|
|
 |
| Discussing
the recently released report are two of the Monash contributors, Dr Mark Peel and Professor Merran Evans. |
Universities and university teachers should reassess the way they teach and organise first-year university studies, according to a report recently released by the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs.
The report, which consisted of three coordinated studies, aimed to identify issues and strategies related to successful secondary-to-tertiary transitions.
It had substantial contributions from Monash staff including Planning and Academic Affairs director Professor Merran Evans, senior history lecturer Dr Mark Peel and associate to the deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Development) Mr Ian Dobson.
The report highlighted four significant findings:
According to Professor Evans, the study she undertook with Dr Peel revealed that the most important outcome of the research for universities is that while some issues will be common to all institutions and groups within each transitional cohort, some are specific to particular institutional environments and student groups.
According to Dr Peel, however, it is impossible to attempt to provide a template for all institutions.
"Our research shows that the most effective way to tackle transition issues once they have been identified is to mainstream good practice into teaching and learning environments and student services and to reward good practice and innovation," he said.
Extensive information on transition issues specific to Monash and the DETYA report can be found at www.adm.monash.edu.au/transition
Breaking The Ice at Berwick and PeninsulaExchanging cultural information and experiences to help build relationships is the aim of a pilot International Cultural Exchange (ICE) program being undertaken at the Berwick and Peninsula campuses. The program, already established at Gippsland involves Monash international students and staff working with staff and students at neighbouring schools on a shared cultural exchange. Monash International manager Ms Robyn Masters said the program was an excellent opportunity for Australian children and teachers to take advantage of the wealth of specialised knowledge that Monash students could bring to the classrooms. "And in turn, the schools help international students establish informal social contacts with Australian children and teachers," she said. "It was with the idea of integrating these needs while building relationships between various institutions in a local environment that the ICE program was initiated." The 13 Monash students who have volunteered their time to go into the six local schools participating in the program can choose to work in a variety of situations, ranging from giving individual assistance to addressing an entire class. According to Ms Masters, students are encouraged to interact with staff and children both during class time and breaks and to be actively involved in sharing ideas and experiences. "Feedback from those involved in the program has been extremely positive, with students saying they have enjoyed the close contact that had developed between them and the school students and staff members," she said. |
 |
|
At
Monash's Postgraduate and
Professional Information Evening. |
More than 550 people last week crammed the Hotel Sofitel's Carillon Room for Monash's Postgraduate and Professional Information Evening.
Six of Monash's 10 faculties, including Business & Economics, Information Technology, Science, Law, Engineering and Education, were represented at the evening, held on Tuesday 28 September from 5 pm to 7.30 pm.
Monash staff were on hand to provide graduates and professionals, with or without a degree, with information and advice about postgraduate courses through on-campus study, flexible learning and distance education.
Event organiser Ms Duyen Vo proclaimed the event a great success and said she hoped all faculties would participate in next year's event.
- Fiona Perry
Three Monash medical students are undertaking clinical training in obstetrics and gynecology in Gippsland hospitals.
Through Monash's Centre for Rural Health, the students are involved in an eight-week hospital-based training program at the Latrobe Regional Hospital, the Gippsland Base Hospital, Sale, and the West Gippsland Hospital, Warragul.
The students are receiving one-on-one mentor support from specialists, general practitioners and midwives practising in Gippsland.
The centre's Professor Roger Strasser said the university was keen to expose its medical students to the work of doctors in hospitals in country regions.
"The three students obtained their secondary education in the country and have come to Gippsland to obtain clinical and lifestyle experience of working in country hospitals," he said.
"In selecting its medicine students, Monash, through its interview process, gives special consideration to country students, and by placements in country hospitals we aim to encourage more of our graduates to accept medical positions in regional Australia."
The students have been involved, through video conference links, with other students and doctors in continuing education programs.
The first English translation of the classic Chinese text Nine Chapters, widely regarded as the most important mathematical source in China for the past 2000 years, was launched last week by deputy vice-chancellor Professor John Maloney.
The book, The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art: Companion and Commentary, contains 246 problems and their solutions, all firmly based on practical needs including methods for solving problems in areas such as land measurement, construction, agriculture, commerce, and taxation.
It is authored by two Monash staff members, Professor John Crossley from the School of Computer Science and Software Engineering and Dr Anthony Lun from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, as well as by Professor Shen Kangshen of the People's Republic of China's Zhenjiang Normal College.
The translators' commentary provides clear and accessible background material for the Western reader, explanations of technicalities, and notes on the treatment of similar mathematical problems in other countries.
Professor Maloney described the translation and commentary, which the authors began in 1983, as "a truly significant achievement that reflects a great deal about Chinese society and its development".
Information Technology dean Professor John Rosenberg, speaking at the launch, said he expected the book would be read by many thousands of students and would be just as valid 100 years from now.
At the book launch are, from left, Information Technology dean Professor John Rosenberg, authors Professor John Crossley and Dr Anthony Lun, Science dean Professor Ron Davies and deputy vice-chancellor Professor John Maloney.
The Faculty of Business and Economics coordinated a Monash stand at the recent Royal Melbourne Show.
Other faculties and areas to participate were Information Technology, Art and Design and Applied Science, as well as Nursing from the Peninsula campus and the Prospective Students Office.
The stand was located in a pavilion alongside the wool fashion parades, sheep shearing and a large Sovereign Hill display.
According to Business and Economics undergraduate studies administrator Ms Meredith Lyons, who coordinated the stand, the prominent location led to many inquiries being received for Monash courses, including agribusiness, the new Wine Technology and Marketing diploma, business and economics (both undergraduate and graduate), information technology and nursing.
"The general view was that this was a worthwhile venture, one which we would certainly consider repeating in the future," Ms Lyons said.
 |
Contact
|
Return to
|
| Copyright © Monash University - All rights reserved - Disclaimer |
Maintained by webmaster@adm
|
|
