Summary

Sometimes these topics have already been covered in class by the teacher; sometimes the student must look up the information : independently in the textbook or by using other books in the library. The amount of information required is limited an~: student's task is to select and summarize it clearly. Though class ­discussions often involve argument and different points of view, assignments usually focus on topics which are less controversial.

Most exams require written answers, either brief paragraph full-length essays (say, 500 words). Multiple-choice tests are _­only for certain subjects, such as Chemistry or Biology, where factual recall is important, or in very limited ways, such as one segment actual a Anal test. It is important, therefore, for these students v able to interpret questions and express their ideas quickly, fluently and in correct English.

So it is this background that secondary school students bring to their tertiary studies.

First year at university

Approximately 17% of Australian secondary school students continue to either universities or colleges for tertiary studies. Now they have to meet very different demands. Tertiary students are expected to act and work more independently:

1. in making decisions about their courses, their study and use of ­time,
2. in making use of the resources and facilities of the institution
3. in developing their own ideas and capacity to make judgements.

The change is probably more obvious in Humanities course than Science, and at university than at college, but all tertiary study quires greater self-reliance.

Let us look more closely at some of these changes which first year student, will probably have to make.