ERIC Number: EJ1084623
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1755-2273
EISSN: N/A
Engaging Chinese International Undergraduate Students in the American University
Ross, Heidi; Chen, Yajing
Learning and Teaching: The International Journal of Higher Education in the Social Sciences, v8 n3 p13-36 Win 2015
Vincent Tinto's theory of academic and social integration provides a framework for investigating perceived problems associated with Chinese international students' engagement at a public research-intensive university in the U.S. Midwest ("Midwest" University). These "problems"--classroom silence, segregation and instrumentalism--are often understood in cultural terms, and we describe sociocultural values that might influence such behaviour. We also contend that culture, on its own, cannot wholly explain the complexity of student behaviours on college campuses. In a case study of Midwest University's Business School, we show how institutional policies do much to shape Chinese students' engagement. We conclude that popular perceptions of Chinese student engagement are simplistic. Chinese students are not indifferent engagers; rather, their interaction with campus life needs to be understood as embedded within complex cultural and institutional contexts.
Descriptors: Social Integration, Asians, Foreign Students, Sociocultural Patterns, Business Schools, Business Administration Education, Research Universities, Cultural Background, College Students, Case Studies, School Policy, Networks, Mentors, Social Support Groups, Peer Relationship, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Intensive Language Courses, Learner Engagement, Educational Policy
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A