by Rosa Fagundes

In a typical university classroom, are the teachers addressing the needs of international students? Currently at Missouri Southern State College (MSSC), the number of international students is increasing. Consequently, the number of instructors who are seeking ways of improving their teaching skills when having one or more international students in their classes is also increasing. In an attempt to provide help to both groups, I developed a survey to distribute to a representative number of international students on the campus of MSSC. The four-question survey was administered either by telephone or in person.

One week prior to the survey, students were sent a letter explaining the research, its purpose, and the questions, and also guaranteeing confidentiality. The main goal was to have students reflect about the questions and think about answers to the questions. This proved to be the case because, when I called them, they were ready to talk, and no time was wasted. As I was asked the questions, I just listened to what was being said, without suggesting anything. I tape-recorded some of them; with others, I just took notes. Later, as I was compiling the answers, I eliminated any signs that could possibly identify the respondent or a particular professor and did not try to change much from the original response. Here are the questions, with a sampling of responses.

Question 1: What have your teachers done that helped you to improve the understanding of the lecture? Can you mention different things?

*They repeat information in different ways. Some teachers explain over and over. Explain words, vocabulary. Use English glossary. Use easier words.
*Explain clearly, give details of assignment.
*Professors realize that international students don’t understand slang.
*If using slang, please clear the meaning.
*They have been very nice. They ask me (and the class) if there is any question.
*If there are questions, feel free to go and ask.
*Very helpful at office hours.
*Some teachers talk after class.
*Makes me feel part of the class.
*Things that help the understanding of the lecture: slides, writing on board, written terms (in addition to the oral lecture)
*When they write on board, that helps me.
*Eye contact. Ask if we understand. Give examples.
*If I go to an English speaking college, I should know English. It is not the professor’s responsibility to teach English, but the subject.

The professor cannot accommodate every situation. If I have a question, I should go to the professor and ask. I like professors who are available to answer questions that students don’t understand. Talking after class. Ask: “Did you understand?” “Need help?” “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

*All teachers are different. I like the ones who take the time to answer questions from students.
*Another thing that helps is to explain, even jokes. This helps a lot too. This helps to communicate with other students in the classroom.
*Some professors are very patient. Some are really helpful.

Question 2: In your opinion, what is (are) the biggest obstacle(s) that you can think as an international student attending MSSC?

*No Problems with classes.
*I don’t know of any. It’s a pretty nice school.
*The English language. I can’t talk. I can’t pronounce.
*Not knowing a lot of English. In my language I understand everything.
*Embarrassed to ask English words.
*Not familiar with local English.
*Two problems: slang and the speed people speak English here. Even though I’ve studied *English well and have studied in other English-speaking countries, these are the biggest obstacles to international students.
*Some professors talk too fast, which makes difficult to take notes.
*My brain is thinking in my first language. So my response is slower.
*Listen to teacher, do homework—everyday effort.
*I put in more hours of study, and I’m still an average student.
*Some classes are too big (30+ students), which makes asking questions difficult.
*Teachers are not sure what they can do to help international students.
*No work. No scholarship for international students. High cost tuition (out-of- state for all years). No car. No transportation. No buses to get around.
*Hard to get around. Need a car.
*Transportation. Not having public transportation. I cannot afford a car, so friends will help.
*The school system is different. The evaluation system is also different. There is too much emphasis on grades (tests, quizzes) and less on attendance, work, involvement, plus other ways of showing that we learned the subject.
*Some professors are not familiar with international students. They don’t know what to do with international students.

Question 3: Do you have suggestions to your professors to help international students in the classroom?

*Try to get us (international students) more involved, so that we’ll feel part of the class and not isolated from the class.
*Teach the subject.
*Please speak slower. Sometimes instructors speak so fast that I can’t understand.
*Take time to ask if there is any problem. Ask if everyone understands.

*After class ask if there are any questions. Ask if students need assistance.
*Being able to be there for the student.
*Help with computer skills.
*When teachers tell us to go to their office, it makes easier to the student.
*Professors should become aware that English as a first language is different when English is the second language.
*Give list of vocabulary (special terminology), so that we can see the correct spelling.
*Give guideline to prepare for tests.
*Test more often, rather than only one exam (pass or flunk).
*Professors should repeat important information in order to clear things up.
*Not an easy question. All professors are doing a pretty good job. Perhaps international students should be given a little more time during the tests. Because of the language, we have to translate the test to our language, which takes extra time that other students don’t need. So we always end up short of time.
*Promote more the International Club.

Question 4: What should professors avoid doing in class?

*That is a hard one.
*The last five minutes in almost every class is so noisy. I can’t hear or understand what the teacher says.
*Cannot think of anything major. Sometimes the handwriting is hard to read.
*Don’t give hand-written tests.
*Talking too fast. Talk normal, like the TV.
*Sometimes I cannot copy fast enough when showing transparencies or slides.
*Learn to pronounce our real names.
*Try not to isolate international students or any student. Involve all, ask questions to everyone.
*Don’t try to make exception to international students. All students should be treated the same way. It wouldn’t be fair to Americans if a foreign student gets more attention.
*Don’t judge me by my nationality, but my work. I chose to come here. It was my choice. I work harder then the others to come up with similar results. I don’t want to be treated differently or *I’ll feel like an outsider.
*Don’t discriminate or use bias or generalizations. This does not usually happens.
*Avoid creating an atmosphere that makes students feel inhibited. Students should feel comfortable, and the professor can create group activities, promote student-to-student contact, discussion groups.
*I never had any bad experience in class. So far, so good.
*Some additional relevant comments:
*Very nice. Helpful. Real understanding.
*I enjoy all professors.
*All are good teachers.
*I like most teachers. They are usually nice.
*I really appreciate this survey. Please tell everyone about it.
*Enjoying this semester.

Overall, there seems to be general satisfaction with no glaring problems. Some students thought that grades should not be the most important aspect in a class. They were more concerned with professors writing more clearly and having handouts with vocabulary and the correct spelling of new terminology so they would not have to search the text or guess the right word. Interestingly, a number of students did not want to be singled out for preferential treatment. Overall, only a few negative critical remarks were made.

You can contact Rosa Fagundes at the Department of Teacher Education, Missouri Southern State College - fagundes-r@mail.mssc.edu

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