Socialisation of international students in a New Zealand tertiary education classroom

Abstract

International education has developed exponentially and the result is increased international students in New Zealand tertiary education. The influx of international students has required teachers to facilitate classroom socialisation and practise teaching methods that accommodate both local and international students.

This thesis investigates issues associated with the socialisation of international students from the students’ and their teachers’ perspectives by examining the lived experiences in classrooms in one New Zealand tertiary institute. In this qualitative research, data was collected using focus groups for students and interviews for teachers. These methods were selected as appropriate tools for gathering data on the personal experiences of the participants. Data was collected from three focus groups that were made up of twelve students from a wide representation of nationalities and genders, and interviews with four practising teachers.

The study shows there were gaps between student expectations and their experiences, and challenges for teachers in the classroom. Key findings from the focus group show that the differences were between students’ experience in their home country and the experience they lived in a New Zealand tertiary education classroom. The findings from the interviews show teachers were challenged when facilitating cultural integration and building a cohesive learning environment for both international and local students in their classrooms. Students and teachers viewed socialisation in the classroom as a beneficial learning facilitation method which can help with academic success. The study includes recommendations for institutional leaders to provide support for students and teachers in a culturally diverse classroom. It also recommends preparation of students prior to arriving in a New Zealand tertiary classroom.

1. What do international students expect and experience in their socialisation into a New Zealand tertiary setting?

2. What do providers of tertiary education, consider important to international students’ socialisation?

3. What are the social challenges and successful practices of socialisation in a New Zealand tertiary classroom?