Difficulties experienced by first year students of the External Studies College of TAFE, NSW

Eight-hundred and seventy first year ESCOTAFE students were surveyed about difficulties related to the administration of their course, their lesson materials and more generally, personal and circumstantial problems likely to impede learning.

Few problems with college administration were reported. Most respondents evaluated their lesson materials positively, although almost 20 per cent agreed that too much material was covered in one unit and almost one third indicated that they needed more comments on their marked units. Inability to concentrate on study, problems writing essay-type answers, and getting ready for exams emerged as the major skills difficulties. Most of the personal difficulties nominated as inhibiting study progress related to time management issues. Few students were aware of or had accessed available support services.

Many of the recommendations of the report aim to increase external students' access to information and support, and to enrich further the quality of their interaction with the college.

Eight-hundred and seventy first year ESCOTAFE students were surveyed about difficulties related to the administration of their course, their lesson materials and more generally, personal and circumstantial problems likely to impede learning.

Few problems with college administration were reported. Most respondents evaluated their lesson materials positively, although almost 20 per cent agreed that too much material was covered in one unit and almost one third indicated that they needed more comments on their marked units. Inability to concentrate on study, problems writing ...  [+] Show more