Education USA UK Australia Compulsory Education Free education

Education USA, UK, Australia

Compulsory Education Free education ages 5 - 18 (13 years) n In USA and Australia, the first year is optional n – called kindergarten or pre-primary – usually only half a day n The last two years are optional – except in some American states n Some children go to nursery school before age 5 (requires tuition fee)

University n Universities and colleges charge tuition fees; most also receive some money from the government. – but are not government-controlled – each university sets minimum requirements for entry n Acceptance is based on: – high school results – a standardised test (maths and english) • eg the SAT in America

University n Most bachelor degrees are: – 4 years in USA – 3 years in UK and Australia n Final year in UK high school is more specialised than in America – most students study only 3 subjects

University Learning n Less classes than high school – eg. for humanities students: • 4 - 5 units / semester • 3 - 4 classes (45 min) / unit n A lot of independent study is needed: – humanities students: reading, writing essays, preparing for tutorials – science students: exercises, assignments

University Learning n Lectures – each unit usually has 2 lectures / week n Tutorials – 10 -20 students + 1 tutor – students discuss questions related to the lectures and the readings n Labs – for science units

University 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 & West n Tutors complain that many Asian foreign students don’t participate enough in tutorials. n “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 Learning n Benefits: – knowledge – critical thinking – ability to argue clearly – self-discipline

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

Gap Year n In England, about 1/3 take this option Prince William (volunteer work in Chile)