Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) is a pre-University preparatory program that can help prepare potential applicants for tertiary study.

STEPS aims to afford adults who have turned 19, and who are Australian or New Zealand citizens or hold permanent resident or humanitarian visas, an opportunity to study at university.

STEPS is a 12 week Accelerated or a 24 week Extended/Flex program, designed to instill in its adult learners the skills and confidence necessary to embark on tertiary study.

STEPS covers academic communication, mathematics, computing, independent learning skills, study skills and library/information literacy skills.

The great majority of students who have completed STEPS have gained entrance to CQU or other tertiary institutions, while others have moved on to more rewarding careers.

This program is offered on campus during T1 and T2.

Course and Study Allowance

• Language & Learning A - 5 hours/week
• Language & Learning B - 5 hours/week
• Transition Mathematics 1A - 5 hours/week
• Transition Mathematics 1B - 5 hours/week
• Computing for Academic Assignment Writing A - 3 hours/week
• Computing for Academic Assignment Writing B - 3 hours/week
• Tertiary Preparation Skills - 3 hours/week
• Tertiary Preparation Skills Extended - 3 hours/week
  

Courses
Language and Learning A (LNGE40054)
This course gives an introduction to recent findings on learning and shows how these can be applied to writing and study. Students are also familiarised with the stages of the writing process and gain practice in writing in a variety of genres, particularly personal.

Language and Learning B (LNGE40056)
This course further develops the whole-brain learning strategies introduced in Language and Learning A and shows how they can be applied to reading for planning and writing the academic essay. Through research, writing and discussion, students gain an understanding of social, political and economic influences, both past and present, on Australia as it faces social change in the 21st Century.

Transition Mathematics 1A (MATH40232)
Transition Mathematics 1A introduces the foundation concepts, rules and methods of basic mathematics. The course aims to assist students to develop confidence in handling mathematical concepts and techniques and to motivate them to undertake further study in mathematics. Topics covered include number types, operations with numbers (including rules of precedence), percentages, introductory algebraic manipulation and introductory statistics. Transition Mathematics 1A is the first part of a two-part mathematics course for STEPS Extended students. It is assumed that students will complete the content of Transition Mathematics 1A before undertaking Transition Mathematics 1B.

Transition Mathematics 1B (MATH40233)
Transition Mathematics 1B is the second part of a two-part mathematics course for STEPS students. This course continues on from Transition Mathematics 1A. Transition Mathematics 1B introduces additional foundation concepts, rules and methods of basic mathematics. The course aims to assist the student to develop confidence in handling mathematical concepts and techniques and to motivate them to undertake further study in mathematics and statistics. Topics covered include exponents (indices), solving algebraic equations, coordinating the geometry of a straight line and units and their conversions.

Computing for Academic Assignment Writing A (COIT40207)
This course is designed to familiarise new users with the basic skills for setting out an academic assignment. Students will learn to navigate Microsoft Word and how to access shortcuts to reduce the workload associated with preparing an academic assignment. The aim is to have students gain proficiency in the use of Webmail and its protocols as well as in Internet searching.

Computing for Academic Assignment Writing B (COIT40208)
This course aims to develop skills necessary for Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. It will consolidate skills acquired in Computing for Academic Assignment Writing A.

Tertiary Preparation Skills (SKIL40013)
Students will be familiarised with university programs and procedures as well as develop organisational strategies, oral presentation and research/information literacy skills necessary for academic studies.

Tertiary Preparation Skills Extended (SKIL40016)
This course is centred on the theories of optimism and authentic happiness. It seeks to facilitate the acquisition of a range of psychological and practical skills that are necessary for the challenges involved in tertiary study. Through a mixture of psychological theory, reflection and practical class activities students will become aware of the importance of the impact of their personal attitudes and beliefs on the outcomes of study, and of the facilitative nature of an optimistic and positive style. Practical skills relating to the process of study will also form a key component of the course. The course aims for students to learn to adopt a positive and directive attitude towards study and to acquire the time management and study skills necessary to successfully cope with tertiary study.