All Ireland Society for Higher Education
| Name: | Joan O'Grady |
|---|---|
| Email: | Joan.OGrady@ul.ie |
| Institution: | University of Limerick |
Abstract
Catering for Diversity
Sub-theme addressed: Adapting to larger and more diverse groups of students
Joan O'Grady University of Limerick Language Centre
Irish universities are currently engaged in recruiting full fee-paying overseas students to assist in meeting two of their aims, those of internationalisation and of increased external funding. A significant percentage of these overseas students come from China. Research suggests that many Chinese students have difficulty in adapting to studying in a western university (Cortazzi & Jin 1997, Bloch, J.& Chi, L. 1995). Such difficulties affect the ability of some to benefit from the education they are being offered. In order to assist such students the University of Limerick is providing in-sessional support classes in English language.
To ensure that the in-sessional support provided met the perceived needs of the students involved, the perspective of the Chinese students themselves was sought through a needs analysis and follow up interview. In addition, the perceptions of their lecturers and tutors as to the difficulties experienced by Chinese students were also sought. The data obtained from these two surveys informed the design of the support provided.
This paper will reflect on the perceptions of students and lecturers as to the English language needs of Chinese students. It will discuss how lecturers and tutors are adapting to cater for such students, and will also evaluate the first semester of in-sessional English language support provision.