Teaching International Students

This week, I would like to share a recently published article by a colleague on the topic of Faculty Development Adjustments for International Students. In this article, the researchers explore the challenges teaching international students in a culturally mixed classroom and the dynamics on learning.

A multiple case qualitative study was used to focus on the integration of international students into the learning environments at three universities in the Pacific. Nine faculty members, who had experience teaching international students were selected from three institutions and interviewed on how they managed different cultures and linguistic backgrounds. Data were organized into themes of Language/Cultural challenges; Teaching and Learning Challenges; Ethnic Perceptions; and Enrollment Desires. The outcomes of the research suggest that Faculty development programs can be useful enhancements to assist in a continuous improvement; explore diagnostics and enhanced ESL programs for students and faculty; and universities should offer identification, of ethnic differences in student preparation all influence the methods used to create accessible environments. The findings suggest that faculty have developed different ways to manage the challenges.