Australian teachers frequently evaluate a student’s learning through written exams that require students to explain, evaluate or compare coursework topics. This method of evaluation may at first prove difficult for international students who are accustomed to rote learning and memorization of facts and figures, and who previous to their international student experience have been expected to give exam answers that mimic a teacher’s lectures or textbook readings.
Last, Australian instructors often conduct their classrooms in a relaxed manner that is meant to make students feel comfortable giving their opinions and approaching a teacher for help. International students, however, should not misinterpret a relaxed classroom as one in which academic standards are lowered. Australian teachers do expect daily attendance to classes, active and engaged learning during lectures and discussions, and self-directed reading and studying time outside of class hours.