Some Flunkies' Journey through University

aaaaaaaand.... DONE!!
I have just submitted the last essay for my second year of university, and I'm now officially halfway finished with my uni course.
But that doesn't mean the next half will be easy. Placements will start next year, and I'm nervous to apply my knowledge in a classroom setting. The essays will get longer, and the work more complex, and soon I'll need to consider my LANTITE test (it's kind of like the GAT, but it's a requirement to be a qualified teacher). I'm a little overwhelmed with responsibility, but also curious to see how I'll perform teaching an actual class. I hope the kids are well behaved and listen to me... and don't bite.

It's scary to think that only four years ago, I knew I wasn't going to university. I hadn't even done my English Lang exam, yet I knew I was going to get a study score below 25, regardless of my exam results. After all these years of building myself back up from the dust, I am on the right pathway to pursuing the career I've always dreamed of. Some day, I'll be telling my students that I managed to get to uni without a study score above 30, or an ATAR above 60, and that'll shock them (or not, depending on how good of a teacher I'll be).

In the end, it was just a little hurdle, that many managed to hop over, but I decided to go around. It might have taken a bit longer, but I'm gonna make it in the end

Year 2, Semester 2 results are up, and I certainly have plenty to reflect on!
Teaching Reading- 55 (D). Ouch. Is all I can say; ouch. I did fairly well on the first essay, getting 70%. I am punching myself for missing one of the quizzes which might have bumped my score into the 60s at least. The last essay was a pain, which I still don't understand. Something about analysing a Grade 2's reading assessment results, and making a lesson plan for him (even though the DIBELS assessment clearly states that it doesn't have a strong comprehension assessment, and has been criticised EXTENSIVELY in the past for this, but whatever). This is a primary subject, and I might be able to use some of this in secondary, but I chose this because it was interesting. I did learn plenty though, despite what my grades might have said
Sport and Skill Analysis- 64 (C). Meh, I didn't hate or like this subject. In fact, I can't remember anything about it, because classes only went for 7 weeks, instead of the usual 12. I did enjoy the lessons, and a short assessment based on teaching students how to shot put. Fun, but nothing extraordinary. It was just a P.E fix.
Culture, Health and Healing- 73 (B). In my book, this was the hardest subject. It was a third-year class with no prior knowledge on health or anthropology. I did alright in the quizzes, yet somehow nailed the essays on miasma theory and childbirth practices around the world. The latter of which got a 77% mark, but I didn't get much feedback that could help me. Just things like "good point" or "nice conclusion". I'm happy with 77, but I want to aim higher, and don't know how to. I might consider another health subject next year.
How Humans Learn- 66 (C). In the end, I didn't mind this class. I've mentioned that psychology isn't my strong point, but I think I kept up well with it. Again, the last assessment was tricky and a little confusing, but my grades all hovered around the mid-60s, so better consistency.

These aren't amazing grades, but then again, this isn't VCE. I still got scores above 50%, unlike in Year 12. I'm only halfway done, and have a lot of growing to do. I've worked well to get where I am, but I want to go further. Next year, I'll only be picking subjects that are relevant to me becoming a science teacher for secondary school. Health seems to be a strong point for me, maybe it's something I can consider as well. Sometime in April next year, I will receive my Associate's Degree, but will continue with my Bachelor's!

The university has received my application to transition into a Bachelor's Degree of Education, after completing the Associate's Degree this year. All I need to do is complete a short online course, and I'll be able to enter the mainstream course.

Getting flashbacks to when I had to apply outside of VTAC for this course in 2022. Just a note, if you are applying for a course more than two years after high school graduation, it's very annoying, with all the paper work, prerequisites, waiting around, contacting the helpline, etc. Be thankful for VTAC, all you Class of 2024 kids

I know I'm not incredibly clever, or likely to ever teach at a very prestigious school where the average ATAR is 80+, but I know this is a big leap since Year 12, and I know this is something I want to do, hopefully in a rural setting too. There's something appealing about teaching in a small town to me, inspiring young minds, and maybe getting a chance to teach in the great outdoors. My high school was a bush school, so hopefully I can find another bush school that I feel comfortable and happy in

FH
Yo FH,
Some subjects use textbooks, but in my experience, most don't. It might depend on what you study, I think health and business subjects use them more. You might be able to find them second hand on some school supply websites, I found some on Bookshelf. Otherwise, your lecturer might have tips on how to get them cheap. If your lucky, your lecturer might even have an online version of the textbook, which is free

You know those lecture halls in American College movies, where there's theatre-like seating, those little tables that fold out, and the whiteboard and lectern at the front? Most unis have a couple of them, and if you're doing a popular course with many, many students, it's easier to teach in these. Your lecture hall could have about a hundred students, maybe many more, depending on its size. Your lecturer will present, usually PowerPoints, videos, diagrams, etc. They go on for 1-2 hours, but they give you a break in the middle. There may be question time at the end, where you can ask the lecturer questions about the content.
It mostly reminded me of assemblies, where there's little student-to-student discussion, and more about explicit learning. Just remember, not all of your classes will be like this. Some classes will be similar to high school, with smaller numbers, and more discussion with lecturers and students, other classes might be practical labs
An important thing to remember is that university is a lot different to high school. You don't have to attend every lecture, and you don't have to stay for the whole thing. I recommend sitting with friends, so you can bounce ideas, help each other out, and work on group assignments too

There isn't any proper way to take notes in uni, it's just how you write, read and understand the content best. One of my classes taught me the Cornell Notetaking Method, involving key points and questions, note taking areas and summaries. I didn't like it personally, I just write down any information I think I can use later, including diagrams, questions and reminders for assignments. Most people take notes on their computers, but I prefer my pen and paper

The important thing about university, is that you'll always be changing how you learn and study. The first few weeks might be a bit shaky, but you'll refine yourself, and figure out what works best for you. It's very rewarding trying something new too and realising how it benefits your learning

I wish you, and all Year 12s the absolute best of luck for tomorrow's ATAR Results release, and a wonderful summer break

FH
If you, or anyone else, has any more questions about university, I'd be happy to answer them

Finally got around to doing my Casper test to transfer to the Bachelor's Degree. I haaaaaaate it so much, but I really understand its importance
For those who don't know, Casper is an online pre-requisite test that is done for Education and some Medical Degrees. It tests non-academic skills such as ethics, communication and problem solving, which is good and important for these degrees.

Once I receive the marks for this, I'll be able to make a full application in transferring my course over to the Bachelor of Education. I can't wait to find out what my classes will be the third year, and I'll also have placement to consider. I wish I could work in some of the schools that students of ATARNotes go to, but most are in Melbourne, and I'll probably only be working Years 7-10 anyway. Can't wait to get back into the uni classes, starting again in March

As for summer break, I've been teaching myself German on Duolingo, and I think I understand it better than French. I dug out my old PS2 as well, so I'm busy with that, and working at the pub too. I'd love to go on a road trip in February as well, checking out places like Mildura and Broken Hill. Real inland towns.

Until then, I just have my Casper test to worry about. Hope all goes well
Oh, and best of luck to the Class of '24 for their first year at uni/gap year, and the class of '25, who will be starting Year 12 soon!

FH
Lol thanks. On a 67 day streak, so I'm pretty much held hostage at this point, lol. Best of luck to you too!!

beep_boop
Oooh thanks for the advice. I'm going to apply for a grant, which may help with some of the costs, but I'll be sure to save as well. The uni will also have some advice on what I can do, I live with my parents, and I usually work nights at a pub, but I doubt I'll have time to work there anyway. Very excited for it though!