With this example, it is expected to broaden the expectations of students regarding admission to university, providing opportunities to pursue higher studies which are, at times, constrained by the complexity of their socio-cultural and regional contexts.
Seeking to develop academic skills and learning strategies with a view to higher education, a new version of the Academic Preparation Curriculum of the Higher Education Access Program, PACE UFRO, was launched, aimed at fourth-secondary students from the 14 communities of La Araucania was for.
The event took place at the Andres Bello campus of La Frontera University and brought together over 120 students who visited the campus to learn about the different university locations. At that point, they also met their teachers and were able to share with their classmates for the rest of the semester.
This course is expected to broaden the expectations of students with respect to university admission, providing opportunities to pursue higher studies which are, at times, hindered by the complexity of their socio-cultural and regional contexts.
Claudia Monasterio, in charge of the curriculum, indicated that this example allows for an early link to the students’ university life: “It is very important for them because it means their first exposure to the physical space of the university, knowing how to move. around campus and learn how university life works. We hope that through this course they will strengthen their study habits and their commitment to participate.”
The curriculum will be conducted in a hybrid manner with the use of face-to-face classes, virtual classes and virtual campus at UFRO. The modules taken by the students will be: Mathematical Thinking, Communication Skills and Strategic Learning. In addition, they will have the possibility to participate in optional modules of academic literacy and basic science, through which it is expected to strengthen skills such as autonomous learning, social responsibility and critical thinking.
This initiative is one of the tools that the PACE program seeks to promote change in the university in a uniform manner, and give opportunities to those who are interested in continuing their studies in higher education. To do this, necessary resources are added so that students in remote areas can access higher education knowledge, including transportation and food.
