Characteristics Influencing Asian Students' Learning in Contemporary Australian Classrooms

Abstract

The aim of this form of teacher research was to identify characteristics that hinder adult Asian students' learning in Australian classrooms. This was approached within the field of `Teaching and Learning.' In order for these barriers to be identified a number of generalisations were made in an attempt to consider individual students' learning characteristics. These generalisations address the students as a group while identifying and considering the individual s characteristics which influence their learning. The targeted students in this research were observed being confronted by a number of obstacles which became an obstruction to their overall learning in classrooms. Investigations were undertaken within a private Technical and Further Education (TAFE) college (post-school) in Melbourne. Australia. through a questionnaire, interviews and observations. The questionnaire was distributed to ole hundred (100)students of which seventy eight (78) were returned. Interviews were conducted with six (6) students. and observations were undertaken during a six month period. The results of this form of teacher research will enhance teachers' understanding of the characteristics and barriers that influence and subsequently effect the ability of the targeted students' efforts to learn in Australian classrooms.

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