In this blog we try to dispel some of the misconceptions about what HELPS can and can’t do for students.
HELPS can support your students in developing their academic language and literacy skills so you can concentrate on delivering valuable subject-specific content. We can also provide students with a sense of community and belonging, enhancing their overall learning experience.
Watch this video to meet the HELPS Team and read below to find out more …
FACT OR MYTH?
HELPS’ services and programmes are only for non-English-speaking background students.
MYTH: HELPS services are freely available to ALL undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students at UTS regardless of their linguistic or academic background and regardless if they are international or local students. They can visit the HELPS Centre for a 15-minute drop-in consultation where we will diagnose any learning issues and recommend a course of action to get them on-track as soon as possible. Our ‘no wrong door’ approach means that no student is turned away.
HELPS’ does not provide a proofreading and grammar checking service for students’ assignments.
FACT: HELPS offers personalised 1:1 consultations that can be booked in advance for students who require assignment writing support. They can send us their written assignment which will be reviewed prior to their consultation and any issues such as analysis of the question, academic style, grammar, sentence and paragraph structure, referencing, or adherence to the marking criteria, can be brought to their attention. We do not proofread or edit assignments FOR students but work WITH them to enhance their written responses.
HELPS only supports students with their written assignments
MYTH: We have supportive writing spaces called WriteNow! where students can work on their assignments with an Advisor on standby but it’s not all about writing. HELPS also assists students with seminar presentations, both via consultation or through our intensive academic programmes. Students who wish to develop their confidence in speaking can join our regular Conversations@UTS sessions and can improve their pronunciation, reading, grammar, active listening or even professional communication skills at our HELPS Daily Workshops – they just need to go online to register! Students who prefer to study independently can access valuable self-help resources in a one-stop shop online.
HELPS provides more than just academic language and literacy support
FACT: Students can consult with our Advisors about their academic assignments or chat with our friendly volunteers who will give them ‘inside knowledge’ about their studies from a peer perspective. But sometimes it’s not all about studies! Your students can join our HELPS Mates Buddy Program to connect with a volunteer to build their confidence, learn about culture and customs, or even exchange languages. Helping your students find a sense of place and community will enhance their global learning experience at UTS and lead to more positive results.
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