A Flipped Academic World – TMU Nursing Students Reflect on Dual Master’s Degree Experience at the University of Wollongong

Wei Liang and Chen-I Lee, students from the College of Nursing, earned a scholarship from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education and pursued their dual master’s degree at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in 2022.

Liang (right) and Lee (left) took a graduation photo at UOW

Putting aside the pressure and loneliness of studying abroad, both Liang and Lee agreed that UOW conducted education in a distinct way from Taiwan. The master’s course at UOW combines clinical courses, leadership, and nursing education with the concept of evidence-based medicine (EBM). “Most of the classes were designed as workshops,” Liang shared. Distinct from Taiwan’s way of listening to lectures, students in UOW are asked to take the initiative, including gathering online materials by themselves and leading a discussion in a group or a whole class. “It’s called ‘flipped classroom,’ something that Taiwanese students would need time to adjust to,” Lee said, “however, the bilateral way of learning significantly elevates the learning effectiveness regarding professional knowledge and presenting skills.”

Reflecting on their experience of facing challenges, the first thing that came to their minds was completing the course assignments. As course instructors adopt the model of a flipped classroom, the given assignments also varied in formats. “Teachers at UOW encourage students to explore their creativity by asking students to do a painting, write a poem, or make a video while Taiwan’s education emphasizes academic writing and reading,” they noted. As it was fun, it also prompted students to think deeper than reading the words in textbooks, providing a diverse perspective on the nursing profession.

“Not merely an entry into the academic world, the study experience guides students to appreciate the beauty of the nursing profession,” they concluded.

Liang and Lee visited Kiama in Sydney with other exchange students