Australian way of studying

Australia offers an education experience that makes a real difference.In Australia you will be expected to conduct independent research at all institutions, especially at university. You will be encouraged to collect and analyse data by yourself or in teams, to raise questions, to develop an argument in a logical form and to participate in discussion and debate with other students and teachers.The Australian education style is unique from our schools to our universities. In our schools students are taught creative and independent thinking in a dynamic learning environment.These skills are honed in our universities, where great importance is placed on developing the ability to think creatively and independently, read widely and critically, participate in debate and function in teams.Australia’s career-focussed vocational education and training encourages you to be an independent and active learner, both in the classroom and in work environments.Australian English language courses are practical, interactive and cater for everyone from beginners to advanced students to teacher training.All this involves you taking an active part in the learning process rather than passive listening and rote learning. At university or a vocational education and training institution you will attend lectures, seminars and tutorials but you will also spend time in libraries and laboratories conducting your own research. Most institutions in Australia offer counselling services and assistance to develop your study skills.Assessment methodsEach secondary school in Australia determines its own assessment method. In the final year of school you are assessed through a mixture of school-based and external exams. The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is issued on the basis of the final results. Universities use these certificates as an admission guideline.Assessment methods for vocational education and training institutions and for coursework programs at universities vary. You may be assessed by examination towards the end of each semester and/or academic year, by continuous assessment through essays, presentations and tests or a combination of these.Assessment of a postgraduate research student is made by a committee that evaluates the quality of the student's thesis. The committee may ask you to take an oral examination to support your thesis.