Blogging about Student Life @ UNSW - I wanted to start this blog to get people talking about their UNSW experience so that other prospective students can get an idea on what to expect at UNSW. If you want to blog about your experience, please let me know or just leave a comment to share your experience.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Student Life and Learning Engages Peers to Promote English Language Development
Student Life and Learning is now engaging students to facilitate English Language programs for international students as a way of promoting English language development. Director of The Learning Centre Sue Starfield said Peer learning has been shown to be an important resource in student learning.
“Fellow students are closer to other students' experience,” Sue said. “And of course, the facilitator also benefits from the contact with students from other countries,” Sue said.
Masters student Marietta Zafirakos was initially inspired to facilitate The Learning Centre's conversation classes as an interesting and enjoyable way to spend her free time. Marietta said her experience running the classes has also been highly valuable for her own development.
“Facilitating the class has improved my self-confidence significantly, especially with speaking comfortably to new people,” Marietta said. “At first I found it a little difficult to know how to prepare topics and themes for each class but I am finding it easier now that I can see students enjoying the classes.”
Isabella, a first-year student studying Interpreting and Translation, started attending conversation classes soon after arriving at UNSW this semester. Isabella said the classes give her an opportunity to meet new people outside her faculty and improve her confidence in speaking English. “It’s a very nice relaxed environment,” Isabella said. “And it helps me feel more confident speaking to local students.”
Student Life and Learning runs a wide range of English language services and programs providing international students opportunities to develop language competency. Whether you would like to improve your English in a relaxed or more structured environment, there is a class tailored for your specific needs. Please see a full list of SLL English language services and programs here below:
“Fellow students are closer to other students' experience,” Sue said. “And of course, the facilitator also benefits from the contact with students from other countries,” Sue said.
Masters student Marietta Zafirakos was initially inspired to facilitate The Learning Centre's conversation classes as an interesting and enjoyable way to spend her free time. Marietta said her experience running the classes has also been highly valuable for her own development.
“Facilitating the class has improved my self-confidence significantly, especially with speaking comfortably to new people,” Marietta said. “At first I found it a little difficult to know how to prepare topics and themes for each class but I am finding it easier now that I can see students enjoying the classes.”
Isabella, a first-year student studying Interpreting and Translation, started attending conversation classes soon after arriving at UNSW this semester. Isabella said the classes give her an opportunity to meet new people outside her faculty and improve her confidence in speaking English. “It’s a very nice relaxed environment,” Isabella said. “And it helps me feel more confident speaking to local students.”
Student Life and Learning runs a wide range of English language services and programs providing international students opportunities to develop language competency. Whether you would like to improve your English in a relaxed or more structured environment, there is a class tailored for your specific needs. Please see a full list of SLL English language services and programs here below:
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