We have now run four workshops to collect data from practitioners, at:
- Southern Cross Uni (Lismore) – a pilot, however producing useful data in itself
- Queensland University of Technology (Gardens Point)
- University of Queensland (St Lucia)
- Griffith University (Mt Gravatt)
Altogether, workshop participants contributed over 1,000 practices which help form the foundation of the model… for example:
- use of U-tube and video examples to demonstrate what teaching or link between theory and practice
- real time engagement in lectures e.g. Clickers etc, paper planes, use of text messages to capture and display student thinking during lectures
- lots of group work e.g. ‘speed-dating game’… One half of room gets ‘term’ or ‘concept’ other half of room has definition and have to turn around and find partner
- “the anti depressant song”… lecturer made song about antidepressants to help students learn topic… went viral on U-tube, increased exam success
- compulsory tutorials… tied in to quizzes 10% of final mark
- early engagement of students… by week 2 they need to complete an online orientation “treasure hunt”
- co-ordinated delivery of first year units, ensuring manageable assessment timetable
- make every staff member of the uni do a course in intercultural communication
- videos which feature international students talking about their experiences, eg “I could not hand in an assessment as I was sick so I…”
- English support easily accessible and free
- uniform template for 1st year websites to reduce student confusion
- write to all students who have HD’s congratulating them on their performance
- review and improve on current processes and procedures in relation to client services
- first assignment first year to be early and relatively simple
- show progression from first to third year, make links and demonstrate relevance of courses and content
- invite senior students and first years to have breakfast so students think they will have friends
- attend conferences and seminars to find out about practices in other institutions to adapt
Our job now is to group these into institutional processes.