Engaging international students in academic and information literacy

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 277-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Lahlafi ◽  
Diane Rushton
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Academic Literacy ◽  
Academic Skills ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
Teaching Techniques ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Second Year

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss a collaborative initiative between a module leader, librarian and academic skills tutor to support information and academic literacy skills development of a group of international students from a partner college in Malaysia during their three-month study visit to Sheffield Hallam University. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explores the transferability of active learning and teaching techniques used with second-year home students to a cohort of final-year international students. It discusses the development, implementation and assessment of learning workshop activities and the use of mobile phones in the classroom to enhance student engagement. Findings – The embedded active learning and teaching techniques used with second-year home students transferred well to the international student cohort. At the end of the module, international student feedback and reference list analysis suggests that the embedding of both information and academic literacy skills within modules does support student development of these skills. Mobile technology proved both enjoyable and engaging for the students. Originality/value – The paper’s findings are transferable to other international student cohorts in UK higher education libraries and suggest ways of engaging students in information and academic skills workshops and supporting their skills development to achieve academic success.

scholarly journals The value and impact of cross professional collaborations in developing student information and academic literacy skills at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Rushton ◽  
Alison Lahlafi
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Academic Literacy ◽  
Academic Skills ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
Professional Collaboration ◽  
Practice Recommendations ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Student Information

The paper is jointly written by an academic and librarian and discusses the value and impact of two examples of cross professional collaboration at Sheffield Hallam University. The collaborations addressed information and academic literacy skills development of 640 students across four years and involved a librarian, an academic, an academic skills tutor and an e-learning expert. The paper includes analysis on the value and impact of cross-professional collaborations in developing student information literacy (IL) and academic literacy skills. It concludes with discussion of lessons learned and best practice recommendations.

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.

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.

Universities and research in times of crisis: the getting of wisdom

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-371
Author(s):  
Lorraine Ling
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Federal Government ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Student ◽  
Course Delivery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dramatic Effect ◽  
Normal University ◽  
Australian Universities

PurposeIn a time of the COVID-19, pandemic universities and researchers have been faced with unprecedented issues and challenges, and the purpose of this paper is to explore those challenges and issues.Design/methodology/approachIn this article the role of universities and research in times of crisis and emergency is explored.FindingsCOVID-19 has impacted upon universities and their staff and students in a range of ways involving course delivery, staff location and limited campus access and university income. The decline in the amount of funding provided by the federal government to Australian universities over several decades has caused a heavy reliance on international student enrolments; thus, the decrease in international students’ numbers, especially, has had a dramatic effect on university budgets. . Research and researchers are shown to be most vulnerable at a time when their expertise, knowledge and wisdom are arguably most required.Originality/valueThis sudden and unpredicted decline in funds available in universities due to the COVID-19 pandemic along with the disruption of normal university business, poses major problems for all the activities of universities. In this article the current Australian university context is used as a vehicle to explore the role that universities have during crises with particular reference to the role of research and researchers across all discipline areas.

Challenges in and recommendations for working with international students with first-episode psychosis: a descriptive case series

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-193
Author(s):  
Connie Lee ◽  
Gina Marandola ◽  
Ashok Malla ◽  
Srividya Iyer
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Student ◽  
Case Series ◽  
First Episode Psychosis ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intervention Service ◽  
Episode Psychosis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a series of cases of international students being treated in a specialized early intervention service for first-episode psychosis (FEP), describing the particular challenges that arise in this process, and to provide recommendations addressing these challenges. Design/methodology/approach Two researchers independently reviewed the charts of seven international students and discussed them with their treating clinicians. Recurring themes were identified through an iterative process of discussion and consensus. Findings Four themes were identified which demonstrated specific challenges faced by international students being treated for FEP: difficulty maintaining student visa status, limited social and family support, financial and health insurance issues, and service disengagement. Originality/value The study suggests that international students with FEP may present with numerous and unique challenges, thereby requiring special attention in their treatment. Although these are preliminary findings based on a small case series, the findings can inform recommendations for mental health services in cities with a sizeable international student population and guide future research on this topic.

scholarly journals Step Up to Masters

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Daniel John Pullinger ◽  
Jiani Liu
Keyword(s):  
Academic Literacy ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Individual Development ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Online Resource ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Key Topics ◽  
Learning Development ◽  
The University

The article in question introduces research conducted by the Learning Development Team at the University of Leeds on the academic literacy skills development needs and expectations of taught postgraduate students, and the subsequent creation of an innovative new online resource, Step Up to Masters. As well as focusing on key topics highlighted by the research, the resource encourages students to reflect on their individual development priorities and to select the most relevant support options for their successful transition to taught postgraduate (PGT) study. The rationale behind this reflect and select approach has been informed by a synthesis of (a) the outcomes of key studies on the diverse needs and challenges faced by PGT students when making the transition to Masters study, and (b) the team’s own research findings on PGT students’ academic development priorities and preferences. Step Up to Masters received the Digital Award for Information Literacy 2020, and was central to the online PGT induction programme initiated at Leeds for 2020/21 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

“You are not as localised as I need”: employability of Chinese returning graduates

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ly Thi Tran ◽  
Jill Blackmore ◽  
Mark Rahimi
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Labour Market ◽  
International Student ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Overseas Study ◽  
China And India ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeInternational student employability has been accorded increased emphasis in the internationalisation agendas, especially in major destination countries as it shapes universities' attractiveness to prospective international students. Having insights into returning graduates' employability in their home country has become critical given that a majority of international graduates return home after their overseas study. This study responds to this critical need by examining how foreign credentials are valued by employers in the field of accounting in China, based on in-depth interviews with employers, alumni and policymakers.Design/methodology/approachThis study draws on a qualitative approach involving literature review and in-depth interviews with 28 key stakeholders: employers, returning graduates and policymakers in China and India. The key research question of the study is how foreign credentials are valued by employers in the field of accounting in China and India. This article focuses on the Chinese context. In-depth interviews with employers and policymakers focused on eliciting nuanced socio-cultural understandings as to perceptions and decisions associated with desirable graduate attributes and the relative value of credentials. Interviews with returning graduates aimed to understand how different capitals were mobilised to gain employment in the Chinese labour market.FindingsThe empirical findings of the study show that Chinese returning graduates could be seen to lack the localised knowledge needed to work in Chinese companies and ability to adapt to the local environment. However the possible development of a dual local and international guanxi through overseas study can be regarded as a marker of distinction in the home labour market. The associated value of such a dual guanxi signals the importance for Chinese international students to develop transnational networks while simultaneously maintaining their kinship, social and business networks locally during their overseas education.Originality/valueThe study provides fresh insights into a marked shift in China, with less of a preference for Western credentials, as compared to 10 years ago when overseas credentials were often regarded more favourably. Even though overseas study generally provides Chinese graduates with an exposure to international practices and global perspectives, whether such an overseas exposure and foreign language competency would be an advantage also depends on the business needs and sometimes the business model of organisations.

Academic experiences in teaching Chinese international students

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark McCrohon ◽  
Berenice Nyland
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Academic Integrity ◽  
International Student ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Positioning Theory ◽  
Academic Experiences ◽  
Chinese International Students ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceptions And Attitudes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate on the factors, which influence the academic perspectives and integrity of the Chinese international students (CISs) perspectives of academic integrity. The paper reports on the views and experiences of academicians interviewed as part of the study. Design/methodology/approach – The study used a trans-disciplinary conceptual framework based on grounded and positioning theory to interpret qualitative data derived from in-depth interviews and research literature. In line with this constructivist approach, a version of Auditable Systematised Qualitative Analysis was a tool used to conceptualise the participant’s ideas about academic integrity. Findings – Analysis of the gathered data from interviews with lecturers suggests that representing a line of discourse expressed by the institution was in many, but not all cases, difficult for these lecturers. Practical implications – This research has the potential to contribute to administrator, educator and policy makers in their understanding of CIS perspectives, international student experiences in host institutions and local academic experiences, perceptions and attitudes. Originality/value – This is a primary research paper designed to explore academic perspectives of academic integrity in working with international students. The complexities and changing nature of understanding of the international student context gives the research value.

A review of self-efficacy training for international student

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hillman Wirawan ◽  
Muhammad Thahir Bandu
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
International Students ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
International Student ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transitional Challenges

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the implication of self-efficacy training for international students (SETIS). International students faced various transitional challenges which also potentially attenuate their academic performance. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) is sufficient in explaining this phenomenon as well as suggesting self-efficacy enhancement strategies. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a speculative viewpoint on the implications of SETIS. The author reviewed relevant literature and systematically constructing the SETIS based on the SCT. The SCT was used to design an appropriate training to help international students cope with transitional challenges which significantly attenuate their academic performance. Findings – The SCT and self-efficacy theory were relevant in designing the training for international students. There are four key elements of the SETIS: goal-setting; effort explanation; modeling; and sharing and evaluation. The implementation of SETIS follows the common rule in conducting effective training including need assessment and post-training evaluation. Information from academic performance record, English as Second Language test score, General Self-efficacy Scale, Students’ Adaptation to College Questionnaire, and Focus Group Discussion is also necessary to justify the need for SETIS. Research limitations/implications – Despite theoretical evidence of the SETIS, further research is necessary to test the effectiveness of this training. Future study in this specific area should focus on examining the effectiveness of the training. Originality/value – This paper addressed important issues in international education. A systematic effort in providing robust and theoretical-based training for international students is necessary. By considering the importance of self-efficacy and academic performance, this paper had begun an initial effort in designing training for international students who are struggling for a transitional challenge. Additionally, this paper provides a practical guideline in implementing SETIS.

scholarly journals Using e-learning to support international students’ dissertation preparation

2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 122-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Sloan ◽  
Elizabeth Porter ◽  
Karen Robins ◽  
Karen McCourt
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Student Understanding ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
Learning Tool ◽  
Learning Resource ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Transferable Skill ◽  
E Learning

Purpose – A research paper on the design and implementation of an e-learning resource responding to the globalisation of education. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the challenges presented in learning and teaching on how to support international postgraduate (PG) students undertaking the specific task of a dissertation. Design/methodology/approach – Using findings from 250 PG students, 40 supervisors and two module tutors the research identified the content and language issues faced by students and recognised the need to design an enabler supporting the latter as independent learners and the academic staff delivering support. Findings – The e-learning tool provides an independent learning tool which addresses student concerns relating to the process and content of structuring a dissertation and the function of language. Initial responses have been positive from both staff and students in respect to providing a source of student support and feedback. Originality/value – The research shows how the Dissertation Game Model (DGM), evolved into an e-learning resource supporting student understanding of the content, structure, planning and writing of a dissertation. The e-learning tool focuses on helping international students understand what the generic contents of each chapter of a dissertation should contain and supports them in engaging in research as a transferable skill.

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