Short answer

Design learning environments and support structures that are sensitive to the unique academic literacy needs and identity formation processes of non-native English speakers.

Field
User-Centred Design
Source
Open Research Exeter (University of Exeter) (2015)
Method
Qualitative research
Sample
6 participants
Evidence
Moderate effect

Students' struggles with academic literacy in a new educational context significantly shape their learning approaches and self-perception. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in Open Research Exeter (University of Exeter). Using Qualitative research with 6 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design learning environments and support structures that are sensitive to the unique academic literacy needs and identity formation processes of non-native English speakers.

Study
User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Academic literacy challenges impact student identity and learning strategies

Students' struggles with academic literacy in a new educational context significantly shape their learning approaches and self-perception.

Open Research Exeter (University of Exeter) · 2015

01

Key Findings

  • 01Students perceived academic literacy requirements as significant, particularly concerning grades.
  • 02Weaknesses in reading and writing skills were a major concern.
  • 03Students doubted the direct contribution of academic literacy requirements to their overall development.
  • 04Challenges included time constraints, transition to EMI, adapting to diverse academic writing demands, research skills, and building relationships.
  • 05Coping strategies involved extended study, 'corner-cutting' methods, and seeking help from knowledgeable others.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Design learning environments and support structures that are sensitive to the unique academic literacy needs and identity formation processes of non-native English speakers.

How to apply

When designing educational programs or support resources for international students, conduct thorough user research to understand their specific academic literacy barriers and their impact on their confidence and learning strategies.

Project actions

  • 01Consider the user's background and prior experiences when designing solutions.
  • 02Investigate how users adapt their behaviour when faced with new or challenging requirements.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow do non-native English-speaking undergraduates at an American university in the UAE navigate academic literacy challenges, and how does this process influence their identity construction and learning strategies?
MethodQualitative research
ProcedureThe study involved in-depth interviews with six Arab students over an academic year, document analysis, and interviews with their professors to explore their experiences with academic literacy, the challenges they faced, and the impact on their identity.
Sample6 participants
ContextHigher education, English-medium instruction, international university setting

Variables

IV["Non-native English speaking status","Academic literacy requirements"]
DV["Student challenges","Identity construction","Learning strategies"]
CV["University context","American university in UAE"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Longitudinal study design (one academic year) allowed for in-depth understanding of evolving challenges and coping mechanisms.
  • +Multiple data sources (interviews, document analysis, professor interviews) provided a triangulated view of the phenomenon.

Limitations

The findings are specific to the context of an American university in the UAE and may not apply to all international student experiences.

Reliability & validity

The use of multiple data sources and prolonged participant engagement enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings. However, the small sample size and specific context may limit external validity.

Think critically

To what extent do the 'corner-cutting' strategies employed by students reflect a need for more accessible and integrated academic support, rather than a deficit in student motivation?

05

Design Principles

"Embrace a holistic approach to user support, recognizing that learning challenges are intertwined with personal identity and social context."

Understanding the multifaceted challenges faced by students, particularly non-native speakers in English-medium instruction environments, is crucial for designing effective support systems and curricula. This insight highlights the need to consider not only cognitive and skill-based barriers but also the psychological and social dimensions of the learning experience.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Students learning in a new language and academic system often struggle with reading and writing, which can make them feel unsure of themselves, but they find ways to cope and get better over time.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this study to justify the need for user research into the specific challenges faced by your target audience.
  • 2.Reference findings on coping strategies to inform the development of user support features.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights how students' struggles with academic literacy in an English-medium university context can influence their learning strategies and self-perception. Understanding these challenges is vital for designing effective educational support systems that cater to the diverse needs of non-native English speakers, ensuring their academic success and positive identity development.

09

Source

Open Research Exeter (University of Exeter)

Academic literacy development and identity construction of undergraduates at an American university in the UAE

journal · 2015

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about academic literacy challenges impact student identity and learning strategies?
Design learning environments and support structures that are sensitive to the unique academic literacy needs and identity formation processes of non-native English speakers. Evidence: Open Research Exeter (University of Exeter) (2015).
Why does "Academic literacy challenges impact student identity and learning strategies" matter for design?
Understanding the multifaceted challenges faced by students, particularly non-native speakers in English-medium instruction environments, is crucial for designing effective support systems and curricula. This insight highlights the need to consider not only cognitive and skill-based barriers but also the psychological and social dimensions of the learning experience.
How can designers apply this research?
Design learning environments and support structures that are sensitive to the unique academic literacy needs and identity formation processes of non-native English speakers.
What were the main findings?
Students perceived academic literacy requirements as significant, particularly concerning grades.. Weaknesses in reading and writing skills were a major concern.. Students doubted the direct contribution of academic literacy requirements to their overall development.. Challenges included time constraints, transition to EMI, adapting to diverse academic writing demands, research skills, and building relationships.
What research method was used?
Qualitative research with 6 participants.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2015 journal from Open Research Exeter (University of Exeter).
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing educational programs or support resources for international students, conduct thorough user research to understand their specific academic literacy barriers and their impact on their confidence and learning strategies.
What are the limitations?
The study focused on a small group of students at a specific institution, limiting generalizability to other contexts or student demographics.