The recent 2019 incarnation of the Australian International Education Conference in Perth served as a forum to celebrate IDP Australia’s 50th anniversary.
General Manager VET and ELICOS Thorsten Wilhelm represented ELSIS as part of a themed session on good practice in, and the future of, pathway programs. They presented on “The future of pathway programs – leading the way with the entrenchment model”.
Thorsten Wilhelm said entering tertiary academic life in an English-speaking country can be daunting for students.
“Although pathway programs are designed to equip students with the tools required to succeed in their tertiary studies, traditionally, these programs have been conducted in isolation.
“The future of pathway programs is the provision of continuing nurture and support through an entrenchment model, developed in collaboration and consultation with academics of further studies courses.”
Participants of Thorsten’s session learned about the creation of sound and holistic pathway programs in collaboration and consultation with VET and higher education providers. The session was based on the implementation of ELSIS’ recently launched entrenchment model pathway program, which sets students up for success by supporting them throughout their journey.ELSIS’ new Academic Preparation Program, which has been developed in close collaboration with academics from partner universities, pursues a topic-centric approach and includes guided research sessions, an Academic Culture Chapter, as well as an Entrenchment Model. During the first six weeks of their university study, ELSIS gives students ongoing support to ease their entry into the academic world and help their transition into their tertiary studies.
This new Academic Preparation Program aims to continuously develop and integrate new materials into its courses and is based around close collaboration between all stakeholders. This includes teachers, academics and, most importantly, listening to the ever-changing needs of international students.
