EDI Mini-Fest  

Session Outline:

This discussion session would aim to provide a space for academics to discuss and share techniques and tips of pedagogy that they have found work well when teaching and working with students from international backgrounds. Experienced academics often have invaluable insights that could benefit those new to teaching whilst those new to teaching will hopefully be able to share recent training knowledge and recommended approaches. 

Topics of discussion would be loosely based around: 

• Methods of teaching: lab-based, lecture-based, practical sessions. 

• Assumed background knowledge: subject-specific terminology, segmenting instructions into step-by-step tasks and providing a reference point for them to refer to.  When setting tasks, consider that different countries/ previous teachers may have different approaches to initial education this so clarify by providing examples and model answers.

• Cognitive overload: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is linked to adapting to a new setting, guidance in prioritisation of content, and time management.

• Raising awareness and education of cultural expectations: highlighting British expectations such as keeping to time, deadlines, and engagement with classes but courtesy of communicating if unable to attend.

Conclude the session by highlighting that this will also support home students as well and can act as important reminders for all students. 

Session Aims:

To share positive good practice and practical based solutions that are effective when working with international students, in the educational setting. To also identify what guidance would be useful to academics in particular for future planning.