Curtin Sarawak students get academic support they need from The Learning Centre

Miri – 4 August, 2009 – Whether they need to improve their English or essay-writing skills, or simply want to excel in their studies, students of Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) can rely on The Learning Centre (TLC) at the university for help and guidance.

Curtin Sarawak’s Learning Centre delivers a wide range of academic support programmes to help students with their studies, including free seminars and workshops conducted by expert lecturers in a relaxed, supportive environment. The seminar and workshop modules are designed to help the students hone their academic skills while they continue studying in their enrolled programmes.

“They are scheduled at various times throughout the year, some more frequently than others according to students’ needs. The great thing about them is they’re entirely free,” says Dean of The Learning Centre, Malar Jayaprakash.

According to Malar, students have found the English Language Skills, Mathematics and Science Skills, and Study Skills modules most helpful. They receive guidance on good academic writing and presentation skills, tutoring in mathematics and science, and tips on time management, dealing with exam anxiety, mind-mapping and note-taking, all of which they can readily apply to help them study more effectively.

She reiterates that support from The Learning Centre is not entirely for students who are academically challenged, but also for students who have special talents academically and excel in their studies. High achievers are motivated in a number of ways, encouraging them to participate in special programmes and competitions outside the university.

As courses at Curtin Sarawak are taught in English and there are English entry requirements for different levels of study, The Learning Centre conducts the Curtin University Test of English (CUTE) to ensure applicants fulfil the English entry requirement for the pre-university, undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by the university.Those wishing to take the test can contact The Learning Centre or e-mail to cute@curtin.edu.my. Test results remain valid for a maximum period of two years for entry into Curtin Sarawak.

The Learning Centre also conducts Curtin Sarawak’s Intensive English Programme (IEP), an academic programme designed to improve students’ general English language proficiency. It specifically caters for potential tertiary education students who lack the English language entry requirements to enter foundation, diploma or degree courses.

The IEP consists of four levels, that is, Elementary, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced. A placement test is administered to determine students’ command of English and based on the results, students are placed at the appropriate IEP level for study.

There are three intakes and terms a year, each term comprising of 10 weeks. Ongoing assessments and end-of-term tests are conducted to determine students’ progress to higher levels of the programme. Upon successful completion of each level, certificates of completion and test transcripts are awarded to students.

Students practise listening and reading comprehension at the elementary level and learn communicative skills through role-play, games and group discussions on everyday topics with support from written texts. In writing classes, students write narrative, descriptive and comparative paragraphs.

At the advanced level, the English language skills taught prepare students for academic purposes. By the end of the programme, students are expected to be able to critically analyse information, create cogent arguments and deliver academic presentations. They then take the CUTE as the exit test.

Materials used in the classroom are continually assessed and modified to ensure quality learning. Curtin Sarawak provides high-quality teaching facilities and resources including classroom computers, overhead projectors and audio-visual devices. The teaching staff is a team of dynamic, highly experienced, well-qualified and dedicated teachers who adopt diverse approaches and techniques in the teaching of English as a second language.

The Learning Centre also offers an English Language Bridging Programme, which is an advanced English programme and the completion of which allows students to fulfil the English entry requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study at Curtin Sarawak. There are two intakes a year and the duration of the programme is one semester.

The primary objectives of the course are to provide students with the necessary language skills, study skills and links to enter mainstream courses. Students enrolling for the English Language Bridging Programme will take up advanced units such as Academic Writing, English Communication, Tertiary Study Skills and English for Specific Purposes.

Academic Writing aims at developing writing skills while English Communication aims to develop the listening and speaking skills students will need for their tertiary studies. Tertiary Study Skills, meanwhile, develops critical reading skills and English for Specific Purposes helps develop and build on the research skills of students in a collaborative environment.

The course offered is identical to that offered at Curtin University’s main campus in Perth, Western Australia. Classes are small to cater for the individual needs of students. Students completing this programme will be well prepared to undertake academic challenges that they will come up against in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

According to Malar, The Learning Centre is currently developing resources to support students engaged in higher degree research as well.

“We want to be able to support students at all levels. That is the primary objective of The Learning Centre,” she says.

For university staff and the local community, The Learning Centre provides academic staff support and development in teaching and learning, English for Specific Purpose modules for professional staff and the local community, and knowledge building activities for the community in the areas of English, mathematics, science and teaching and learning through its OUTReach programme.

The OUTReach Programme was established primarily to provide academic enrichment and support for primary and secondary school students and the general public.

It focuses on promoting Curtin Sarawak through activities which foster community partnership, such as enhancing academic development and equipping students with relevant generic skills to interact and function within the community, building on existing relationships and fostering partnerships between the university and local schools and colleges, and developing the image of the university as a quality provider of education through committed community outreach programmes.