Engaging international students: Public health educators sharing challenges and opportunities

1. Engaging international students: Public health educators sharing challenges and opportunities Rachael Rodney Harris, ANU and attendees of the CAPHIA Teaching and Learning Forum 2019

2. Australia is the third most popular education destination in the world (Education at a Glance 2018; OECD). • Over 350 000 international students enrolled in Australian higher education degrees in 2019 • This is a 13% increase from 2018 (Australian Government, Department of Education and Training, 2019)

3. Today’s aims • Understand our group of educators • In groups, explore thoughts and experiences about aspects of international student engagement. • Share techniques for enhancing student engagement. • Individually reflect on your own thoughts and practices.

4. Plan of attack • Introduction and snapshot • Speed sharing • Discussion of topic (4) • Make 3-5 key notes of discussion • Discuss as a group • Self-reflection • Share techniques for engagement

5. Snapshot questions • Go to Kahoot.it • Enter number on screen • Enter a nickname Suggestion: choose a number if you want to be anonymous • Enter colour/shape pattern on screen

7. Discussion questions How do these differ between domestic and international students? • Topic 1: Signs of (dis)engagement • Topic 2: Barriers to engagement • Topic 3: Student attributes and educator responsibilities • Topic 4: Online teaching

8. Topic 1: Signs of (dis)engagement What does student engagement/disengagement look like? Do these behaviours or signals differ between domestic and international students?

9. Topic 2: Barriers to engagement What are some of the barriers that prevent students actively engaging in coursework? Do these differ between domestic and international students?

10. Topic 3: Student attributes and educator responsibilities Should we expect (or select) students to have the necessary skills to undertake higher education courses or should we expect to train the skills we need? Do you think this is easier or more challenging for international vs domestic students?

11. Topic 2: Barriers to engagement What are some of the barriers that prevent students actively engaging in coursework? Topic 3: Student attributes and educator responsibilities Should we expect (or select) students to have the necessary skills to undertake higher education courses or should we expect to train the skills we need? In supporting students, what should we as educators take responsibility for and what is outside the scope of our job? How do you think this differs for international vs domestic students?

12. Topic 4: Online teaching What opportunities and challenges does online teaching create in regards to student engagement? Does this differ between domestic and international students?

13. 1. Use the sheet to share a technique that you have used or intend to try to in your teaching to enhance student engagement. Self Reflection • Think about something that has appealed to orchallenged you as an educator over the last three days. • Give yourself one tangible task you are going to do. • What new techniques/technologies you are going to try in your teaching? • What barriers affecting students have you not previously considered? • Do you have any habits in your teaching that you would like to change? • Have you seen anything you think a colleague would benefit from knowing? • Are there new examples or skills you would like to expose your students to? • What role do you play in preparing or supporting students? Is this sustainable? • Have you had any thoughts about how you assess students?

14. Thank you! Please place any techniques you are willing to share in the box. If you would prefer to email a link: rachael.rodney@anu.edu.au