Engaging the Extraordinary: Architecture and Planning from an International Viewpoint

Dr. Angela Maye-Banbury, Keith McKoy and Kieran Whitehouse

NCCU (2013)

IntroductionThe presentation highlights the background, structure

and early findings in the following sections:1. The research context2. Necessity of the research3. International and National Issues4. Researcher Background5. Objectives6. Structure and Progress7. Early Findings8. Conclusion

1.Research ContextThe Project examines the international student experience in the department of Architecture and Planning.

It focuses on student’s academic experience amongst the following :

• Their perception before arrival• Academic goals• Physical and electronic navigation• Cultural understanding• Student voices• Future course improvements

2. Necessity of the projectThe project will comprehensively explore

academic experiences of overseas studentsIt will be the first time such a project will be

conductedValuable research for the department Provide key changes to maximise potential of

overseas students and department

3.Current International IssuesUSA, UK and Australia top

destinations for overseas students.

2006 – these countries acquired 1.2/2.7 million overseas students (Verbik et al, 2007)

Government funding reductions promote international diversification

Over reliance of overseas students reduced quality of education

Non home students UK (15.3%) Aus (21.5%) in 2011 (Choudaha, 2011)

Sultankinsh Blog (2012)

Leiberum V. (2007)

XPS (2007)

3.Current National IssuesClosure of Post Work Study Visa

lead to a 26% decline in student visa applications Jan-Sep ‘12 (Sherrif, 2012)

Home Secretary fears ‘bogus 'students hinder the economy

University leaders fear economic instability for the £9bn industry (Churm, 2012)

Indian students in particular have been dissuaded from UK study due to visa changes

LSE(2013)

BBC(2012)

4. My ExperienceUndergraduate degree in BA Human

Geography (First)Masters in MSc Sustainable Communities and

Environments (Merit)Previously worked in both Sheffield Hallam

Union and Hallam UniversityEstablished the concept for the current

project

4. International Classmates, Colleagues and Friends

1 5

1

2

4

1

2

4

2

215

1

Vector World Map (2009)

4. Angela’s Experience of Overseas Students and hopes for the Research"As a team in Architecture and Planning, we want every student to

have a fulfilling, stimulating and valuable educational experience.

Our international students have distinct and diverse needs - and we

want the LTA funded project to reveal those needs. That way, we

can work more proactively with students and staff alike to ensure

an excellent learning experience at SHU".

(Angela Maye-Banbury)

5. Objective 1To assess their ‘Hopes and Fears’ before

arriving at Sheffield Hallam University

5. Objective 2To understand their academic and employment

goals

5. Objective 3To identify their ability to navigate the

university’s physical and electronic learning environments.

5. Objective 4To assess the extent of cultural understanding

and communication between their tutors and peers

5. Objective 5To understand how students may be given

more of an input and further advice on academic issues

5. Objective 6To highlight possible strategies for continued

support for international students

6. Project StructureIntroduction – Identify the IssueLiterature Review – Highlight

issues in the wider contextMethodology – Review and

Analyse the preferred methods of data capture

Analysis – Assess and analyse data and relating it to objectives

Conclusions and Recommendations

6. Completed and upcoming tasksWe have spoken to and provided

information to studentsWe have conducted 7 interviewsWe hope to conduct 12

interviews2 Focus groups are hoped to be

completedThe literature review has begun

Univ. Gloucestershire (2013)

7. Early FindingsLittle advice from

previous institutes

Navigation ability good around university

Some have difficulty with UK students, all happy with overseas students

Some miss the induction due to visa issues

• Advice from tutors excellent, understanding in lectures a concern.

7. Early FindingsMajority have not

been informed about student reps

Classes on academic advice would be fully welcomed

Students learn more from group than individual work

• Most would benefit from a pre-induction meeting

• Overseas student rep group would be appreciated

8. ConclusionIt is essential to understand and maximise

the potential of International students both current and future.

The project aims to highlight outstanding issues and promote course improvements

Students generally happy with learning and their goals but would prefer more individual advice and input

Findings will go on to propose improvements to courses

References BBC (2012) ‘Theresa May Image’ BBC ONLINE http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18384543 (last accessed

20/03/13) Choudaha, R. (2011) ‘Global: The Future of International Student Mobility’ University News World ONLINE

http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20110930190559493 (last accessed 25/02/13) Churm, P. (2012) ‘Visa Rules Must Not Deter Indian Students, Says Oxford’ BBC ONLINE

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17688088 (last accessed 25/02/13) Leiberum V. (2007) ‘British Flag’ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_flags (last accessed 15/3/13) London School of Economics (2013) ‘Indian Student Image’

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Sultankinsh Blog (2012) ‘American Flag’ http://sultanknish.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/post-american-entertainment-industry.html (last accessed 15/3/13)

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