Dana Collette, BA, LL.B.

October 2010North America Mobility Project

Topic relevance Background of research

interest Some foundational

concepts The study Useful insights Implications for future

courses References

Student mobility is part of the NAMP Necessarily means international students in

our classrooms Many universities inviting increasing

numbers of international students Challenges for students and faculty

“Culture” described as roadblock Case analysis as a key component

◦ cultural ◦ but, also domestic student challenges

Workshop model graphic organizer REB approval

Teaching international students Western importance of ‘critical thinking’ Cultural differences in approaches to

‘analysis’ Universalization Equity (aka avoid systemic

discrimination) Objectives /instruction /

assessment relationship

Fall 29/57 (51%); Spring 57/70 (81%) Workshop

◦ Case – on their own◦ Break down: Issue spotting, law, relevant facts,

arguments, rationale.◦ Use graphic organizer – then compare with

sample Cases & exams – using graphic organizer 3 Questionnaires Marks gap reduced to 5% Greater understanding

Key considerations:◦ learning objectives◦ learners’ backgrounds

(e.g. specifically relevant to objectives)

◦ design curriculum to address needs

◦ assessment based on bona-fide objectives – what are you really looking for as a teacher – mark that

Next year Hand in graphic organizer 1st Further develop curricula to take into

consideration equity issues:◦ Introduce history of critical thinking◦ Objectives vs. assessment (as in this study)◦ Accessibility of curriculum re diverse

learning style strengths abilities

Biggs, J.B. & Tang, C. (2007) Teaching for quality learning at university: what the student does. Berskshire, UK, McGraw Hill.

Burgstahler, S.E. & Cory, R.C. eds. (2008) Universal design in higher education: from principles to practice. Cambridge, MA, Harvard Education Press.

Carroll, J. & Ryan, J. eds. (2005) Teaching international students. New York, Routledge.

Egege, S. & Kutieleh (2004) Critical thinking: teaching foreign notions to foreign students. International Education Journal: Educational Research Conference 2003 Special Issue, 4(4), pp. 75-85.

Kolb, A.Y. & Kolb, D.A. (2005) Learning Styles and Learning Spaces: Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 4(2), pp. 193-212.