Teaching in Australian classrooms: issues influencing adult East Asian students

Abstract

This research was undertaken through the field of teaching and learning. It identified students' cultural, social, motivational and communication characteristics, which intertwined, and assisted or hindered adult East Asian students learning in Australian classrooms. A questionnaire (Stage 1) was distributed to students in three sectors within the Australian educational post-school system: universities, public technical and further education (TAFE) sector, and the private TAFE sector. Stage 2 identified further issues and explanations of characteristics of these students, through interviews with teachers and students and observations in four selected classes. The conclusions from this research have been able to identify and describe classroom contexts; motivational, cultural, communication, and social characteristics; and broad teaching and learning approaches of the targeted students. Subsequently, recommendations for teachers, students and organisations have been developed, and when implemented can result in a productive and harmonious learning environment for these students in Australian/Western classrooms.