Clear communication of expectations is helpful

Students who speak English as an additional language emphasised the need for clear language and also for clear explanation of what was expected.

'My English reading is still pretty slow so it is really good idea if the lecturer makes it clear which reading is mandatory and which is optional.' [Rose, international student, from China]

'I really like it when lecturers make it clear about what will be in exams and tests and what we need to revise. It’s hard for us to know how a lecturer might write an exam question about a particular topic, so it would be really good in a first year class, if they would talk about that sort of thing and give some examples.' [Refugee background student, female]

'It takes me a long time to read in English. Sometimes lecturers and tutors don’t give you much idea of what you really NEED to read. It would be really helpful if they would give you some idea of what you must read, what the most important stuff is, because you just can’t read as much as a Kiwi student.' [International student from Japan, female, graduated with BA/BTM]

Teaching staff also recognised that clarity was important to a wide range of students.

We have clear marking criteria and grade sheets and these help to communicate these values to students. Chris Bowden, Lecturer

We provide a detailed marking rubric so that students know exactly what they need to do to get the marks. It’s very useful, it gets rid of assumptions. David Mason, Undergrad Programme Director

Because of the differing types and levels of academic preparation it pays to be very clear and explicit about the nature of any work that needs to be done whether it is preparation for lectures and tutorials, or work on the assignment. I aim to give students a good idea of what they will need to do – read, think about, prepare, write ..and be very clear about the guidelines for all assignments... Karen Smith, Senior Lecturer