Dr Julia Miller
School of Education
Copyright © 2013 The University of Adelaide
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Academic culture
Other students’ experiences
Independent study
Types of assignments
Academic assistance
The University of Adelaide
Slide 2
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The University of Adelaide
Slide 3
Tell your neighbour what you are studying and
why you are studying it.
What challenges might you face?
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The University of Adelaide
Slide 4
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attitudes
beliefs
research
thinking
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The University of Adelaide
Slide 5
Academic culture refers to the (1) attitudes, values
and (2) beliefs that exist in higher education
institutions, particularly universities.
It is also
about the beliefs held by those working within such
an institution, such as a belief in original (3) research
and critical (4) thinking.
The University of Adelaide
Slide 6
‘Studying at the University of Adelaide means being part of a rich
tradition of excellence in education and research, with worldclass academic staff and a vibrant student life.’
‘We are committed to producing graduates recognised
worldwide for their creativity, knowledge and skills, as well as
their culture and tolerance. Our graduates make an impact on
the world.’
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/uni/
The University of Adelaide
Slide 7
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
O'week
activities
academic university
staff
publications
student
diary
other
students
Internet
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Every course of study has an online presence
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Access university information any time
Content includes:
Course Information
Lecture Notes
Announcements
Calendar
Assessment Tasks
Schedules / Timetables
Tutorial Questions
Quizzes & Past Exams
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The University of Adelaide
Slide 9
The University of Adelaide
Slide 10
The University of Adelaide
Slide 11
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Find the Napier building
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Go to level 1 (often upstairs)
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Find room 102 (sometimes called 1.02)
The University of Adelaide
Slide 12
The University of Adelaide
Slide 13
When I finished Year 12 I had no idea
what I wanted to do. I changed my uni
preferences four times and I was still
unsure which uni I wanted to go to
and whether I actually wanted to go at
all… Once I decided to start, I never
looked back.
The University of Adelaide
Oliver (Science)
Slide 14
Once you begin your first week of
lectures, tutorials and practicals, the
culture shock begins! University is
completely different to high school.
The new demands, expectations and
independence can take a while to
adjust to, but don't be intimidated by
these.
Sean (Bachelor of Engineering)
The University of Adelaide
Slide 15
...university is not just about study, it's
also about mixing with different
people from other cultures. For me it's
about learning how to handle different
situations in life rather than just about
study. Try to enjoy your time because
university years are the best years.
The University of Adelaide
Wilson (International Student)
Slide 16
The University of Adelaide
Slide 17
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Be prepared for the different kind of work
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Be prepared for the different pace
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Read all your course information
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The University of Adelaide
Slide 18
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Be prepared for a different teaching and learning
environment:
 Lectures, tutorials, independent work
 Large student numbers, anonymity
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Check this glossary of terms:
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/glossary/
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Take responsibility for your own learning
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Make the effort to develop social relationships
The University of Adelaide
Slide 19
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What are your priorities?
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How long does it take to get to Uni?
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Could you use that time to study (e.g. on the bus)?
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If you are sick, you can ask for an extension.
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Don’t let work build up!
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Go to a time management session in UniStep
The University of Adelaide
Slide 20
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Essay
Report
Article review
Literature review
Thesis
Lab report
Case study
Reflective journal
Oral presentation
The University of Adelaide
Slide 21
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RMIT’s Learning Lab:
https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/
The University of Adelaide’s Writing Centre:
www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre
The English for Uni website (including oral
presentation skills):
www.adelaide.edu.au/english-for-uni
Massey University’s Assignment Planning
Calculator:
http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academicwriting/assignment-planning-calculator.php
The University of Adelaide
Slide 22
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Read the simplest things first.
Start with Wikipedia if necessary, to get an
idea about something (but don’t use
Wikipedia as an academic reference).
The University of Adelaide
Slide 23
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Read the abstract or first paragraph
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Next apply a reading strategy
Can you put the strategies in the correct
order and match them to the meanings?
a) Note
1. Look quickly to get a general idea
b) Predict the content
2. Read the useful sections in more detail
c) Scan
3. Write down important information
d) Skim
4. Look for specific words and information
e) Analyse some sections
5. Look at the title and work out the
content
The University of Adelaide
Slide 24
Answers:
b) Predict
5. Look at the title and work out the
content
d) Skim
1. Look quickly to get a general idea
c) Scan
4. Look for specific words and information
e) Analyse
2. Read the useful sections in more detail
a) Note
3. Write down important information
The University of Adelaide
Slide 25
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Start revising right after your first lecture!
Lecture
100%
24 hours
1 week
50%
0%
How much you remember without revision
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The University of Adelaide
Slide 26
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Start revising right after your first lecture!
Lecture
100%
24 hours
1 week
50%
0%
How much you remember with regular revision
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The University of Adelaide
Slide 27
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Drop in service
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/
Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm
Writing Centre workshops, week days 1 pm
(Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, Barr Smith
Library – check the UniStep guide and Writing
Centre website for details)
Learning Guides
(online, at the Writing Centre website)
The University of Adelaide
Slide 28
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Maths Drop In Centre
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/mathslearning
Monday - Friday
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10.00 am - 4.00 pm
No appointments necessary
A relaxed place to ask questions
Help available as long or as often as needed
Experienced and patient tutors
Reference books available for short loan
The University of Adelaide
Slide 29
 Ask questions during or after lectures and
tutorials
 Check consultation times; Make an appointment
 Use email
 Telephone
 Use MyUni
Start by addressing your lecturer with their title (e.g.
Dr Miller). They will tell you if they prefer you to use
their first name instead.
The University of Adelaide
Slide 30
The University of Adelaide
Slide 31
Thank you.
Have a great year!
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