ERIC Number: EJ1120643
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Nov
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1443-1394
EISSN: N/A
Group Work Oral Participation: Examining Korean Students' Adjustment Process in a US University
Kim, Jung Yin
Australian Journal of Adult Learning, v56 n3 p399-423 Nov 2016
This study examines, from a sociocultural perspective, the factors that explain why a group of seven Korean students attending an undergraduate business program in a US university are initially labelled as silent participants when first engaging in group work, and how these factors impacted the students' overall adjustment process. Data came from in-depth interviews and group work observations. "Discourse system" is used to categorise how they adapt over the course of a semester, with changes in expressing ideas, holding ground, and self-autonomy. The study showed that while various factors, including the students' English language proficiency, differences in sociocultural values and educational practices, and group work environment were intertwined and informed their group work adjustment process, differences in sociocultural values and educational practices played the most important role in their adjustment process. Regardless of their length of stay in the US, gender, and individual differences, all of the students felt challenged in the initial stages of participation in group work. The findings suggest pedagogical implications for promoting oral participation of Asian international students, especially Korean students, when they first commence in group work.
Descriptors: Adjustment (to Environment), Undergraduate Students, Student Participation, Observation, Sociocultural Patterns, Cultural Influences, Business Administration Education, Discourse Modes, Socialization, Personality Problems, Student Attitudes, Group Dynamics, Racial Relations, Foreign Countries, Qualitative Research, Case Studies, Semi Structured Interviews
Adult Learning Australia. Level 1, 32 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2603, Australia. Tel: +61-02-6274-9515; Fax: +61-02-6274-9513; Web site: http://www.ala.asn.au
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Tests/Questionnaires; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States; South Korea
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A