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.