scholarly journals Evaluating the efficacy of English proficiency on initial semestral results for higher education L1 English speakers in a multilingual context

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyndon Lim ◽  
Wenjin Vikki Bo
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Domestic Students ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Context Data ◽  
English Speaking

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate an English Proficiency (EP) programme and its efficacy with respect to students' academic performance in a university within a multi-lingual context, as the programme had been in effect for some years.Design/methodology/approachA quasi-experimental approach was used to study the efficacy of an EP programme in a university within a multilingual context. Data across two academic years were used, along with regression discontinuity design.FindingsResults suggest that the EP programme had a significant and positive intervention effect on students' initial semester grade point average. The programme effect size was found to be medium to large.Research limitations/implicationsIt might be useful to extend the study for one more year for more concrete conclusions. As the study was anchored upon the structure of the 2016 EP programme, any major curricular/structural change to the programme warrants another study.Practical implicationsThis study demonstrated that the implementation of EP programmes in higher education institutions is essential not only for international students who are foreign language speakers of English but also for domestic students in English-speaking countries, especially for bi/multilingual speakers.Originality/valuePrevious studies related to the efficacy of EP within higher education have focused on international students who speak English as an additional/foreign language. Further, most studies have focussed on students' self-reported experiences and have yielded disparate findings. This study contributes to scholarship as it addresses the under-researched area related to domestic students who speak English as the first language in a bi/multi-lingual context.

An assessment of academic library services: international and domestic students perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 631-653
Author(s):  
Sanaz Soltani ◽  
Shahrokh Nikou
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Domestic Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

PurposeInformation literacy is defined as discrete abilities that a person requires to have in order to find, assess, use and share information. As information literacy skills play a prominent role in the students' academic achievement, students and in particular international students coming to continue their postgraduate studies in other countries may face problems in finding and using library services. The purpose of this paper is to explore and investigate the information literacy skills, challenges and needs of international and domestic students at the Finnish universities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey (82 respondents) and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 international and 10 domestic students.FindingsAcademic library services are used but in different ways. The findings indicate that international students have a relatively low level of information literacy skills compared to domestic students and faces various challenges, especially in the beginning of their studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was exploratory, and data were collected from limited number of Finnish universities and may not be representative of the underlying population.Practical implicationsAcademic libraries should provide effective courses on research methods and library services to the international students while keeping in mind the international students language and cultural barriers.Originality/valueThis is one of the first attempts in information literacy research that focusses on international and domestic students' information literacy skills at the higher education environment. As such, the results provided in this paper can help librarians and decision-makers at the higher education environments to plan better and become more efficient in delivering information services meeting students' information needs and expectations.

scholarly journals English-Medium Instruction and Content Learning in Higher Education: Effects of Medium of Instruction, English Proficiency, and Academic Ability

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 215824402110615
Author(s):  
Teng Lin ◽  
Jun Lei
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Outcomes ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Academic Ability ◽  
Final Exam ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Content Learning ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
English Medium Instruction ◽  
Education Effects

English-medium instruction (EMI) has become increasingly popular in higher educational institutions across the world due to the prominence of English and the internationalization of higher education. Nevertheless, limited research to date has investigated its impacts on content learning through objective measures. The present study addresses this gap by examining whether students taught in English at a university in China perform differently in a business course from their counterparts taught in Chinese and how English-taught students’ English proficiency and academic ability (as measured by grade point average) relate to their EMI academic outcomes. The study employed a quasi-experimental design and adopted inter-translated versions of the same syllabus, textbook, class materials, and exam paper for the English- and Chinese-medium classes. It found no significant differences in students’ academic outcomes (i.e., total score, assignment, participation, and final exam) between the English- and the Chinese-taught classes. It also showed that both English proficiency and academic ability were statistically significant predictors of English-taught students’ academic outcomes with academic ability being a much stronger predictor than English proficiency. These findings add to a growing but still limited body of evidence on the impacts of EMI on content learning and point to several important implications for EMI.

Chinese and Vietnamese international students in Australia

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 1278-1292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huong Le ◽  
Jade McKay
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Chinese Students ◽  
Teaching Quality ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Actual Experience ◽  
The Voice ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the voice of Chinese and Vietnamese international students through studying the similarities and differences in their learning experiences and the reasons underlying their experience. Design/methodology/approach In total, 57 Chinese and Vietnamese international students participated in focus groups and interviews regarding their experiences of higher education and their suggestions for improvement. Findings The findings show that Chinese and Vietnamese students had varying levels of challenges and different progress in the adaptation process and that Chinese students were more vocal and less satisfied with their experience of higher education than Vietnamese students. This is due to the mismatch in their expectation and the actual experience and the cultural influence. Research limitations/implications The sample size is relatively small. This study only looked at Vietnamese and Chinese students in one university, which might have limitations in relation to subjectivity and bias. Practical implications The findings provide useful implications for educators, institutional leaders and support staff to improve facilities, teaching quality and service to students. Originality/value In the current era of internationalisation, commercialisation and mobility in institutions around the world, this study advances current research and provides timely insight into the experiential differences of the Chinese and Vietnamese student experience and their voice.

Implementing English-Taught Programmes in Higher Education in Spain

2020 ◽  
pp. 138-150
Author(s):  
Victor Pavón-Vázquez
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Bilingual Programs ◽  
University Policy ◽  
Material Resources ◽  
Institutional Profile ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The University

The acceptance of English as the lingua franca of the academic world has triggered the flourishing of different approaches to promote the learning of English as a foreign language in higher education. Under the umbrella of supranational regulations (as in the case of Europe), the promise of linguistic gains runs parallel with the necessity to attract international students, to promote the international and institutional profile for the universities, and to enhance employability for graduates. At the university of Córdoba, studies or courses taught through a foreign language are part of a larger university policy, and the decisions were based on clear definition of content and language learning outcomes and human and material resources available. This chapter describes the implementation of bilingual programs at this university, offering a picture of the challenges and problems that emerged and of the initiatives that were adopted.

English instructors’ motivation levels in Islamic higher education

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Fauzan Ansyari ◽  
Fabio Oliveira Coelho ◽  
Kalayo Hasibuan ◽  
Dodi Settiawan ◽  
Masni Kamallia
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Schedule Flexibility ◽  
Financial Benefits

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the motivation levels of non-permanent English instructors (lecturers) in a university language centre (LC) and the factors with regard to what elements sustain their motivation to teach English and to remain in the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) profession at an Islamic higher education institution. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory case study with a purposive sampling technique was employed in this study. Ten instructors (seven females and three males) aged between 26 and 40 years old participated (M = 29.6 year olds). The selected participants in the sample were instructors who had taught between three to nine years at the LC (M = 3.9 years), and interviews were the tools used to collect data. Findings Overall, LC instructors’ motivation is not internalised or less internalised into their self-concept. This can be seen from the results that show, respectively, instructors’ levels of no internalisation (42 per cent), less internalisation (40.5 per cent), more internalisation (11 per cent) and full internalisation (6.5 per cent). In total, 11 factors were identified: the influence of others, financial benefits, professional development opportunities, schedule flexibility, supportive working environment, social status and acceptance, a stepping stone for career advancement, networking, dedication, challenge and teaching as a calling. In general, it has been found that instructors are more externally than internally regulated or motivated. Research limitations/implications This study only employed interview to collect data and had only ten respondents. Originality/value Data were collected at the LC of an Islamic institution of higher education institution where instructors are non-permanently employed. The LC is a TEFL environment serving about 12,000 students a year. This study, therefore, allows for an understanding of instructors’ motivation in such context.

International student perceptions of experience in the West

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Robert Buchanan
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Foreign Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
American Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa

Purpose The purpose of this exploratory study is an examination of some perceptions of US education, as experienced by foreign MBA students. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal field study captured perceptions of a group of 51 international students over a one-year interval. The first anticipatory survey was done in India, and the follow-up was made in the USA at the end of a foreign sojourn semester. Inter-item correlations and t-tests were used to examine variance in student perceptions, highlighted by qualitative elements. Findings In general, the students went home, less impressed than they had expected to be in terms of the perceived general quality of the American business education, as well as their abilities to make friends with the local people. Additionally, the observed preparation of the American students for master’s studies was not nearly as high as the foreign students had anticipated. Research limitations/implications Results are not generalizable to broad populations, as the sample was small and localized. Social implications Emerging markets are successfully luring locals and sojourners based on cost and proximity as they achieve greater legitimacy in their institutional credentials. This could challenge the preeminence of Western higher education, especially in light of concerns arising from marketization and rigor. Meanwhile, developed market institutions need to be strategically mindful of their international guests as a resource rather than a commodity. Originality/value Extant internationalization studies tend to focus on administrative viewpoints, whereas this research examines the perspective of international students, which may be indicative of lessening gaps between perceptions of quality of developed and emerging market higher education.

scholarly journals El «statu quo» y las perspectivas del programa de movilidad internacional de estudiantes chinos con las universidades españolas

2019 ◽  
pp. 196
Author(s):  
Chen Xing ◽  
Li Zixin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
International Development ◽  
Chinese Students ◽  
Exchange Programs ◽  
Exchange Program ◽  
Spanish Universities ◽  
New Situation ◽  
Further Development

In the context of globalization and internationalization of higher education, increasing international students’ exchange has become an important strategy for countries to participate in international development competition. The exchanges between international universities are enormously strengthened, among which the student exchange program is one of the most important forms of cooperation. What’s more, students of foreign language universities have always been particularly active in these intercultural exchanges due to their special academic nature. This article takes Chinese students of Spanish major as an example to illustrate the current situation of Chinese students in the exchange programs with Spanish universities. This paper uses various research methods such as surveys, questionnaires and SPSS Statistics, with the aim of reviewing the problems existing in the current exchange programs and analyzing the relations between some certain variables, which helps us put forward corresponding measures and suggestions for further development and look into a broader and richer future of the exchanges and cooperation between universities worldwide in the new situation.

Shaping the future of a globalized world

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Burkhardt ◽  
Elisabeth E. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Interaction Patterns ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cultural Interactions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand how everyday cross-cultural interactions affected the adjustment of undergraduate international students attending a private university in the northeastern United States of America. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected primarily through interviews with nine international students and observations at “Eastern University”. Students were purposively selected to balance gender and world regions. Analysis used constant comparison until findings emerged, which were member-checked with study participants (Merriam, 2009). Findings – Findings show that the impact of university diversity initiatives for promoting everyday cross-cultural interactions is described as creating an us/them divide, promoting solidarity and establishing a cultural presence. It is concluded that formal university events foster recognition of the campus diversity international students help provide, but their impact on everyday cross-cultural interactions is both positive and negative. Additionally, the mode by which undergraduate international students are introduced to their US campus affects their integration and future interaction patterns. Research limitations/implications – Further research is needed to explore higher education institutions (HEIs)’ connection to human resource development (HRD) for shaping the future global arena. Studies that address the continuum from higher education to the workforce are needed to prepare the next generation of professionals for a global world. This study is limited due to small sample size. Findings are not generalizable in a statistical sense, but HRD professionals in HEIs may compare the details in this study with their own institutions. Originality/value – This study contributes to the discussion of national HRD by addressing international students and their insights into how diversity programs impact adjustment in an American setting. Additionally, organizational and faculty development initiatives in academic institutions can be improved by understanding the insights found in this study.

scholarly journals English and International Students’ Adjustment in Indonesian Higher Education: A Teacher’s Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamamah ◽  
Yulia Hapsari
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Effective Interaction ◽  
Language Barrier ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Academic Life ◽  
Academic Leader ◽  
Academic Adaptation

International students at higher education in Indonesia encounter an extent of situations amid their adaptations in academic life. These experiences contribute to their satisfaction. As handful of studies within Indonesian context were conducted to identify the international students’ difficulties in adapting to academic life, teacher’s point of view toward the issue is barely available. This study centers at a teacher’s experience in dealing with the international students. Highlight is given to language barrier, not only encountered by the international students but also the teacher. A narrative inquiry was employed involving an academic leader who is also a teacher knowledgeable in internationalization agenda in higher education in Indonesia. Results of the study reveals that the academic adaptation of international students, with the focus of language barrier, was compounded by the absence of roadmap of internationalization policy in national and organizational levels, less-ideal classroom setting, and not effective interaction within classroom with the diversity of people involved. It is suggested that the policy on the proficiency of English language should be regulated to be mastered by students and teachers in international program.  HIGHLIGHTS: The lack of policy regulating standard of English proficiency level as entry requirement for international students becomes one of the causes of the language barrier problem that might hurdle the academic adaptation of international students. The composition of domestic and international students in a class as well as the lack of English proficiency of both the teacher and the students has contributed to the difficulties in academic adjustment.  

scholarly journals Helping International Students Identify Themselves

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 156-175
Author(s):  
Gustavo Valdez Paez ◽  
Ning Hou ◽  
James Tan ◽  
Zhan Wang ◽  
Jing Hua
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
International Students ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Openness To Experience ◽  
State University ◽  
Domestic Students ◽  
Organizational Attachment ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between social media usage and personality has received increased scrutiny recently. The current study studies international students’ organizational attachment through the exploration of their personality and usage of university social media. Participants were 51 international students from a Midwest State University and 49 domestic (U.S.) students for comparison purposes. Results showed some differences in the structure of personality, level of social media usage, and level of organizational attachment comparing international students and domestic students. Results also supported the complementary purpose of using social media for international students, where agreeableness and openness to experience are negatively associated with social media usage. Moreover, the relationship was stronger when students’ English proficiency is lower. An overall model demonstrated the relationship among international students’ personalities, university social media usage, and organizational attachment. 

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