ERIC Number: EJ1248157
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2162-3104
EISSN: N/A
Supporting Practices to Break Chinese International Students' Language Barriers: The First Step to Facilitate Their Social Adjustment
Ma, Junqian
Journal of International Students, v10 n1 p84-105 2020
Due to the significant growth in Chinese students pursuing education abroad, there is an increasing trend for researchers to study Chinese international students' challenges, especially the challenges in social adjustment. However, only a few studies intend to design activities or supporting practices to solve these challenges. This study, drawing upon cultural-historical theory and community psychology, provided four activities to break Chinese international students' language barriers and facilitate their social adjustment. By conducting four trials, this study found that Chinese international students realize their English capabilities, become actively engaged in interactions, and experience positive emotions when positioned in practices that (a) provide structural guidance and active mobilization, (b) involve shared intersubjectivity and contradictions, and (c) offer support within their zone of proximal development.
Descriptors: Foreign Students, Asians, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Study Abroad, College Students, Barriers, Social Adjustment, Student Adjustment, Student Attitudes, Language Proficiency, Sociocultural Patterns, Positive Attitudes, Intervention, Case Studies, Role Playing, Tests, Computer Mediated Communication, Language Usage, Painting (Visual Arts), Guidance, Intercultural Communication, Self Efficacy, Learning Activities
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A