A different style of learning

The teaching styles you will encounter at Western Sydney University and the study skills required might be very different from what you have been used to in your home country. At the University 'rote' learning (or memorising information) is not the main method of teaching.

You will be required to understand and apply concepts and theories, and to critically examine and present a range of arguments to support your decisions.

Class participation and understanding

You will be expected to participate in class discussions and to question your lecturers and tutors if you do not understand what is being taught and discussed. In Australia it is not considered bad manners to express views that are different from those expressed by your teacher. In fact, you will be encouraged to do so.

Lectures and tutorials

You will be required to study a full load of units (subjects) per teaching session. Generally, study is undertaken on a university campus involving a combination of lectures and tutorials. You will be required to attend many hours of classes each week or you may be penalised if you do not comply. You will also be expected to spend a substantial amount of unstructured time on individual reading and research outside of class.

Assessments and assignments

Assessment methods vary from course to course. To pass most subjects you will be required to complete a number of assessment tasks or assignments during each session (semester). These may include essays, research papers, oral presentations, fieldwork, laboratory practicals, mid-term and final exams. At the beginning of each teaching session you will be given an outline of these tasks and assignments, including the 'deadlines' (final dates) for completion. If you fail to meet these deadlines you may be penalised even though you have completed your work.

Attendance

Attendance at class and submission of required work is also a condition of your student visa. The University is required to report poor attendance and poor academic performance of student visa holders to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).