Havrila, Inka and Zhang, Christabel Ming (2008) Student Experience in a First Year Economics Unit at an Australian University Offshore Campus. In: 11th Pacific Rim First Year in Higher Education Conference 2008: An Apple for the Learner: Celebrating the First Year Experience Conference Proceedings. Thomas, Jason, ed. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, pp. 1-10.

Abstract

A recent study of first year Microeconomics students’ experiences at Victoria University (VU) identified a number of aspects of student attitude towards economics, their degree of motivation, satisfaction with the content and the delivery of lectures and tutorials. Students surveyed indicated that a teaching approach which links economics to ‘real-world’ situations was a significant motivating factor. The objective of this paper is to examine first year students’ learning experience at a VU’s offshore campus. The study is based on a survey of students enrolled in Microeconomics in Semester 2, 2007. A qualitative analytical approach utilises contingent statistical methods. The study identifies issues of significance to first year international students and highlight differences and similarities between the learning approach of local and offshore students, their expectations and needs. The results of the study will be helpful in developing strategies for internationalising the curriculum and in improving teaching and learning processes.

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