Lana Oconnell
Teachers play a crucial role in helping international students succeed in their academic pursuits. With the right pedagogical approaches and classroom strategies, educators can create an inclusive and engaging learning environment that meets the diverse needs of international students. This involves adapting teaching methods, promoting cultural exchange, providing clear instructions, encouraging collaborative learning, and offering additional support to ensure these students' academic success. By embracing challenges and employing innovative techniques, teachers can empower international students to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential in the classroom and beyond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Be creative and think outside the box | Role-playing, debates, and games |
| Stay updated | |
| Set challenging yet attainable goals | |
| Provide opportunities for interaction with other scholars | |
| Be explicit about classroom practices | Valuing differences in student experience and preparation |
| Be mindful of what is and isn't accessible to international students | Provide tools and make changes when necessary |
| Create an inclusive and diverse environment | |
| Be explicit about what "participation" looks like in your course | |
| Provide different formats for expression | Online forum, short in-class writing activities, or small group discussions |
| Allow time for students to process their thoughts | |
| Provide good examples to analyze for structure, development, and style | |
| Be explicit about plagiarism and academic integrity | |
| Be aware of preconceived notions about international students | |
| Be mindful of the pace of lectures | |
| Utilize online tools to stimulate student exchange | Chatrooms, blogs, Piazza |
| Be explicit about the learning objectives for each assignment |
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What You'll Learn
Create an inclusive classroom environment
Creating an inclusive classroom environment is key to supporting international students. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, such as:
Pedagogical Strategies
Instructors should be mindful of the diverse backgrounds of their students and design courses that engage with students' prior knowledge and skills. This can be done by building on existing knowledge, interrogating it, or introducing new ways of thinking. Instructors should also be explicit about their classroom practices and expectations, such as encouraging students to ask questions if they don't understand and valuing differences in student experience and preparation. It is important to be flexible and adapt to the diverse needs of the class, trying out different teaching methods to show students that their time is valued.
Communication and Collaboration
Instructors can enhance communication by writing key words on a whiteboard, using slides, and incorporating hand gestures and body language. They should also be mindful of differences in fluency and avoid finishing sentences or filling in words for non-native speakers. To promote collaboration, instructors can facilitate communication between students during discussions by writing comments and questions on a whiteboard or projected document. Structured group activities can also aid in task allocation and provide a sense of autonomy for students.
Cultural Sensitivity
Instructors should strive to create a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment by avoiding assumptions or questions about a student's country of origin, name, or accent. They should also be mindful of the potential for discrimination concerning linguistic and cultural diversity, race, socioeconomic status, and nationality. Additionally, it is important not to position international students as cultural experts of their home countries and to respect their individual interpretations and opinions. Mixing American and international students can provide a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange and broaden understanding on both sides.
Academic Support
International students may require additional academic support, especially in understanding the concepts of plagiarism and academic integrity. Instructors should provide good examples and show students how to analyse them for structure, development, and style. They should also take the time to explain, review, and assess each stage of the writing process, including outline construction, drafting, annotated bibliographies, and peer review.
Student Engagement
Instructors can encourage student engagement by setting challenging yet attainable goals and working with students to achieve them. They can also implement creative teaching methods such as role-playing, debates, and games to capture students' attention and keep them eager for future lessons. Providing different opportunities for expression, such as online forums, small group discussions, or short in-class writing activities, can help shy or quiet international students feel more comfortable participating.
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Adapt teaching methods to suit diverse needs
When teaching international students, it is important to adapt your teaching methods to suit their diverse needs. This can be achieved through a variety of means, including:
Flexibility and Student Agency
Firstly, it is important to be flexible and adaptable as a teacher. This means being open to trying out different teaching methods and not getting stuck in a strict routine. You can start by administering an ungraded pre-test to gauge your students' levels and adapt your teaching methods accordingly. For example, if you are teaching a class with a diverse range of English proficiency levels, you might need to provide additional support for those who are still learning the language. This could involve providing extra resources, such as vocabulary lists, simplified instructions, or visual aids.
Collaborative Learning
Another way to adapt your teaching methods is to encourage collaborative learning. International students often rely on each other for assistance in interpreting assignments and understanding lectures, especially if they are still learning the language. You can facilitate this by creating diverse and mixed groups, allowing students to work together and learn from each other's strengths. Structured group activities can be beneficial, as they give each student a specific role and a clear agenda to follow. However, it is important to allow some autonomy within these groups, as this can foster a sense of ownership and engagement.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
Creating an inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environment is crucial when teaching international students. Avoid making assumptions about a student's country of origin, name, appearance, or accent. Be mindful of the power dynamics between teachers and students from different cultural backgrounds, as some students may be used to perceiving teachers as authority figures and may be hesitant to speak up or ask questions. Respect your students' cultural backgrounds while also challenging any preconceived notions or stereotypes they may hold. Encourage cultural exchange and provide opportunities for students to share their own interpretations and opinions about their cultural practices, rather than positioning them as cultural experts.
Differentiation and Scaffolding
Differentiating your instruction to meet the diverse needs of your students is essential. Provide extra support and scaffolding for students who may be struggling, especially when it comes to writing assignments or participating in class discussions. Offer clear examples and show students how to analyze them for structure, development, and style. Be explicit about your expectations for participation and provide explicit instruction on how to join class discussions. Allow students to process their thoughts and construct their language expressions by providing opportunities for low-stakes writing activities or short in-class writing exercises.
Use of Technology
Utilize technology and online tools to enhance student engagement and collaboration. Online discussion forums, chat rooms, and blogs can provide a less intimidating platform for international students to express their ideas and practice their written communication skills. Additionally, technology can be used to provide visual aids, such as writing key words or student comments on a whiteboard or using slides to support oral instructions.
By adapting your teaching methods and being responsive to the diverse needs of your international students, you can create an inclusive and effective learning environment that supports their success.
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Encourage student collaboration
Encouraging student collaboration is a great way to help international students succeed. One of the challenges of teaching international students is designing a course that engages with students' prior knowledge and skills. Student collaboration can help address this challenge by allowing students to share their diverse backgrounds and experiences. This collaborative learning environment can be fostered through group work and peer reviews.
Group work can be structured or loosely guided, with students either choosing their group members or being assigned to groups by the instructor. Structured group activities give each student a specific role and a predetermined agenda to follow, which can be beneficial for international students by providing clear expectations and tasks. On the other hand, loosely structured activities allow students more autonomy in choosing their roles and can promote creativity and initiative.
Instructors should be mindful of the unique challenges faced by international students, such as language barriers and cultural differences. To enhance communication and collaboration, instructors can use a variety of techniques such as writing key words on a whiteboard, using slides, and incorporating hand gestures and body language. Providing opportunities for students to interact and collaborate outside of class, such as through online tools like chat rooms, blogs, or video conferencing, can also facilitate collaboration and help international students feel more connected to their peers.
In addition to group work, peer reviews can be a valuable tool for encouraging collaboration and helping international students succeed. Peer responses can act as models for writing structures and styles, and international students can benefit from reviewing their peers' work and receiving feedback on their own writing. It is important to explicitly teach academic integrity and plagiarism guidelines, as these may vary across cultures and educational systems.
Finally, instructors should strive to create an inclusive and diverse environment that values differences in student experience and preparation. This can be achieved by avoiding assumptions or stereotypes about international students and creating opportunities for cultural exchange within the classroom. By encouraging student collaboration and creating an inclusive environment, instructors can help international students feel supported and engaged in their learning.
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Provide clear structure and guidance
Providing clear structure and guidance is essential for supporting international students' success. Firstly, it is important to recognise that international students bring diverse backgrounds and prior knowledge to the classroom. Instructors should strive to create an inclusive and diverse environment that encourages cultural exchange between domestic and international students. This can be achieved by mixing student groups and avoiding assumptions or stereotypes about international students' capabilities, country of origin, or first language.
Instructors can provide clear structure by explicitly stating classroom practices and expectations. This includes explaining what "participation" means in the context of the course and how it will be evaluated. For example, if participation includes contributing to class discussions, instructors should explicitly teach students how to join these discussions. This may involve modelling appropriate listening and responding behaviours, as well as providing opportunities for students to express their ideas in less intimidating formats, such as online forums, small group discussions, or short in-class writing activities.
Structured group activities can also provide a clear framework for international students to contribute and collaborate. Research suggests that carefully planned groups with assigned roles and a predetermined agenda tend to be more successful for international students. Instructors can facilitate collaboration by supplementing in-person instruction with online tools and small-group activities, allowing students to access a roster to connect with their peers.
Clear guidance should also be provided on academic integrity and plagiarism. International students may not be familiar with the rules and expectations around copying and plagiarism in higher education. Instructors should emphasise academic integrity verbally, include references to rules and sources in the syllabus, and provide opportunities for students to review and assess each stage of the writing process. This includes teaching students how to analyse examples for structure, development, and style, as well as early and frequent discussions about plagiarism.
Finally, providing a clear structure also involves recognising and accommodating the diverse needs of international students. Instructors should be mindful that international students may need additional time to process information, construct language expressions, and take notes during fast-paced lectures. Offering ungraded pre-tests can help instructors gauge students' understanding and make necessary adjustments to their teaching methods. This flexibility demonstrates a commitment to supporting the diverse needs of all students.
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Foster cultural exchange and understanding
Teachers can play a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding to help international students succeed. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Embrace Diversity and Create an Inclusive Environment
Creating an inclusive classroom environment is essential for fostering cultural exchange. Embrace the diversity of your students and avoid making assumptions about a student's country of origin, name, appearance, or accent. Be mindful of the challenges international students may face, such as discrimination based on linguistic, cultural, racial, or socioeconomic factors. Strive to create a safe and welcoming space for all.
Encourage Collaboration and Cultural Learning
Mixing domestic and international students in groups can facilitate cultural exchange and broaden cultural understanding. Structured group activities with specific roles can benefit international students, but also allow for autonomy within those roles. Small groups can help students feel more comfortable contributing, and self-assigned groups may be beneficial in this regard. Utilize online tools like chatrooms, blogs, or discussion boards to stimulate student exchange and provide opportunities for collaboration.
Adapt Teaching Methods
Be mindful that international students may have different learning backgrounds and needs. Adapt your teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and provide equitable opportunities for all. Use a variety of teaching tools, such as writing key words on a whiteboard, employing slides, or using hand gestures and body language to enhance communication. Provide good examples and show students how to analyze them for structure and style. Be explicit about your classroom practices and expectations, and encourage students to ask questions.
Foster Participation and Engagement
International students may be shy or less inclined to participate due to cultural factors or accented speech. Provide different formats for expression, such as online forums, small group discussions, or writing activities. Explicitly teach students how to join class discussions and model appropriate listening and responding behaviours. Allow time for students to process their thoughts and construct language expressions. Set challenging yet attainable goals and work with students to achieve them, helping them stay engaged and accountable.
Address Cultural Stereotypes and Preconceived Notions
Be mindful of the use of U.S.-specific examples, slang, or humour that may exclude international students. Address stereotypes and preconceived notions about international students, such as assumptions about their participation, abilities, or personalities. Ensure that your teaching practices do not inadvertently marginalize or discriminate against any cultural group.
By implementing these strategies, teachers can actively foster cultural exchange and understanding, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for international students to thrive.
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Frequently asked questions
Teachers should strive to create an inclusive learning environment by avoiding questions such as "Is that your real name?" or "Is English not your first language?". They should also be mindful that what is and is not accessible to international students varies. To enhance communication, instructors can write key words on a white board, use slides that include crucial points, and use hand gestures and body language to amplify their message.
International students may be quiet in class due to cultural differences, discomfort with their accented speech, difficulty following fast-paced conversations, or a preference to listen to others' perspectives. Teachers can encourage participation by providing different formats for students to express their ideas, such as an online forum, short in-class writing activities, or small group discussions. Teachers should also explicitly state course expectations, especially if participation is taken into account for the grade, and model appropriate listening and responding behaviours.
Teachers should be flexible and adapt to the diverse needs of the class. They can start with an ungraded pre-test to gauge students' levels and then try out different teaching methods. Teachers should also be explicit about classroom practices and expectations, and be prepared to review and discuss concepts to address gaps in understanding. When designing courses, teachers should consider how to engage students' prior knowledge and skills, and provide good examples to help students understand unfamiliar concepts and avoid plagiarism.
