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Frequently Asked Questions - Language and Learning


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Where can I get help with English?
I can't understand my lecturer?
I don't know how to start my assignment?
What is probation?
What is exclusion?
What is plagiarism?

Where can I get help with English?

Make an appointment with a Language and Learning Adviser at ISS.

I can't understand my lecturer?

If you are having trouble understanding your lecturer it may be because you need a bit of time to adjust to the sound of a different accent. Here are some suggestions:

First of all remember it takes time so allow yourself time to get used to the sound of the lecturer's voice.
Ask other students if they are also having trouble understanding the lecturer and if there are a few of you you could ask the lecturer to slow down a bit or repeat something.
Use all the printed material that is available to support the lectures such as power point print outs, online lecture notes, any handouts made available at lectures, find a buddy and ask if you can exchange notes and clarify something you might have missed.
Ask your lecturer if it is OK to record the lecture so that you can listen to it later and check things you weren't sure of. However, this takes a lot of time so you need to allow for that in your study program.
Ask your tutor to help clarify a particular point or points that you didn't understand.

If you're still having trouble come to ISS and see a Language and Learning Adviser.

I don't know how to start my assignment?

Make notes about what you understand you have to do for the assignment and have a talk with your lecturer or tutor to try to clarify the requirements. Talk to other students to find out how they're starting out with the assignment. Ask for suggestions for where to start research and what form the assignment should take. Are there any examples of other assignments in the same form (eg report, critique, literature review) that you can look at to help you get started.

Visit ISS to see a Language and Learning Adviser to get some more ideas on getting started.

What is probation?

Students who achieve a grade point average of less than 3.0 or are awarded a failing grade in a unit which they have previously failed, are placed on probationary enrolment. Probationary enrolment indicates that academic performance has been unsatisfactory, but the student is provided the opportunity to improve. Probation can lead to exclusion, so it's important to talk to an International Student Adviser if your academic performance is below average.

The conditions of probationary enrolment are stated in Student Rule 40.

What is exclusion?

Exclusion means that the student is not permitted to continue in a course or courses at QUT (see Student Rule 42). An eligible student may be excluded from a course for unsatisfactory academic performance in accordance with Student Rule 41. For international students, being considered for exclusion has serious implications for their student visa. Talk to an International Student Adviser if you are being considered for exclusion.

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism is the act of taking and using another person’s work as your own. To find out more download the Plargiarism handout from here. Plargiarism is a serious offence and can result in exclusion.

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