Campus Life by S. White
Part I Culture Shock in the Classroom
1. International students are prepared for ‘culture shock’ when they arrive in their new country, but are usually not prepared for the intensity of the culture shock that many experience.
2. According to the article, to understand a country’s education system, you need to examine or understand its culture.
3. The article highlights that when two different cultures ‘clash’, there is often a confusion about expectations, so this can be quite confusing and stressful for both students and teachers.
4. The writer asserts that the two qualities which Australian society values are individualism and equality.
5. He also goes on to state that these qualities are reflected in the education system and therefore phrases such as ‘independent learning’ and ‘self-directed learning’ and ‘self-access’ are very common.
6. According to White, why do students receive less individual attention from lecturers, tutors and teachers in Australia compared to other countries?
Because the teachers aim to develop a student’s ability to think for themselves.
7. What advice does the article give to international students if they do not understand a task? His advice is to ask for help.
8. In Australia, if a student asks for help, the teacher will
Explain the task more clearly for the student.
9. The writer believes that the main aim of education in Australia is
To build each individual’s ability to collect information and analyse it. They do not want students to understand by rote, but to question all information and ideas.
10. What is rote learning? How important is rote learning in the Australian Education System?
To learn something so that it can be repeated automatically without the student having to think about the meaning. Learning things using memorisation. It is not so important in the Australian Education System.
Within the Australian education system you are encouraged to develop your own ideas, based on evidence, and to present those ideas in a logical way.
No, because it is believed that there is no one correct answer to any question.
13. Name two of the types of learning activities which make up a majority of a student’s time at an Australia university:
- Individual research in libraries
- Work in teams with fellow students on tasks and projects.
- Discuss and debate issues with other students and teachers.
14. What does ‘debate’ refer to?
To listen to and analyse someone else’s ideas and defend your own ideas
15. Why is debating uncomfortable for some international students ?
Because some students come from cultures where disagreement is discouraged.
Because it is considered the key to successful study in Australia.
17. Classroom Etiquette
Summarise the main points of this section here:
The relationship between teacher and student is more equal
The relationship appears to be less respectful (students to teachers) but there are rules about behaviour
Male and female staff in an Australian university have the same authority- so you are expected to give men and women equal respect.
18. List some of the actions which are considered to be rude during classes or lessons in Australia:
1. Talking to friends
2. Arriving late (disrupting a class)
3. Letting your mobile ring
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