1. 1
2013 Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE) Annual Conference 8th – 11th December 2013
Targeted orientation:
A continuing study of
the perceptions of
transitioning first-year
engineering students
Targeted orientation: A continuing study of the perceptions of transitioning first-year engineering students
Dominique Elliott, Dr George P. Banky, Aaron S. Blicblau, ESER Group, FEIS, SUT,
Corresponding Author Email: gbanky@swin.edu.au

2. Problem Addressed
2
2013 Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE) Annual Conference 8th - 11th December 2013
• Research by others has shown that student attitudes
and approaches to tertiary learning have significant
dependence on their expectations of university study.
• Our research focuses on engineering students who
have concerns which were not addressed by associated
surveys and the effect that a targeted orientation
programme has on for first-year engineering students.
• Students were surveyed regarding their expectations of
transition to university in 2010, 2012 & 2013.
Targeted orientation: A continuing study of the perceptions of transitioning first-year engineering students
Dominique Elliott, Dr George P. Banky, Aaron S. Blicblau, ESER Group, FEIS, SUT,
Corresponding Author Email: gbanky@swin.edu.au

3. Actions Taken
3
2013 Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE) Annual Conference 8th - 11th December 2013
Targeted orientation: A continuing study of the perceptions of transitioning first-year engineering students
Dominique Elliott, Dr George P. Banky, Aaron S. Blicblau, ESER Group, FEIS, SUT,
Corresponding Author Email: gbanky@swin.edu.au
In response to feedback
from first-year
engineering students
who were surveyed in
2010 and 2012
2013 group was
exposed to a targeted
orientation program
and compared with
previous cohorts.
Targeted orientation and
transition program was
designed to equip students
with a smooth transition
into tertiary studies in
response to requests from
students
Collected data from the 2013 cohort was statistically analysed and compared to that
collected with an identical survey in 2010
12 different types of Targeted
Orientation events offered in
total focusing on: -
Administration
Maths assistance
Strategies for success at uni
Welcome events
Orientation day
Opportunities to meet the
academics
International student events
Engineering Design Challenge
Objective: Positive social
adjustment to University life

4. 4
Social
isolation
Tackling
Social
isolation
Study skills
Seeking
help
early
How to find
information Administration
obligations and
requirements
Navigating the
world of
University 101
Positive social
adjustment to
University life
Women In
Engineering
EWB
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Frengineers
Data based early
intervention activities for
targeted orientation 2013

5. Findings, impacts and outstanding issues
Targeted orientation: A continuing study of the perceptions of transitioning first-year engineering students
Dominique Elliott, Dr George P. Banky, Aaron S. Blicblau, ESER Group, FEIS, SUT,
Corresponding Author Email: gbanky@swin.edu.au
5
Anecdotal evidence indicates that such
groups of students cope better on a day-to-
day basis than students who do not get
exposed to a targeted orientation course.
Comparison of collected data
(2013) with baseline (2013) showed

6. 6
2013 Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE) Annual Conference 8th – 11th December 2013
Questions?