Teaching methods
You may find the style of teaching and assessment different from what you have experienced at home. While this may involve making some adjustments, this is part of the study abroad experience.
Study skills support
Lectures
Tutorials
Independent study
Assessment
Study skills support
Study skills support is available at Charles Darwin University including tutoring, in-house academic support offered at North Flinders International House, online study skills programs and library information sessions on researching and evaluating information. For more information refer to the International division website.
Lectures
Most courses meet in large groups for lectures once or twice per week. Attendance is required and note taking is advised.
Tutorials
Students are assigned to small groups directed by a lecturer or an assistant. For science students, 'practical laboratory sessions' (labs) are included with or instead of tutorials. Participation is essential - asking questions, working through problems or experiments, participating in discussions, making presentations, and undertaking special projects. Grades given for participation and assignments are often part of the final grade for the course.
Independent study
All students are required to do independent study. Students complete assigned readings, papers and laboratory work that expand their knowledge. Students should expect to allocate 10-12 hours per course per week including lectures, tutorials, and independent work.
Assessment
In most undergraduate and postgraduate courses a final exam is given. The course grade is based on the exam plus scores from tutorials. To score well, the student must move beyond mere 'repetition of facts' and show academic growth (evidence of analytical thought) based on independent study. In cooperation with affiliated universities and agencies, Charles Darwin University transfers grades and credits to the student's home institution where equivalent ratings are assigned. In Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, grades are awarded on a continuous assessment basis.
Assessment grades
| Grade | Explanation | Equivalent to: |
| HD | High Distinction | 80-100% |
| D | Distinction | 70-79% |
| C | Credit | 60-69% |
| P | Pass | 50-59% |
| PC | Pass Conceded | n/a |
| PT | Pass Terminal | n/a |
| F | Fail | n/a |
| FA | Fail Absent | n/a |
