Janet Gregory

Lecturer, School of Business, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria, Australia

Managing Culturally Diverse Small Groups at University

Abstract

Australian universities provide a culturally diverse setting within which students can learn and develop inter-cultural knowledge and skills. This study presents the findings from interviews with first year students in regard to their experience of working in culturally diverse small groups to complete assignments. Research indicates that local Australian and International students at university do not generally interact. Group work may be one method of increasing interaction. The students in this study generally perceived advantages in working in culturally diverse small groups, but they also highlighted factors that caused, or had the potential to cause, difficulties. It is recommended that further research be undertaken to ascertain methods for assisting students in developing group work skills relevant to culturally diverse groups and for assisting academics in establishing culturally inclusive classrooms to provide the context for this learning.

Bionote

Janet teaches in the Organisation Behaviour discipline. She is particularly interested in the experience of international students and the area of inter-cultural learning. She is currently enrolled in a PhD researching the experience of Organisation Behaviour teachers in regard to teaching in culturally diverse classrooms.

Presentation Type
30 min. paper

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Country
Australia