Teaching and Learning
It is important that all students maintain a high level of integrity in their studies.  For this reason, the Ashmark Institute of Australia requires that students abide by all the rules relating to plagiarism, examinations and other matters affecting the integrity of student work. To assist you in understanding what is required of students, please read the information below.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the ‘stealing’ of words and/or ideas (intellectual property) from other writers including other students’ work by not acknowledging the source of information through referencing, or the use quotation marks around the borrowed words. Ashmark will not tolerate plagiarism, so students need to be cautious in the use of wording, so that is not too similar to the original source.

When an author’s idea is expressed succinctly and cannot be rephrased without altering its meaning, students may use the wording as a direct quote but will need to cite the expressed views. Students must be careful not to rely heavily on direct quotes to write up the majority of their essays, as teachers need to identify whether the student understands the subject matter in his/her own wording, rather than words from a book or article.

Avoid plagiarism

• When note-taking, record key ideas and information from source material in your own words.

• Record the source and page number of the information taken in your notes.

• Distinguish ideas of other writers from general knowledge and your own ideas in your notes.

• When note-taking, identify the author’s purpose, evaluate the ideas presented and question these ideas to begin imposing your own understanding on the texts (something your teacher will be looking for in your essays).

• Develop your own writing style when writing up your essays to avoid copying sentences from the texts.

• ·Always follow referencing guidelines and models carefully. If you are unsure on what referencing guidelines to use, please ask your teacher for assistance.

Getting help

It is important for students to seek advice early should they experience any difficulties or confusion in their academic study or any other matters that affect their ability to study. Students may find their classmates – both international and local – the most helpful in many matters. Also, find out the location of teachers’ offices and their available hours to see students, as they can also be an important source of help.

Australia’s Education Culture

Students may find that the education system and culture in Australia are different to that in their home country. In Australia, students at tertiary level are expected to be responsible for their own academic achievements. There is a strong emphasis on private study in terms of individual assignments, research and data analysis work. Students are expected to possess the ability to apply fundamental principles and concepts for problem-solving, employ the knowledge they have learnt to their course work, as well as demonstrate the capacity to present and defend their arguments relating to a wide variety of subjects. All these involve extensive use of libraries, intensive note taking in lectures, wide reading and active participation in the learning process.

At Ashmark Institute, our qualified teachers have vast experience teaching overseas students. Ashmark teachers understand the difficulties international students face in adapting to study methods foreign to them and will offer the necessary support for students to achieve academic success. However, students must apply themselves and take the initiative, if they are to see evidence of academic progress and success.

Ashmark Institute recognises that one of the biggest challenges facing international students whose first language isn’t English is  communicating knowledge in both written and oral English. However, students can improve their English proficiency by immersing themselves into and being conscious of their surroundings. Below are some suggestions on how to improve your English:

• Watch and listen to English programs

• Befriend people from other ethnic backgrounds – this way, you will be forced to use a common language, namely, English

• Participate in local activities or volunteer programs – this way, as people will depend upon you to get tasks done, you will be forced to understand and use English

• Read Australian newspapers and magazines

• Speak English at all times on campus

Student Expectations

• Assignments given may be very short and frequent, but students will be given advance notice to complete them.

• It is the student’s responsibility to approach the teacher when experiencing any difficulties with their studies, as teachers cannot always be aware of each student’s particular needs.

• Students may have to search for relevant material in the library to complete their assignments, as it is academically unacceptable to ‘parrot’ teachers’ ideas

• Students are not only expected to memorise taught material, ask questions and analyse problems but, also, to think critically and formulate their own opinions on the subject matter to show that they have processed the information.

• Students will have to identify and take notes on the main points in classes and texts.

• Students will need to learn referencing skills (footnotes including references, bibliographies) to avoid plagiarism.

Study Guide

• Study in an environment devoid of distractions
• Manage your time wisely by establishing a study schedule and planning in advance
• Avoid procrastination
• Establish a good student-teacher relationship with your teachers
• Participate in group studies, as peers are often the best place for resource and support
• Do not be afraid to ask for help
• Prepare for test in advance by regularly reviewing taught material
• Be aware of teacher’s expectations of students
• Address the assessment criteria in assignments

Turn up to classes and test.