Australian way of studying
Most international students find the Australian teaching style to be quite
different to what they are used to. In Australia, there is a focus on practical
learning that encourages creative, independent thought and debate. Teachers aim
to provide you with a thorough understanding of a topic rather than just
teaching you the right words to remember for exams. You are expected to develop
your own thoughts and share them with your fellow students during classes, and
this class participation may be an assessable part of your grade.
Lectures, tutorials and classes
Classes at university will be a mixture of lectures and tutorials. A lecture
might be attended by up to 200 students from different courses within your
field. A tutorial is much smaller, with only about 30 students in attendance.
You will discuss the information provided in your lecture with other students
and your teacher during the tutorial. It is important that you attend all your
lectures in order to understand and contribute to your tutorial discussions
At a vocational institution lectures and tutorials are generally combined.
That is, the presentation of information and its discussion will occur at the
same time. Vocational class sizes are generally smaller than classes at
university.
At schools and English language institutions, you will join classes with up
to 30 other students. Your teacher will encourage you to contribute to class
discussions.
Assessment
Your final grade for a course will be based on your performance in
assignments (written and/or practical, depending on your course), exams, class
participation, attendance and group exercises.
At university and vocational institutions you may be assessed continuously
throughout the year, at the end of each semester and/or academic year.
Assessment of postgraduate research is made by a committee that evaluates the
quality of your thesis. You may have to undertake an oral examination to support
your thesis.