EducationEducation

USA, UK, Australia

Compulsory EducationCompulsory Education

Free education ages 5 - 18 (13 years) In USA and Australia, the first year is

optional– called kindergarten or pre-primary– usually only half a day

The last two years are optional– except in some American states

Some children go to nursery school before age 5 (requires tuition fee)

UniversityUniversity

Universities and colleges charge tuition fees; most also receive some money from the government.– but are not government-controlled– each university sets minimum requireme

nts for entry Acceptance is based on:

– high school results– a standardised test (maths and english)

• eg the SAT in America

UniversityUniversity

Most bachelor degrees are:– 4 years in USA– 3 years in UK and Australia

Final year in UK high school is more specialised than in America– most students study only 3 subjects

University LearningUniversity Learning

Less classes than high school– eg. for humanities students:

• 4 - 5 units / semester• 3 - 4 classes (45min) / unit

A lot of independent study is needed:– humanities students: reading, writing ess

ays, preparing for tutorials– science students: exercises, assignments

University LearningUniversity Learning

Lectures– each unit usually has 2 lectures / week

Tutorials– 10-20 students + 1 tutor– students discuss questions related to the

lectures and the readings

Labs– for science units

University LearningUniversity Learning

Teaching how to think, not what to think

“Learning here isn't a one-way process in which you simply receive information from your teachers. Instead, you'll be encouraged to read widely, to research thoroughly and to question what you learn at every opportunity.”

(www.britishcouncil.org)

University Learning: East & WestUniversity Learning: East & West

Tutors complain that many Asian foreign students don’t participate enough in tutorials.

“Even if your answer is totally wrong, it is much better than I don’t know.”– teachers want to see the process of

learning (not only the result)

University LearningUniversity Learning

Benefits:– knowledge– critical thinking– ability to argue clearly– self-discipline

Gap YearGap Year

Some students choose to wait a year before starting university(after a university offers them a place, they

apply to postpone it for a year)– work– travel– volunteer work (often overseas)

Harvard University (USA) even suggests it in their letter of admission

Gap YearGap Year

In England, about 1/3 take this option

Prince William (volunteer work in Chile)