Education is becoming a fast expanding industry, not only in developed economies but also in developing countries looking towards grabbing a share of a purportedly lucrative money-making industry. This article will provide an insight into two major problems faced by lecturers in handling international students and suggested solutions to these problems.
1. Use of agents in students’ choice of academic institution and course of study
Despite globalization and the internet, many parents and students alike, especially from third world and emerging economies, rely on marketing agents to arrange the choice and registration of study in an educational institution, oblivious to the many pitfalls along the way through such an approach.
Oftentimes the agent will over-sell to get a registration to earn a commission and the student will be truly disappointed when faced with situations not as expected. Agents often paint beautiful pictures of the institution and convince students on how easy it is to get a recognized degree at a particular institution.
It is recommended that educational institutions undertake their own recruitment of international students to ensure that enrolled students are fully aware of the details of the institution and course of study. Failure of a good institution-student match during enrolment will be detrimental to both parties concerned with the reputation of the institution at risk and the student failing to achieve their desired aspiration to gain an internationally recognized education
Confronted by the students with problems faced with issues like payment of course fees, details and recognition of courses, and assessment methods, lecturers will also need to be good counselors. 講師募集中 should not leave problems to be solved by the administrators only as such issues also affect the approach in delivering the course content and assessment, necessitating changes to cater to the needs of the students which will present great challenges to lecturers in maintaining quality standards in education.
2. Proficiency in English language
As English is often the main medium of instruction in courses open to international students, lecturers are often faced with students lacking in the understanding of the English language. Educational institutions that lower the entry requirements with regards to proficiency in the English language attract even more problems. Often, the required standards for international students as determined by results of their test scores in an international standardised test of English language proficiency test such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (The Test of English as a Foreign Language) are not strictly adhered to.
It is imperative therefore, especially for educational institutions that do not adhere to international standards, that there must be avenues for students to improve their command of English such as additional English language lessons. Lecturers can help by speaking slowly and using simpler words in delivering the lessons. Students should be encouraged to speak and discuss issues in class with marks awarded towards final exam scores not only as motivation for them to participate in class discussions but also to determine their understanding of the subject matter discussed.
In conclusion, lecturers, as educators, must assist students to understand and absorb at least the minimum required to pass the required standard of an examination. Non-academic related problems faced by students will be a distraction and will have a negative psychological effect on them that will result in bad performance in class and examinations. So, it is beholden on the lecturers to help solve non-academic problems where possible and be able to tailor academic content and delivery to suit students’ needs without lowering academic standards.