23 October 2006

University culture - Lecture

Dr Jenny Silburn, Senior Lecturer Student Learning, Teaching and Learning Centre Murdoch University.

Examined the Murdoch University Mission Statement.

University culture

  • a culture of collectivism, community

  • academic freedom (sometimes problematic)

  • critical thinking

  • independent learning (challenges to new students)]

  • creation of new knowledge

  • transmission of beneficial knowledge

  • learning as empowerment to the individual as well as to the community


Language - acquiring academic language empowers the student, allows them to move within the culture.

Behaviour - discourse.

Rituals - orientation, graduation

Artefacts/outputs - academic reports, research findings, applied research, debates

Strategies which enhance transition into university culture

  • quality of teaching

  • commitment of staff to student (sometimes resource issues)

  • enthusiasm and interest of staff (infectious, joy and engagement)

  • presence of clear and effective information about unit objectives and assessment

  • good orientation and transition/induction into the culture

  • successful social transition - support networks


Factors which hinder transition, or cause withdrawal

  • emotional ill health - alienation

  • university not what expected - not as glamorous etc

  • dislike of course

  • dislike of study

  • financial reasons

  • problems with daily travel

  • family commitments

No comments: