STEPS - Library - Central Queensland University

Part Two: The STEPS philosophy
know that I can accept the perceptions and values of others as being as
equally valid as my own. STEPS has given me the Elixir of strength, self
esteem and the confidence to believe in myself as an individual.
Transformational learning applied to
STEPS
Each of the STEPS courses endeavours to provide the curriculum and
strategies that will encourage students to transform their worldviews.
Tertiary Preparation Studies (TPS) empowers students to change the way
they view themselves as scholars. In the first few weeks of the STEPS
program, students begin to develop self-awareness through gaining a better
understanding of themselves as learners. They identify personal strengths
and weaknesses according to their unique sets of learning preferences and
temperament types, and begin building individual profiles. This information
is used to provide a sound platform to maximise their learning journeys.
Next, they are given strategies to support their preferred learning styles, and
are also encouraged to develop skills in learning in ways which they do not
prefer. New learning strategies are essential for many who see themselves
as damaged learners as they may be reluctant to revisit old ways that have
brought past failures. Innovative strategies, which include the six coloured
hats and parallel thinking of Edward de Bono and mind mapping, are then
carried over to be used in other STEPS courses, particularly in the writing
course, Language and Learning. TPS also introduces students to oral
presentations through group work. In addition, through facilitating an
awareness of all that Central Queensland University has to offer students,
TPS provides a context for developing study and life skills that will help
students position themselves as confident, proactive and self-directed
scholars of the university, who know where to go to seek help and guidance
should the need arise.
Transformation in Language and Learning is attempted through a holistic
course that focuses on social change in contemporary Australian society.
Language and Learning embraces the paradigm of learning that comes from
the new world of science. This sees that all things are interconnected.
Emphasising community and co-operation in an empowering environment,
this course reflects the view that all worthwhile learning creates a ‘capacity
for connectedness’ in learners; 154 therefore, developing the ability to think
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