Student Guided Transition Assistance

Abstract

In the Faculty of Science at the University of Melbourne a transition program has been in place for new students entering the Bachelor of Science since 2000. During this time the program has been modified regularly in response to staff and student feedback. However, with the introduction of a new Science degree structure combined with the changing nature of student experiences and expectations, a more extensive review of the current program is being undertaken. The aim of the review is to gather feedback from students and the student facilitators of study groups, on the program’s effectiveness in assisting students. The information collected will be used to develop new strategies to maximize the program’s effectiveness. In 2012 we have probed student expectations and provided them with an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of transition. The program has also been reviewed from the perspectives of the first year teaching staff. The data collected will guide modification of the program for 2013 with the objective of targeting the transition program more effectively to assist first year science students’ transition from school to University. Our findings will be presented in this paper.