Zoe De Jong is close to completing her masters after finishing two separate bachelor degrees at Deakin. ‘I first started at Deakin University as I was looking to study psychology in a regional town. After completing my first degree I spent a couple of years working and decided to return to Deakin. I love that Deakin feels like home. People are friendly and approachable, and the campuses are warm and inviting. The learning environment and culture at Deakin combines professionalism in academia and inclusive culture,’ she says.
During placement, Zoe experienced a completely new environment and way of life, ‘during the Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) I have participated in the Global Education Program (GEP), in which I completed a three-week teaching placement at a secondary school in a small town called Humpty Doo, just outside of Darwin, Northern Territory. It was a fantastic opportunity that I would not have been able to do without the program.’
Zoe has always enjoyed stepping outside the classroom to learn from the many opportunities provided by Deakin. ‘I have been a student representative for the course advisory board in 2017, where I had the opportunity to provide feedback on the course on behalf of the student cohort. During my undergraduate degree, I was a PASS Leader for one unit in my second year and was a Peer Mentor in my third year. I am currently a mentor with the Deakin Engagement and Access Program, where I get to share my University experiences with school students and encourage them to aim for higher education after school.’
The Unit Chairs have organised invaluable experiences for school staff to present as guest speakers, arranged for our cohort to visit and participate in school proceedings (separate to professional experience) and have incorporated a range of hands-on learning experiences to enhance our engagement with the learning.
In Zoe’s experience, she would recommend Deakin because the ‘teaching and academic staff are passionate, knowledgeable, and often have valuable insights to share from their experiences in the industry. Staff are often helpful and go above and beyond to support students’ learning experience.’
‘I would also recommend Deakin because of its inclusive culture and flexible learning options. Deakin is a leader in cloud-based learning which recognizes the need for work-life balance, and the attainment of future employability skills.’
Zoe De Jong
Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary)
Find out more about studying a teaching degree at Deakin University.