Information literacy for international students problems

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Information literacy for international
students problems solutions

• Kate Conway Jan Harmsen
• Library Information Services
• Curtin University of Technology

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Curtin University

• Total number of students 31,000 (Bentley
  campus - 25,000)
• International students approx 23 onshore
  (nearly 6,000 students)
• From over 115 countries
• Data as of 31/3/04
• www.curtin.edu.au/curtin/dept/planstats/stats/stud
  ents04.html

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Points to keep in mind

• We are usually teaching mixed classes.
• We are not teaching ESL the students are
  learning skills, not language per se.
• We can make few assumptions about prior knowledge
  of library jargon.

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Factors that impact learning

• Social context
• Learner characteristics
• Learning conditions
• Learning process
• (Conteh-Morgan 2002)

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Most important for international students

• Learner characteristics
• Factors stemming from students cultural
  backgrounds
• Factors to do with language proficiency

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Cultural factors

• Problem
• Students used to a more formal student-teacher
  relationship
• Solution
• Make sure students know how to address you
• Create an atmosphere in which students feel
  comfortable and confident

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Cultural factors

• Problem
• Students may not be used to self-directed
  learning
• Solution
• Dont tell students the answer model the
  process required to find it

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Cultural factors

• Problem
• Students may be accustomed to rote learning
  facts, rather than applying skills
• Solution
• Show how students can apply general principles to
  a variety of research situations

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Cultural factors

• Problem
• Students may not be used to critically evaluating
  information
• Solution
• Demonstrate techniques for evaluating sources

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Cultural factors

• Problem
• Students may not be used to using
  Australian-style academic libraries and may be
  too shy to ask for help
• Solution
• Emphasise librarian access and include this
  information on handouts and at Orientation
  sessions

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Cultural factors

• Problem
• Students reluctant to question teachers
• Solution
• Encourage peer help
• Move around to help students individually
• Get immediate feedback in class to check whether
  students have understood
• Provide as much hands-on practice as possible
• Be available after class for students who were
  too shy to speak up

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Cultural factors

• Problem
• Extrinsic motivation. Many students are only
  interested in what is needed to pass exams
• Solution
• Emphasise importance of IL throughout their
  university studies and beyond
• Use subject-related examples relevant to the
  academic needs of the students

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Other considerations..

• Language factors
• Problem
• Difficulties understanding you. Knowledge of the
  English language is sometimes not enough, because
  it is used in different ways and spoken with
  different accents.

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Solutions to language problems

• Make the structure of the class explicit
• Speak clearly, use plain English short
  sentences, avoid idioms
• Use visual aids leave them up long enough for
  students to read and understand
• Demonstrate then give time for hands-on practice
• Make handouts comprehensive
• Use repetition, paraphrasing summaries
• Focus attention on important vocabulary
• Include frequent comprehension checks
  clarification questions
• If you cant understand a student, dont pretend
  to

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A couple more tips..

• Prepare thoroughly so you go into class feeling
  confident
• Be prepared to adjust your presentation according
  to feedback from students
• Enjoy!