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Welcome. Dr Michael Paton Teaching Quality Fellow Faculty of Economics and Business. Staying on Track Information Session. University of Sydney Learning Centre. Key Problem Areas for Students. Time Management: Setting goals Using planners Juggling priorities.
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Welcome Dr Michael Paton Teaching Quality Fellow Faculty of Economics and Business
Staying on TrackInformation Session University of Sydney Learning Centre
Key Problem Areas for Students • Time Management: • Setting goals • Using planners • Juggling priorities
Key Problem Areas for Students • Concentration Loss and Procrastination: • Understanding reasons • Strategies for improvement
Key Problem Areas for Students • Essay Writing: • Interpreting essay questions • Analysing ideas • Structuring the essay • Developing an argument • Using evidence • Avoiding plagiarism
Key Problem Areas for Students • Academic English: • Writing clearly • Writing in an academic style • Grammatical correctness
Resources which can Help • Academic Writing Workshops: • Essay Writing • Writing Coursework Assignments • Managing Literature for Coursework Assignments • Quoting, Summarising and Paraphrasing • Writing in an Academic Style • Clearer Writing • Functional Grammar for Academic Writing
Resources which can Help • Studying at University Workshops: • Managing Your Time • Concentration and Procrastination • Preparation for Exams • Practice for MCQ exams • Practice for essay exams • Practice for short answer exams
Other Learning Resources • Booklets: Self Study Series • Skills for Essay Writing • The Reflective Student • How to Write a Laboratory Report
Other Learning Resources • Online resources: • Clearer Writing (interactive) • WriteSite (interactive) • Links to other sites • Resources for downloading Guidelines for Referencing Skills of Essay Writing series Report Writing in the Sciences
Who are we? • We are an academic centre • Our services are available to all enrolled students at this university • Our central workshops and individual learning programs are free of charge • Our objectives are to facilitate and develop student learning
2007 Workshop Program: Semester 2 • August/September Program 13 August - 14 September (Online registration: 6 August) • Masters Coursework Program 24 - 28 September (Online registration: 19 September) • October Program (including exam preparation)8 - 19 October (Online registration: 3 October)
How to find us Learning Centre Level 7, Education Building Manning Road Phone: 9351 3853 Fax: 9351 4865 Email: lc@stuserv.usyd.edu.au Website: http://www.usyd.edu.au/lc
Reasons for poor progress • Poor time management, procrastination, perfectionism • Deficits in study skills • Competing priorities - e.g. too much paid work given study requirements; family obligations; leisure • No clear goals; or, studying to fulfill expectations of others not own aspirations • Psychological problems (e.g. depression or anxiety)
Performance/exam anxiety • Personal stressors - e.g. financial problems, relationship problems • Physical health problems • Poor course or subject choice • Unrealistic expectations re experience of uni, amount of work required, standard of work required, or re own ability • A cycle of avoidance - missed classes, missed assignments, then giving up • Isolation & inadequate help seeking
Ways to make things worse • Overloading in an effort to catch up • Trying to forget experiences in unsuccessful semesters, not learning from mistakes and possibly associated wishful thinking • Assuming repeating a subject will be easier • Isolating self from other students • Skipping classes & convincing self course can be self taught • Not seeking help & not talking to others about real experience of university
Facilitating Positive Change • Seek help early and, if necessary, regularly • Create flexible plans & make uni a high priority • View mistakes as a basis for positive learning • Student Services offers many services to help you succeed at university • Counselling Service - Level 7 Education Bld’g ph: 9351 2228 www.usyd.edu.au/stuserv
TheInternational Office Zoe Williams Compliance Coordinator CRICOS Provider No. 00026A
International Students & Visa Issues Mandatory Conditions for All Student Visas Include: • Satisfactory Academic Progress • Notify the University of Current Address
Implications of an Academic Exclusion Being Excluded is a Breach of Your Student Visa and May Result in: • Cancellation of Student Visa • Required to Leave Australia • Restrictions from Returning to Australia for 3 Years
Is This The Right Course For You? Students who are excluded from the University may not be able to obtain a Student Visa to study at another institution in Australia If this is not the right course for you it is important that you elect to withdraw BEFORE you are asked to Show Cause or be Excluded
International Student Advisers • Providing Support to International Students for Visa, Academic and Enrolment Issues • Support Services On and Off Campus • DIAC Procedures • Interviewing At Risk Students • Student Visa Extensions • Permission to Work • Newsletters
How to Contact an International Student Adviser Samira Al Far and Caroline Mullins Located in the International Office G12 • Individual Appointments • Drop in Enquiries Email: studentadvisers@io.usyd.edu.au
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) Staying on Track for Academic Success Lidia Nemitschenko Head,ISSU
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) All students face challenges and difficulties International students face additional challenges that most local students do not face
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) International students face: Adjusting to new culture and environment Adjusting to new education culture Using a ‘foreign’ language Living up to family expectations Managing finances
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) International students face: Living in share accommodation ‘Wrong’ subject choice Visa conditions Understanding subject matter Understanding expectations about assignments and exams
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) International students face: Learning new approach to study Immigration and ESOS requirements Understanding subject matter Understanding expectations about assignments and exams
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) International students face: Developing confidence to ask for help Absence of family and close friends Learning independent living skills Concerns about family in home country
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) Stress and anxiety affect performance: Low energy level Decrease in sense of well being Low motivation Difficulty concentrating Loss of self-confidence Decreased ability to enjoy life and studies
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) Any one of these is likely to affect your performance in daily life, socially and academically.
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) Steps towards improving performance P - Identify the Problem I -Identify the appropriate Intervention A -Take appropriate Action
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) International Student Counsellors can help with: Goal setting Motivation Time Management & Study Skills Information and advice on balanced lifestyle
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) International Student Counsellors can help with: Adjustment and transition issues Personal and relationship issues Stress, anxiety, depression Interpersonal issues Communication skills
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) International Student Counsellors can help with: Visa related issues Identifying and accessing support resources on campus Special consideration (if you have been seeing a counsellor)
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) International Student Counsellors cannot help with: Advice on academic matters/course choice Immigration advice Medical problems Essay writing, editing, proof-reading Help with understanding subject content
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) Where can I get help? International Student Counsellors ISSU Level 1 (Ground Floor) Services Building 9351 4749 info@issu.usyd.edu.au
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) Where can I get help? University Health Service Level 3 Wentworth Building 9351 3484
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) Where can I get help? Student Advisers International Office Level1 (Ground Floor) Services Building For administrative and DIAC-related matters
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) GET HELP EARLY!
International Student Support Unit (ISSU) Name: Email: Telephone: I would like an appointment with: ISSU Counsellor Academic Adviser Best times:
YOUR VOICE YOUR SAFETY NET www.supra.usyd.edu.au
Student Advice and Advocacy Officers (SAAOs) • SUPRA’s SAAOs can give you advice about: • Appeals • Harassment and Discrimination • Special Consideration • Tenancy • Centrelink and Financial Assistance • Academic Honesty/Plagiarism • ANYTHING that is making studying difficult for you!
How do I find a SAAO? • help@supra.usyd.edu.au • www.supra.usyd.edu.au • (02) 9351 3715 • Drop into the SUPRA office (Building G10 behind the tennis courts and the Services Building).
What’s the Catch? You must be a SUPRA Subscriber… But… It’s FREE! You can subscribe when you make an appointment or on SUPRA’s website.
Undergrad? • Go to the SRC • Help@src.usyd.edu.au • www.src.usyd.edu.au • 9660 5222 • Level 1, Wentworth Building
YOUR VOICE YOUR SAFETY NET www.supra.usyd.edu.au