Learning activities
In 2024, we introduced new terms to reflect learning activities to enhance your learning experience, aligning with our innovative DeakinDesign principles and practices. The new terms better reflect how teaching teams will guide you through your learning journey and the types of learning experiences you will have.
The new terms and descriptions were developed to:
- produce clear communication with consistent terminology and descriptions for learning activities
- establish a shared understanding of learning activities for all staff and students that informs curriculum design, delivery, and enrolment options
- provide clarity for students and staff in the timetabling of learning activities.
New learning activities
Learn what existing learning activities will be called in the new terminology.
New learning activitiy term | Existing learning activities |
|---|---|
Lecture | Class |
Seminar | Seminar, Team-based learning, Problem-based learning |
Practical experience (laboratory) | Practical, laboratory |
Practical experience (workshop) | Workshop |
Practical experience (field trip) | Field trip |
Practical experience (clinical skills) | Clinical skills |
Practical experience (studio) | Studio |
Practical experience (computer practical) | Computer practical |
Practical experience (simulation) | Simulation |
Practical experience (study tour) | Study tour |
Professional experience (field trip) | Field trip, site visit |
Professional experience (placement) | Placement |
Professional experience (studio) | Studio |
Assessment | In-class assessment |
Pre-assessment practice | |
Meeting | Drop-in |
Show transcript
Hi, I'm Moulishri, a Writing Mentor and student at Deakin. In 2024 there'll be some updates to the learning terminology you'll see in the handbook and the timetable.
These changes reflect Deakin's evolving learning activities and Deakin Design Principles.
Firstly, what was previously called "class" will become "lecture". In this type of learning activity, course content and concepts are delivered by educators, with student participation.
Then we have "seminars" and "problem-based learning". These involve educators and smaller groups of students and are highly interactive discussions or activities.
Your units may include practical experiences such as laboratory, workshops, clinical skills and more. These hands-on activities typically take place in specialised facilities, with industry tools, equipment and technology.
Scheduled professional experience could include placements, studio time or field work.
If you see the term "meeting" in your timetable, this is an optional drop-in session. Other terms might include "assessment" or "team-based learning", which indicates an in-class evaluation of your skills or knowledge.
Additionally, you may have a "pre-assessment practice" session scheduled to prepare you for these assessments.
Thanks for watching, and good luck with your studies.
Writing mentor Moulishri explains the changes
Deakin's learning environments and activities
- Educator-facilitated activities: These are timetables (scheduled) and taught activities like lectures, seminars, and practical experiences.
- Educator-guided activities: These are individual or group learning activities that happen outside of timetabled activities. Educators will design and organise these activities to help you progress in your learning journey, providing feedback and support along the way.
- Learner-led activities: Take charge of your learning! You can initiate these activities yourself, such as self-directed study or arranging meetings with peers, educators, or support staff for guidance and feedback.
With these new learning activities, we aim to create a dynamic and enriching learning environment that empowers you to succeed in your studies.
A graphical representation of the categories, and the activities within them, is shown in Figure 1.