Conference theme: Support Systems and Programs

Title: Successful partnership in learning support for first-years: How a faculty-funded Learning Centre support programme enhances the transition and performance of first-year business students

Julie Trafford

Abstract

The University of Auckland Business School accepts first-years into a range of diploma and degree programmes. Many come straight from New Zealand secondary schools. An increasing number are international students and ‘mature’ students. A few have developed effective skills in self-management, academic reading and writing, communication, higher order thinking, problem solving, teamwork and computer literacy which simply require modification for tertiary academic success. Most have yet to develop such skills.

This paper highlights the crucial role of the Student Learning Centre’s faculty-funded and -endorsed Business Communication Skills Programme in enhancing the transition and performance of these students of increasing diversity. The flexible, yet specialised, teaching methods adopted and range of skills covered are discussed. The paper describes how relevance to both course requirements and diverse student needs is maintained. Measures of the success of this support, challenges, possible future developments and potential effective applications to other situations are also outlined.

Full paper