Academic Support and Supplemental Instruction for International Graduate Students Brian J. English Ph.D. International Public Policy & Management Program University of Southern California CIES Western Regional Conference November 7 th and 8 th 2003

“They are Travellers newly arrived in a strange Country, of which they know nothing; we should therefore make Conscience not to mislead them.” Some Thoughts about Education John Locke

International Students in the US  Increased over 6% in 2001 & 2002  Increased 1% in 2003 to 586,323  Contribute $12 Billion to the US economy  USC is #1 for the second year in a row

A B F E C D POS + F E L I N G S NEG- Diagram IV: Variations of the U-curve Lysgaard’s U-curve Previous cross-cultural experience Vicious circle of antagonistic feelings Relapse/ambivalence of cultural expectations Early support from host culture friendships TIME 

Factors Affecting Cultural Adjustment to a New Academic Environment  prior exposure to a second culture  language ability  personality  educational background  friends  family approval  self-satisfaction  prior knowledge of course material  personal learning style  perceived discrimination  alienation

INFLUENCE OF SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION & ACADEMIC SUPPORT SYSTEMS  language ability (POSITIVE)  educational background (SUPPORT)  friends (OPPORTUNITY)  self-satisfaction (SUCCESS INCREASE)  knowledge of course material (POSITIVE)  personal learning style (NEW STRATEGIES)  perceived discrimination (ALLEVIATE)  alienation (ALLEVIATE)

Research Methods Action Research Participant Observation Formal and Informal Interviews Document Analysis

IPPAM’s Model  Includes an Intensive EAP program  Alumni mentoring  TA support system  Web-based Supplemental Instruction  Professional Development  Site Visits & Internship Prep

Intensive EAP  Language Support  Content-based Courses  Social Integration However…

Web-based Instruction  Orientation Web Page  Writing Resources Web Page  Research Resources Web Page  Blackboard-Tracking System Students who utilize BB have better grades

RESULTS  About a 95% Graduation Rate  Professional Presentations Skills  Development of Critical Thinking Skills  Acquisition of Analytical Skills and Managerial Concepts  Understanding of Policy Analysis

Lessons Learned  Too many cooks spoil the soup  Establish Communication Lines  TA Guidelines  Avoid Information Overload

Thank you Q? & ?A