5: Studying at University or TAFE Much of the following information has been extracted from the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre La Trobe university website: www.latrobe.edu.au/otarc. OTARC provides evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals with ASD and their families. The website development formed part of the research project Transition to and Participation in Tertiary Education for Students with an Autism ‘Supporting Spectrum Disorder’ conducted by the OTARC, and supported by the Victorian Government. Studying at university or TAFE is very different from high school. You are expected to do more for yourself and there is less structure and less follow- up from teachers. As a tertiary student, you have to learn to become more independent in your studies. You are expected to manage your study timetable and deadlines. This may include: Preparing for classes by reading class notes, textbooks and other recommended materials. Attending lectures and classes. Taking relevant notes or recording information from lectures. Finding your own resources from the library or internet for completing your assignments. Making sure you complete and submit assignments by the due date. Help is available if you need it. There is a range of support services available at your university or TAFE to assist you. It is important that you ask for help when required. The table on the next page outlines the main differences between studying at high school and at university or TAFE. Highlight the ones that you think you will find the easiest to manage. In a different colour, highlight the ones that you think that you will find most challenging.
5: Studying at University or TAFE Much of the following information has been extracted from the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre La Trobe university website: www.latrobe.edu.au/otarc. OTARC provides evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals with ASD and their families. The website development formed part of the research project ‘Supporting Transition to and Participation in Tertiary Education for Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder’ conducted by the OTARC, and supported by the Victorian Government. Studying at university or TAFE is very different from high school. You are expected to do more for yourself and there is less structure and less follow- up from teachers. As a tertiary student, you have to learn to become more independent in your studies. You are expected to manage your study timetable and deadlines. This may include: Preparing for classes by reading class notes, textbooks and other recommended materials. Attending lectures and classes. Taking relevant notes or recording information from lectures. Finding your own resources from the library or internet for completing your assignments. Making sure you complete and submit assignments by the due date. Help is available if you need it. There is a range of support services available at your university or TAFE to assist you. It is important that you ask for help when required. The table on the next page outlines the main differences between studying at high school and at university or TAFE. Highlight the ones that you think you will find the easiest to manage. In a different colour, highlight the ones that you think that you will find most challenging.