Abstract:With the Higher Education sector in Australia at a cross roads with changes to the model for funding, the recent dynamics with TEQAS (Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) and th...With the Higher Education sector in Australia at a cross roads with changes to the model for funding, the recent dynamics with TEQAS (Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) and the increased emphasis on a holistic quality framework for teaching it is interesting to have in this edition of the journal a broad coverage of topics from a diverse and international group of authors.The first paper Typology of International Student Community Engagement (Fleischman, Raciti & Lawley, 2014) reports on an empirical study resulting in a typology of international student community engagement activities. The tensions between various actors (stakeholders) can bring interesting issues into the mix, some of which may be negative. This was a qualitative cross- sectional exploratory study on how international engage with their community and their chosen university and which, highlights some on the differences that occur in such engagement between large metropolitan universities and smaller regional ones. As suggested by the authors, it would be appropriate for further studies into this dynamic of international student engagement.The second paper An investigation into the relationship between on-line formative assessments and performance of students (Heng, Ke & Chatterjee, 2014) examined the relationship between online formative assessment and student performance in examinations. This paper raises again, the issue of student approaches to learning and the need for theoretical understanding of key concepts being at the heart of truly grasping knowledge. It also raises the issue of multiple choice type questions and do these really help to be prepared for structured questions/problems that need a more formal communication response. A smallish study (n=80) but well worth repeating with a larger cohort and at various levels of study.The third paper Strengthening student engagement with quantitative subjects in a Business Faculty (Warwick & Howard, 2014) presents three case studies used to further develop the model addressing the enhancement of student engagement aimed at developing graduate skills to meet employer requirements. Feedback was acknowledged by as being helpful as the curricula assessment was split into various assessment items - and feedback was received before the next item was due. Such approaches are helpful for vocational occupations but do they assist in breaking down silos and in the development of higher cognitive skills required for the higher professions? This paper raises a number of interesting issues and especially so for the 'reflective' teacher. …Read More
Publication Year: 2014
Publication Date: 2014-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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