International student perspectives on a new approach to teaching and learning
Mr Jacky Zhang1, Mrs Robyn Cetinich1
1Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Australia
The Southern Cross Model is a new approach to teaching and learning at Southern Cross University. This new academic model is distinctive not only because of its progressive teaching and learning approach, which promotes student engagement through guided and active learning, but because units are delivered in 6-week teaching blocks, followed by a 7th week that allows for study days and final assessments and then students have a 2 or 3-week break. There are 6 terms per year and full-time students enrol in a maximum of 2 units per term and complete a minimum of 8 units per academic year. While there is already a great deal of literature on success and retention and student engagement and learning with shorter delivery academic models, literature that focuses on the international student experience is limited, especially in relation to student wellbeing, satisfaction and support seeking behaviour. The International Student Support team at Southern Cross University has commenced a study on the experience of international students enrolled in the Southern Cross Model to better understand what students perceive to be the benefits and challenges of this new model and their support seeking behaviour so International Student Support can provide suitable targeted and timely support.
Biography:
Robyn Cetinich is International Student Adviser, SCU International, at Southern Cross University and is currently involved in project work aimed at improving services for international students.