An overview of Australian Higher Education

馮靜

Abstract：This paper makes a brief introduction to Australian higher education in the following aspects such as educational ideas, teaching methods and assessment. The author of this paper holds the opinion that its necessary to take an overview of Australian higher education into consideration, if you hope that your study in Australia runs smoothly.

In brief, this paper makes an attempt to provide a brief idea of higher education in Australia, especially to those who want to study in Australia for reference.

Key words:Australia, educational ideas, teaching methods, assessments

Introduction

Many universities in Australia have gained international recognition and have been ranked highly in Academic Ranking of World Universities produced by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. In 2011-2012, 7 Australian universities were ranked amongst the worlds top 200.

In the last 20 years time, the Australian higher education has undergone remarkable changes, because both the school size and school level have a significant rise. Higher education in Australia generally refers to university and non- university education institution which award degree and sub-degree qualifications. Australias higher education derived from the Britain.

1 Educational idea

1.1 Student-centered

Student-centered idea means that higher education enables students to be active in learning, discovery and construction. Therefore, Australian higher education offers pedagogical expertise and provides curricula based on appropriate learning goals. In addition to providing a structured education, higher education endows the students with a dynamic and equal environment in which the students can interact with their teachers and classmates. Namely, there is a shift in the role of the teacher and student in their class where exists no boundaries in student-teacher relationships.

I think that Student-centered idea makes it possible to strengthen students motivation, build new student-teacher relationships and promote active thinking. Once the students take the responsibility for their own learning, it will contribute to the extension of the reach and scope of themselves.

1.2 High quality assurance

High quality assurance idea means that Australian higher education is to produce graduates who are independent thinker, able to critically analyze information and ideas, rather than people merely think highly of the graduation certificate. Higher education aims to prepare for students future, developing students into independent and successful learners, confident and creative individuals, thriving on this changing world with all the skills and knowledge and capabilities acquired in schools.

Personally speaking, higher education should do more than just educate students and enable them graduate in target year. Students shouldnt purse higher education for the sole purpose of obtaining a diploma as an ‘entry permit that will land them a good job upon graduation. Utilizing all the skills and knowledge and capabilities to thrive in their future life or career, students then can benefit a lot from years of higher education. Students should think carefully about their reasons for pursuing higher education, or they may regret their choice only when it is too late.

2 Teaching method

2.1 Lecture

A lecture is an oral presentation to present information or teach people about a particular subject, for example critical history, background and theories, by tutors, teaching assistants or senior faculty, as the most widely-used and effective teaching method in Australian higher education. Usually, the lectures will stand at the front of the classroom, especially larger class size, and deliver information relevant to the lectures topic; meanwhile, students spend more of their energy taking notes as the lecture proceed with fewer questions.

In light of common interest in these given topics, group members can feel free to air their own opinions, feel enlightened and horizon broadened, leading the seminar to be a heated discussion. Frequently employed in class, seminar will successfully enable students to read the assigned materials and complete the assigned homework activities on time. If students want to perform better, they should make a clear idea whether those additional resources to extend and solidify their understanding before presenting their insights with the class. In addition, teachers should encourage students to purse learning activities outside the classroom so that the in-class discussion time is used to its full potential.

Following are some examples of formative assessment. First, a teacher asks her students to write down, in a brainstorm activity, all they know about how hot-air balloons work so that she can discover what students have already known about the area of science she is intending to teach. Second, a science supervisor looks at the previous years student test results to help plan teacher workshops during the summer vacation, to address areas of weakness in student performance.

As far as I am concerned, Australian higher education enables students to ask questions such as ‘why and ‘how, they are more likely to engage in depth research and study. Being a healthy education, it consists of more than the mere memorization of facts and data; its equally important students learn how to question, analyze and inquire.

On the whole, you will have a better understanding of higher education in Australia after reading this paper.

References

[1] Maushart, Susan .Using assessment to build a culture of improvement [J] .The Presidency, 2002, (02), 2.

[2] Rowley, M. Is higher education ready for knowledge management?[J].The International Journal of Educational Management, 2000, (07), 10.

[3] Simon, Marginson. Educating Austra1ia—Government, E-conomy and Citizen Since 1960 [M].England: Cambridge University Press, 1997, 12-15