Journal article
Let’s talk about transcultural learning: Using peer-to-peer interaction to promote transition and intercultural competence in university students
Journal of Academic Language & Learning, Vol.14(2), pp.20-39
2020
Abstract
Higher education should prepare students for a world that is increasingly globalised, diverse and interconnected. However, it is less clear how to effectively achieve this as part of university learning and a lack of interaction between international and domestic students remains a common issue found on many Australian campuses. Drawing focus to a purpose-built program, this paper explores the development of intercultural competence within a group of culturally diverse students at a regional Australian university. Eight commencing students participated in a series of forums that were guided by a dialogic approach to facilitate discussion around intercultural topics. Through a finegrained qualitative analysis of interviews, reflections, and video capture, students were observed transitioning to the new academic context through a process of feeling, connecting and becoming comfortable to interact with others. A closer look at the nature of peer-to-peer interactions revealed students using a variety of verbal and non-verbal tools to facilitate intercultural understandings. This paper highlights the value of intentionally promoting transcultural interactions as part of the learning process and presents the dialogic approach as a productive way to improve students’ transition experience.
Details
- Title
- Let’s talk about transcultural learning: Using peer-to-peer interaction to promote transition and intercultural competence in university students
- Authors
- Johanna Einfalt (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Student Services and Engagement
- Additional notes
- Special Issue: Proceedings of the 14th Biennial Conference of the Association for Academic Language and Learning
- Publication details
- Journal of Academic Language & Learning, Vol.14(2), pp.20-39
- Publisher
- Association for Academic Language and Learning
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Tertiary Access - Legacy; Student Services and Engagement; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99489706102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
23 Record Views