NEWS

Victoria University adopts ‘block model’ to cut dropout rates

First-year students will study just one subject at a time rather than juggling four units with competing demands and deadlines.

An Australian university is overhauling its course structure in the hope of cutting dropout rates.

From February, first-year students at Victoria University in Melbourne will study just one subject at a time instead of four units per semester.

Known as the “block model”, the new system offers students the chance to study their chosen degree course in four-week “blocks” on set days.

The shake-up comes on the heels of a 3.6 per cent decline in the number of Victoria University graduates completing their four-year degrees between 2014 and 2015.

According to the university, the new model provides substantial benefits to students and staff, including the chance to focus on one topic rather than juggling multiple units with competing demands and deadlines.

Students are also expected to form stronger and more lasting connections with their peers.

Another benefit is that if students need time out for work or family emergencies, they will miss only one subject rather than four.

Commenting on the model following its announcement last year, Peter Dawkins, vice-chancellor and president of Victoria University said: “Victoria University’s First Year Model is designed to enhance the experience of first-year students on a scale not seen before in Australia.

“It has the potential to shape the national tertiary agenda as the First Year Model navigates students around the expectations of university life and equips them with the knowledge and personal skills they need to become motivated and independent to succeed in the first year and beyond.”

Speaking to the Herald Sun, the university’s acting dean John Weldon said that the new system – which kicks off on 20 February – would give students a more flexible timetable. 

The first few weeks of university were “the most dangerous time for retention” of new students, he added.

“Then they might get assessments in four subjects at the same time and they get into trouble. We think (the new model) gives the students the ability to focus on one thing at a time.”

While Victoria University is the first institution in Australia to implement this new approach, the system has already been adopted by some universities in Sweden, Canada and North America. 

Other Australian universities could consider doing likewise. Recent data revealed that Australian students are taking longer than ever to graduate.

Huge demand for refugee courses at Germany universities

Most finished integration courses, but few ended up with advanced German skills – and the vast majority were male

German universities were overwhelmed by the number of refugees seeking integration courses, according to new data that shed light on how institutions coped with the unprecedented influx.

More than 60 per cent of universities reported more demand than they expected in 2016 for Integra, a university preparation course of language classes and subject specific lessons. Just 7 per cent reported lower demand than anticipated.

Although the majority of refugees successfully completed the courses, just one in 10 finished with a sufficiently advanced level of German to begin a university course in German, the survey found.

As a result, many will have had to wait until they could join a course, according to the report, “Integration of Refugees in German Universities”, from the German Academic Exchange Service. About half finished with intermediate German, and the rest were at unclassified or beginner level of proficiency.

University of Sydney Offers Study in Australia Scholarship 2018: Apply Now!

The University of Sydney has invited students to a scholarship scheme for a study in Australia opportunity. The University offers a range of scholarship schemes for students. The categories of the scheme is for three different tiers. Candidates can check out the eligibility, application process and complete details here and apply before the deadline ends.

Deadline

The last date to apply for the scholarships varies according to different schemes.

Study in Australia Scholarship Details 
 

5 Reasons Why Study In China is the Finest Study Abroad Destination in 2018

Studying in China could be one of the most rewarding experiences of studying abroad. If you are new to the place and wondering what the country has in store for you then here it is! Here are 5 reasons why study in China is one of the best options for study abroad.

China, being known as one of the wonders of the world, is a great place to live in.

There are so many places of historical importance.

The ancient and modern architecture are a sight as the country has a history of 5000 years old.

To name a few places - the great wall of China, the tall skyscrapers of Shanghai and 

China, being known as one of the wonders of the world, is a great place to live in.

There are so many places of historical importance.

The ancient and modern architecture are a sight as the country has a history of 5000 years old.

To name a few places - the great wall of China, the tall skyscrapers of Shanghai and 

Beijing's Olympic Bird's Nest.

 

Machine learning: universities ready students for AI revolution

Sydney’s move towards programmes focused on problem-solving designed to address rise of artificial intelligence and automation

A vice-chancellor’s call for universities to train undergraduates “to tell the machines what to do” has rekindled debate about how higher education institutions can best prepare their students for the jobs of the future.

Michael Spence outlined plans for the University of Sydney to move towards offering four-year degrees with a greater focus on problem-solving and cultural competency as sector leaders around the world debate whether the rise of artificial intelligence and automation will require providers to prioritise specialist skills in areas such as coding, or broad knowledge that will allow graduates to adapt to a changing workplace.

The shift towards longer degrees also runs counter to the push in the UK for more two-year degrees, designed to allow students to start their career more quickly and more cheaply.

In an interview with Times Higher Education, Dr Spence outlined how Sydney had streamlined its 122 degree programmes – a portfolio based on the supposition that “if you enter a narrow tube that has a job name at one end, at the other end you’ll plop out into the job” – to just 25.

The rise of AI means that such jobs “may not exist by the time you end up there, or at least won’t necessarily have any longevity”, Dr Spence said.

Next year, Sydney will introduce a four-year bachelor of advanced studies degree, combining specialism in a discipline with the option of taking a second “major”, foreign language training, international mobility, and cultural competency training.

The signature element of the programme is an extended problem-solving project, where multidisciplinary teams of students work together to tackle a real-life challenge set by a business or charity.