMB1/REMB1+)

Remedial classes will be offered to students at A2, B1, and B1+ levels who need additional
support in reinforcing the skills taught in their main courses. These sessions are designed to help
students strengthen their understanding and application of the content covered during regular class
time, ensuring they keep pace with the academic demands of the English Preparatory Program.

Number of Classes: 3 classes in the first period, for A2, B1, and B1+ levels.

Days and Times: To be announced.

 C. SELF-PACED ONLINE MODULE (SPON)

Each student is required to complete one self-paced online module per semester. These
modules will consist of multiple components and are designed to match the student’s language
proficiency level (A2, B1, or B1+). The activities will reinforce key skills and help students engage with
the learning material independently. Students must register for online modules through their advisor
between 14h and 18th of October.

Implementation and Monitoring

All assignments will be submitted via CATS platform, where students’ progress and
participation will be tracked. The tasks will be tailored to each language level, ensuring appropriate
challenges and learning outcomes.

MODULE COMPONENTS

1. 1-MINUTE SELF-RECORDING ACTIVITY

A2 Level: Further details will be announced.

B1 Level: Further details will be announced.

B1+ Level: Further details will be announced.

2. ONLINE QUIZ

Each module will include a comprehension quiz based on the provided material.
 Ungraded Extracurricular Activities for Student Support

D. TUTORIAL CLASSES

In addition to remedial classes, tutorial sessions will be offered to students seeking further
academic support. These sessions provide personalized guidance and are available to all students who
wish to strengthen their understanding of course material. Tutorials will be tailored to the individual
needs of students and can cover a range of topics based on their requests or identified needs.

Availability: Students can join tutorial sessions based on their availability.

Format: These sessions will focus on reinforcing concepts taught in the main course and providing
clarification on any challenging areas. Students are encouraged to ask any questions they have in mind
about the subjects they study in class.

How to Attend: Students should contact their advisor or designated tutor to schedule a session.

F. ONLINE RESOURCES

To provide students with continuous access to learning materials and additional support
outside of scheduled workshops and classes, an online repository will be created. This repository will
house instructional videos, curated content from external educational platforms, and students can
access at their convenience. The online resources will aim to reinforce the skills taught during in-
person sessions and allow for flexible, self-paced learning.

Structure and Content

Curated External Resources: Instead of recording workshops, the repository will feature high-quality
videos and materials sourced from trusted educational platforms such as TEDx, Khan Academy,
Coursera, and others. These will be selected to align with the learning objectives of the English
Preparatory Program and cover key topics such as language skills, study techniques, and personal
development.

Instructional Videos: Short, topic-focused videos from external platforms will be selected and
categorized for easy access. These videos will cover various topics such as grammar, listening
comprehension, writing, and time management.

Access and Availability

The repository will be hosted on the CATS platform, ensuring that all students in the English
Preparatory Program can easily access the materials using their university credentials.
 FAQ: 2024-2025 Student Support Program

1. What are the participation requirements for extracurricular activities?

Each student must complete one extracurricular activity per period (either a face-to-face workshop,
remedial class, or an online module). There are two periods per semester, and students need to
complete both a face-to-face and an online activity to earn a badge.
2. How do I earn badges and points?
For each period, students earn 5 points for completing one activity. At the end of each semester, if
you complete one face-to-face activity and one online module, you will receive a badge. By the end of
the academic year, you can earn two badges (one per semester).
3. Can I choose only online modules?
No, students can choose only one online module per semester. To earn a badge, you must complete
both an online activity and a face-to-face activity.
4. Do I receive a certificate for completing workshops?
Yes, students who complete all sessions of a face-to-face workshop will receive a certificate of
attendance. However, self-paced online modules and remedial classes do not provide certificates,
though they still count towards your participation grade and badges.
5. How do I register for workshops or activities?
You must register for workshops, remedial classes, or online modules between October 14th and 18th.
Further details will be announced by student advisors.
6. What happens if my first-choice workshop is full?
If your first choice is unavailable, you will be placed in one of your other selected options. Be sure to
indicate at least two alternative preferences when registering.
7. How many points do I need to pass extracurricular activities?
By completing both activities (one per period) each semester, you earn 10 points in total. These points
contribute to your overall participation grade.
8. What happens if I miss a workshop session?
Full attendance is mandatory for receiving a certificate of achievement. If you miss any session of a
workshop, you will not qualify for a certificate, but the activity can still count towards your
participation grade.
9. What are the components of the self-paced online modules?
Each self-paced module includes:
A reflection task submitted via the CATS platform.
A 1-minute self-recording activity.
A comprehension quiz based on provided materials.
10. How do I attend tutorial sessions?
Tutorial sessions are available for students seeking extra support. Contact your advisor or designated
tutor to schedule a session.
11. What if I have a medical report on the day of an activity?
A medical report does not excuse you from online workshops. For face-to-face activities, the report
will be taken into consideration, but acceptance is not guaranteed.
12. Can I switch activities after I register?
No, once you register and are appointed to an activity, you cannot switch.
13. What if I have more questions about my activities?
You can reach out to your designated tutor or advisor for any questions or clarifications about your
extracurricular activities.