La Trobe University to Introduce a New Curriculum

The Australian, 18 February 2009

La Trobe University is the latest Australian university to undertake a curriculum review. According to The Australian, La Trobe University will implement a new curriculum as soon as next year, with an emphasis on course structure, core skills, cornerstone subjects and clear measurement of graduate capabilities.

The Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University, Ms Belinda Probert, believes that a curriculum overhaul, with a focus on first year subjects, would not only increase retention rates but allow the university to provide students with ‘more varied academic backgrounds’.

Mr Owen Hicks, a higher education consultant, says that in the past few years, 12 Australian universities have introduced new curriculas. ‘It’s a recognition that teaching and learning isn’t enough. It is a complete package that the student needs,’ Mr Hicks argued. Common examples are the University of Melbourne’s broader degrees, Curtin University’s coordination of subjects, and Victoria University’s workplace learning scheme.

La Trobe University will also consider the implementation of more flexible teaching times, which may include a third semester as well as evening or weekend classes.

 

 

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