Teachable Moments International Enrollment Growth: Ideas for the Classroom Kelly Kester - Beth Robinson – Iris Anthony International Programs

International Enrollment ‘03-’13

How does WCC compare to other schools?

Where do our international students come from?

China, Mongolia, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Laos i

Where do they live?

Student Homestay Program ’03-‘13

International High School Completion Program

Where do international students go after Whatcom Where do international students go after Whatcom? In 2013 students were accepted at… The Art Institute of Seattle Oregon State University North Dakota State University Fordham University City University of New York University of Washington Arizona State University Evergreen State College Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University State University of New York at Buffalo Western Washington University UCLA The Art Institute of California University of Michigan Iowa State University Washington State University University of Washington UC - Berkeley University of Minnesota Texas State University

Presentation Goals Gathering information to inform: The creation of an academic support class for international students Ongoing faculty and staff training The opportunity to share experiences and ideas with other faculty members Beth

Themes from Professional Development Day 1. Language Proficiency 2. Cultural Communication Issues 3. Academic Norms 4. Clustering/Grouping Beth

Language Proficiency Low comprehension skills Misunderstanding assignment directions Understanding syllabus Not understanding cultural referencing Iris

Cultural Communication Issues Students not using instructor office hours Not asking for clarification or additional help Lack of class participation Stating opinions Not responding to email or phone messages Iris

Academic Norms Punctuality and late work Communicating absences in advance or at all Impact of participation on grade Understanding grading system Academic honesty Iris

Clustering/Grouping Speaking native language in class Only forming groups with students from same country Shyness and difficulty engaging with American students Iris

1. What specific skills do students need to learn to be successful in the classroom? 2. What specific training topics would be beneficial for faculty and staff around this particular issue? Beth