University of Wisconsin–Madison

Australia: Mhari Gohlke (Our Global Classroom)

Our Global Classroom

A table of four people with computers in a classroom with a projector on at the front.
Micro and nanotechnology fabrication classroom

I find that classrooms at Monash University are quite different compared to UW-Madison. Monash University’s classrooms have a distinct appearance with colorful academic buildings, with each department sporting their unique color scheme. For example, the engineering building, known as Woodside, features orange and black colors. I’ve noticed many classrooms are made of glass and have sliding entrances. The classrooms are equipped with modern technology and resources that facilitate effective teaching and learning.

The design of Monash University classrooms also takes into consideration the different teaching styles and modes of learning. Some classrooms are designed for lecture-style teaching, where the lecturer stands at the front of the room and delivers a presentation to the students. These classrooms are usually equipped with large screens or projectors that display the lecture slides. Other classrooms are designed for interactive or collaborative learning. These classrooms have tables and chairs that can be easily rearranged to facilitate group discussions and activities. There are whiteboards that are built into the tables to facilitate group work.

A group of students wearing protective gear stand in a laboratory lit in an orange-yellow light.
Learning about photolithography process at the MCN

For my courses, my lectures are taught online through videos on Moodle, a platform similar to Canvas. The mode of teaching in live lectures is active learning. During my in-person classes, I am answering questions or thinking through problems with my peers. This is the best way to form friendships and make connections with people who you can ask help on assignments.

In my micro and nanotechnology fabrication course, I had a lab at the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication (MCN). It is one of Australia’s leading research centers for micro and nanotechnology research. The MCN has two cleanroom facilities in which we were able to go into. I was most excited to wear the blue suits and learn about the equipment in the room. We learned about the photolithography process in class and was able to actually perform the process during lab. It was a really fun experience.

A long building with curved walls.
The Learning and Teaching building

When I’m looking for a place to study, I like to go to the Learning and Teaching Building. It is a six-level facility that provides comfortable seating and space for studying. The building has large windows that maximizes natural lighting.

Mhari stretches her legs on an orange, wire chair.
Relaxing at the Northern Plaza

During the day or sometimes in the warm evening, I enjoy going to the Northern Plaza next to the Campus Centre. This area is similar to Memorial Union, where there are color chairs and entertainment outside.

 

 

 

 

 

Mhari smiles in front of a tile black and white mural.

Mhari Gohlke

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Neshkoro, Wisconsin

Program: Australia, Melbourne / Monash University Exchange

CRICOS Provider: 00008C