Adaptation or remediation

Since 1985, since the policy of overseas private students introduced in Australian universities, substantial research has been done in the area of overseas students learning in Australia. Problems identified in their learning normally fall into two categories: Language/English Problem & Study Approach Problem.

There is a long time tradition and belief that overseas students, particularly Asian students who are studying in Australian universities, have markedly different learning attitudes and learning approaches from their Western counterparts. Therefore, necessary remedial measures need to be taken from the perspective of Australian universities. The theoretical framework being used to research is the assuming of a deficit model of overseas students. Naturally, overseas/Asian students have already been put in a disadvantaged position even before starting their study. In addition, most of the research, which has been done, is based almost entirely on surveys or/and interviews of this student population either by study skills counsellors or by teachers of English as a second language. Little is known about specific learning problems encountered by overseas students.

In this presentation, an overview of the research done in this area will be given, and an argument will be put: Which action should be taken for better facilitating overseas students learning in Australia: Adaptation or Remediation? As well, a need will be stressed that additional detailed case studies could be done to highlight the more human side of overseas student life.