Ten Chinese academics visiting CQUniversity Melbourne have remarked on our common use of classroom activities, smaller classes, student-centred learning, and the close interaction between students and teachers...

The visitors commented favourably on our strong emphasis on engagement in teaching, the systematic student evaluation process, sensitivity to students' needs, course design strength, flexibility of approaches in classroom teaching and teachers' passion.

Chinese academics visiting CQUni Melbourne

The academics from Chengdu made these observations following a three-week program of professional development at Melbourne Campus. Their home institution, Southwest University for Nationalities, specialises in providing university education for minorities.

CQUniversity Senior Research Associate Professor David Hamilton says the professional development program had a focus on teaching and learning, including English language teaching.

"The visitors teach across a range of disciplines, with five specialising in English language classes. We introduced them to the Australian university environment and the Australian culture," he said.

"During their stay they experienced undergraduate, Diploma, Foundation and Elicos teaching and visited migrant English classes run by Victoria University.

"Contributions were made by academics and our Learning Support Unit, Library, student services, marketing and academic administration staff to provide them with a rounded idea of the elements of teaching and support provided to students.

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"They also joined the Melbourne Metropolitan Campus Professional Development Day program for the session on internationalising teaching, and they actively contributed."

Professor Hamilton said the Chinese academics found the experience valuable. They were keen to see a strengthening of their relationship with Melbourne staff and more links between the two universities.