Obaro-Akporo, Elvis Emiakpor. International students perspectives on university instructional practices : a case of a Thai university. Master's Degree(Curriculum and Instruction). Rangsit University Library. : Rangsit University, 2020.
International students perspectives on university instructional practices : a case of a Thai university
Abstract:
This study investigated the teaching and learning process in the programs
taken by international students, also explored the expectations and classroom learning
experiences of international students studying in the courses at a Thai university as
well as explored the level of satisfaction of international students at a Thai university.
This research applied the mixed methods approach to obtain both quantitative
and qualitative data. The questionnaire respondents consisted of 66 out of a total
number of 107 of international students from Curriculum and instruction and Bilingual
Education of Rangsit University, using Krejcie and Morgan, (1970), with 95%
confidence level and 10% errors. Qualitative data were collected from 12 volunteers.
The research was conducted in the first semester of 2019 academic session. The
questionnaire was analyzed with the mean score and S.D. The interviews contents
were analyzed into themes connected to what motivated the interviewees
perspectives. The themes were ranked according to frequencies.
The questionnaire data found top three factors on the perception on university
instructional practices by the analysis of mean score and standard deviation. The top 3
highest mean scores ranking in order were found. They were 1) The lecturers used IT
to support their teaching (x̅ =4.35, S.D.= 0.77), 2) The lecturers encourage students to
work together in small groups (x̅ =4.29, S.D..=0.74); 3) The lecturers mostly used
group-work (x̅ =4.20, S.D.= 0.75) in high perception levels respectively. On the other
hand, the lowest score items were 1) The lecturers used old knowledge to teach
students, (x̅ =3.24, S.D.=1.08). The lecturers preferred some students more than some
(x̅ =3.45, S.D.=1.06). The lecturers gave appropriate feedback on my studies (x̅ = 3.88,
S.D.= 0.87), I feel studying here is like studying in my country (x̅ =3.82, S.D.=1.05).
The semi-structured interviews revealed four responses: Lecturers can only
help us climb the ladders, Activities and assignments help us engage more in
learning, Book, materials and after-class consultations help us think better, and
Facilities are up to standard and good.