Supporting International Students

International students enrich higher education by bringing their languages, cultures, and perspectives to the classroom. In doing so, they heighten social awareness, improve cultural literacies, and broaden the intellectual development of their peers (Wong 2018; Luo and Jamieson-Drake 2013). However, while international students contribute much to their classrooms and campuses, they also confront many challenges. This workshop will explore inclusive teaching practices that can be incorporated into classrooms across disciplines and teaching contexts to support international students. Specific focus areas will include communicating clear expectations, leading effective discussions, and embracing students’ diverse language and writing abilities.

Learning Goals

After successfully completing this workshop you will be able to:

• Identify cultural differences in classroom discussions, student engagement, and instructor/student interactions
• Recognize and support varying academic communication styles
• Explore strategies for balancing your classroom expectations with embracing the diversity of your students