PEERS

Perceptions & Expectations of English Requirements & Support

Stage 1 - Research Phase

The initial phase of this project investigated international student Perceptions and Expectations of English Requirements and Support (PEERS) at the University of Western Australia. It looked at the linguistic challenges of study and support mechanisms at UWA, and at student perceptions about the effort they would have to expend in order to achieve their desired results.

The project used a survey instrument devised at the University of Melbourne and used by Ransom, Larcombe and Baik at the University of Melbourne in 2005 and 2006. Aggregated data and general findings were used to make recommendations to improve the experience of international students at UWA. The project report for this phase can be found here.

Stage 2 - Implementation Phase

This stage involves the implementation of the recommendations from the initial PEERS study. These recommendations and the way in which they are being implemented are listed briefly below, with a detailed report on recent progress and further plans here.

Recommendation 1: That a group nominated by the DVC (Education) and the PVC (Teaching and Learning) develop a range of strategies for informing international students about educational norms at UWA.

Implementation: This group has developed a set of university-wide expectations on educational norms at UWA. The STUDYSmarter team is liaising with the Student Advising Committee to develop a set of strategies to educate students about these norms.

Recommendation 2: That the Teaching and Learning Committee support measures to establish and promote online wikis of discipline specific words and definitions to be hosted on node.live.

Implementation: A decision has been made to aim for a more global approach to developing discipline specific English language skills. The STUDYSmarter team is developing a web-based English Language Corner and Online Writing Modules for the Faculties. These projects are ongoing.

Recommendation 3: That the University give high priority to initiating and extending projects that foster friendship between international and domestic students pre-departure and throughout students' study.

Implementation: The University's orientation program for new students has been greatly expanding, with a particular focus on encouraging student interaction. A project entitled UniLink has been developed to link incoming students from outside Perth with existing students prior to the new students' and to encourage ongoing assistance in the early days post-arrival. Development of further strategies to encourage student interaction remains a high priority for the University.

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