Notes:

The grouping in the lower left quadrant highlights the need to create academic structure for student learning in the first year. Academic structure is realised through clear goals (principle 1), a series of learning tasks that encourage students to spend time and effort on a regular basis in and out of class (principle 2), supportive teacher feedback which is given in time and can be used to make improvements (principle 3) and a positive and supportive motivational climate (principle 4). Structure is important in the first year. It helps students unfamiliar with the demands of university study to adjust and find out what is expected. It stops them falling behind in their studies and if the structure involves specific learning activities (principle 2) it means there is time to get feedback before it is too late.