International and domestic students' perspectives on teaching and learning

• Published in: Journal of international education in business Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 20 - 32
• Main Author: Soosay, Claudine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Acton Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01.04.2009
• Subjects: Adjustment (To environment); Analysis; Australian students; Bilingualism; Business education; Colleges & universities; Cultural differences; Cultural relations; Culture; Curricula; Diversity (Student); Foreign students; Globalization; Higher education; Host country; International; International education; International students; Interviews; Language; Learner Engagement; Learning; Learning Strategies; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Pedagogy; Student Diversity; Students; Studies; Teachers; Teaching; Teaching methods; Undergraduate students; Australia
• ISSN: 1836-3261; 2046-469X; 1836-3261
• DOI: 10.1108/18363261080001592

The increasing mix of international and domestic students in many Australian universities provides more challenges and opportunities for those who are responsible for students, their successful interactions, and understanding of differences in their identity development. It also compels for increased pedagogical reflections in teaching and learning strategies. This exploratory study investigates students' perspectives on teaching and learning in a 3rd year undergraduate course they had recently completed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five international and five domestic students to seek their views on the current teaching and learning methods and activities. The findings depict several implications and opportunities to improve the course delivery to enable more effective learning outcomes. It was also found that cultural diversity in the classroom can impact on student engagement; and therefore as educators, we need to examine and take action on ensuring equity, access and culturally appropriate pedagogy and curriculum. [Author abstract]