Participants' Stories five
Manuel - Postgraduate student - International student
I try very hard to listen to the group until I have grasped the general idea. I can also surf the net or ask the tutors for help to understanding the topic.
McKenzie - Teaching Staff - Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
It can be difficult but I get to know my students by name so I can call on them and engage them in the tutorial. I also give all students the opportunity to put forward their ideas by asking around the class in turn. An invitation to participate for student's means that everyone can have a chance for equal input. I think that's really important.
Melinda - Mature Age Student - Student with a Disability
"Talk to the tutors or lecturers, ask for help if you need it and talk about your problems. I've needed an extension sometimes for medical reasons as they knew about it in advance, they were fine about it. It helps to ask ahead of time instead of waiting till the last minute. They understand that I like to keep some things private. To make use of the available also helps. Don't worry about feeling self-conscious when using the services. They don't expect that you are dying of cancer before you can approach them."
"Talk to the tutors or lecturers, ask for help if you need it and talk about your problems. I've needed an extension sometimes for medical reasons - as they knew about it in advance, they were fine about it. It helps to ask ahead of time instead of waiting till the last minute. They understand that I like to keep some things private. To make use of the university services available also helps. Don't worry about feeling self-conscious when using the services. They don't expect you to be dying of cancer before you can approach them!"
Michael - Lecturer - Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
"It became clear to me that it was important to try other strategies. As a result I created a website which had a week-by-week overview of the tutorial classes, the lectures and all the rest. There were direct links from the weekly outlines to supporting information. The students could access it any time. I found that made an enormous difference."
Milka - Post-Graduate Student - Student on a low Income
Organise yourself in order to save time. Even small techniques of hole punching photocopies the same way can make a difference when trying to save time. Return your books to the library when you have finished with them. At one point I had 70 books out and I thought I might have some late fines.
Natasha - Undergraduate Student - International Student
SSU and the International Office are supportive. Whenever I have problems they have information to help. I also joined in as many activities as possible to increase my opportunities of interacting with local students.
Paul - Undergraduate Student - Indigenous student
"The Koori Centre and its staff, including the lecturers are the most professional people when it comes to providing support and direction. They are approachable, willing to assist in any issues both professional and personal to make sure we are comfortable and able to finish our course."
Philippe - Postgraduate student - International student
My accent was never a huge deal and people just took a bit of time to get used to it. Joining the university clubs and societies has helped increase my confidence as it has given me opportunities to practice my language skills.