TRANSITION TO FIRST YEAR UNIVERSITY STUDY Presenter Dr

TRANSITION TO FIRST YEAR UNIVERSITY STUDY Presenter: Dr Jyothi Thalluri Uni. SA Presentation date: 2 July 2019 Co-author: Dr Joy Penman Monash University In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

Purpose of this study 1) Smooth transition to first year university health science students. 2) Provide psycho-social and emotional support through an introductory health science short course. In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

Background South Australian university offer a workshop titled ‘Science. Ready’ to allied health programs a week before the first-year formal teaching weeks. Students Body: Diverse age groups, educational and cultural backgrounds. Curriculum: Study/academic skills, assumed foundational science knowledge; experience lectures and laboratory activities; and become familiar with the University campus. In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

Of the 285 students who participated in the workshops, 166 completed the survey conducted at the conclusion of the initiative, representing a 58% response rate. The results highlighted in this paper relate to the psychosocial and emotional impacts of the workshop on students. Three themes emerged: 1. Increased preparedness and confidence; Networking 2. Friendships that enhanced support 3. Reduced anxiety to study sciences. In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

THEME 1: INCREASED PREPAREDNESS AND CONFIDENCE Students’ comments ‘I do feel prepared and confident now. I am actually looking forward to it. I was so nervous prior to this workshop. ’ ‘It gives you a great idea of what to expect and what is expected and allows you to get an idea of basic knowledge that is essential when starting the degree. ’ ‘I feel completing this course was a great way to enter my course more comfortably and confidently. I enjoyed every day, and I know I made the right choice of course because I found everything interesting and engaging. ’ In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

THEME 2: NETWORKING AND FRIENDSHIPS THAT ENHANCED SUPPORT Students’ comments ‘The workshop is a great way for students to find people who are in the same course as them and give them an easy way to connect and build friendships. ’ ‘One of the best strengths in the workshop is that they gave the students the opportunity to communicate with the teachers in a manner that made us feel comfortable and more eager to learn. I believe that another good thing in this workshop was the opportunity to talk to the program directors because they gave us a brief introduction about what to expect in the course as well as encouraging words. ‘ In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

THEME 3: REDUCED ANXIETY TO STUDY SCIENCES Students’ comments ‘The workshop was fantastic and has reduced a lot of my fears to do with starting UNI. It reduced my anxiety and fear. ’ ‘ This workshop calmed my nerves for starting university. ' ‘I am very much looking forward to my first year at university. This workshop has given me confidence in commencing my studies as I now have the basic knowledge and academic skills required. ’ In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

Summary • Mass education has brought with it a greater proportion of students with large disparities in their knowledge and learning styles. • It is important to recognise this disparity and support students, particularly important in the initial year, in terms of retention and success. • It also connects new learners with their teachers and peers early. • The overall implication will be increased completion of university programs, which is the ideal outcome for students, universities and their society. In. SITE 2019 AN INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE June 30 - July 5, 2019 Jerusalem,

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