Trends in the first year experience in Australian universities

This report provides an analysis of trends in the perceptions and behaviours of first year undergraduate students in seven Australian universities. The pressures arising from the expansion in student numbers, innovations in teaching and learning, and intense market competition between universities, have changed the landscape of higher education. In particular, the context for undergraduate students commencing university has been changed with increased choice, flexibility in course design and modes of delivery, and the introduction of a range of institutional strategies to improve transition from school to university. Areas that are discussed include students’ reasons for attending university, the improvement of links between school and university, the gap between school and university, student motivation, the use of teaching and learning technologies, and the number of full-time students who are engaged in part-time work. The information gathered within this report provides a strong basis for reflecting on the effectiveness of initiatives that have been put into place over the last five years with the aim of improving the first year experience. Show less