Teaching Matters

Experiences and lessons learnt from the implementation of a model for supporting transnational pathways students

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Teaching Matters | Presentation Details |

Title

Experiences and lessons learnt from the implementation of a model for supporting transnational pathways students


Author(s)

Dr Chia-Chin (Amy) Lin


Presentation Goals
  • Understand the challenges that transnational pathways students can experience when studying in the new environment of Australia
  • Be familiar with a suggested approach to support students with a transition from overseas study to learning in Australia
  • Review strategies you can use to support similar students within your own practice
  • Discuss how your teaching has enhanced as a result of searching ways to foster learning experiences of students with the blend of cultures and educational experiences

Subtheme

Student Blends


Presentation Type

Spotlight on Practice


Keywords

international students, action research, transnational, challenges, perceptions


Room

Social Sciences 211


Time

12.45-13.45


Abstract

The presentation will share experiences and the lessons learnt from a project funded by UTAS Teaching Development Grants (TDG) 2014. This project aims to enhance the experiences of international students and assist them to meet the requirements of postgraduate coursework study in UTAS. The project is collaboration of the School of Land and Food (Discipline of Geography & Spatial Science) and the School of Engineering, Computing & Information Systems at UTAS. It has developed a model that identifies the challenges in transnational learning and teaching by UTAS at Shanghai Ocean University. Surveys and interviews with teaching staff and transnational pathways students have been conducted. Three workshops have also been held with teaching staff to discuss the challenges encountered and possible solutions to them.

The presentation will first identify English skill, academic integrity and critical thinking and writing as the challenges faced by transnational pathways students in the new learning environment in Australia. Different perceptions of those challenges by students and teaching staff will then be discussed. Responses to these challenges that aim to support the students and help them develop necessary academic skills have been suggested. Those responses include a working model for TNE pathways, skills mapping and a decision tree with examples of best practices. Some of these responses have been implemented for two geography units KGA223 and KGA378 in semester 5 2014 and semester 1 2015. The results of those responses will be presented. Lessons learnt and suggestions for future practice will also be discussed.

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