THE CONCENTRATION PLAN. Foundation University pioneered in the Philippines in the concentration plan, a method of instruction which emphasizes continuity, concentration and comprehension. Under this plan, the student enrolls for the whole semester but takes only half of his study load at a time. Except for heavy laboratory courses, PE and skills subjects, which extend throughout the semester, each course is taken up for nine consecutive weeks, meeting daily. There are no classes on Saturdays except in the graduate school.

ORIENTATION COURSE. The orientation plan for mastery in the study of basic subjects promises development of deeper understanding of a subject and independent thinking. It is intended to help the student learn how to study and appreciate knowledge for his own sake. The small group approach is a means of helping students overcome shyness and timidity, and of helping them build up their self-confidence and self-discipline.

UNCOMPROMISING, PERSONALIZED ATTENTION PROGRAM. Every member of the faculty is committed to helping students succeed in their school work. For this reason, a program of uncompromising, personalized attention was adopted university-wide so that bright students are challenged to become better while academically – slow students are given remedial lessons to enable him to cope with the demands of school work.

INDEPENDENT STUDY. In the third and fourth years, students spend more time in the library and in research study. Upperclassmen are required regularly to submit term papers, book reviews, summary of and reaction to articles read and studied.

THEORY-AND-APPLICATION APPROACH. Routine memorization and too much factual instruction are discouraged and so is intensive lecture. What is encouraged is the understanding of general principles and their applications. Every instructor is enjoined to include in his teaching plan modes of application of principles taught and discussed in his classroom. Transfer of learning is a fundamental objective of instruction in all levels.

INTRINSIC MOTIVATION. Foundation University scorns regimentation and discourages autocracy on the campus. It considers regimentation anti-ethical to education. Instructors are warned against pontification in the classroom. The University believes that only the felt needs of each student can drive him to serious study and work. The University makes it a prime duty of every instructor to help students discover and meet those needs.

EXAMINATIONS. Tests serve two purposes: as a teaching device and as a measure of learning. At Foundation University examinations are either, or a combination of, written or oral tests. Quizzes are given often.

Periodic examinations are given in all levels. For college, final examinations are for a duration of two class periods; preliminary and mid-term examinations are for one class period.

GRADING SYSTEM. The scholastic achievements of students are evaluated in terms of marks or grades which are in numbers ranging from “1″ (exceptional) to “3″ (passing). A grade of “5″ means failure.

STUDENT PERFORMANCE

The rating of “1″ is given only to exceptional students whose work reflects:

1. Mastery of the subject matter;
2. A rich background of reading and thinking, enabling her/him to evaluate new ideas and solve problems beyond the capacity of other students;
3. Genuine interest in probing to the roots of knowledge through voluntary reading and investigation of associated materials; and
4. Consistent leadership in channeling class discussions to fruitful conclusion.

A uniform grading system is adopted at the tertiary level which assigns 35% to requirements peculiar to the discipline or major field, 20% to the preliminary exam, 20% to the mid-term exam and 25% to the final examination.