A Model of Research Group Microclimate: Environmental and Cultural Factors Affecting the Experiences of Overseas Research Students in the UK

Autor/in	Walsh, Elaine
Titel	A Model of Research Group Microclimate: Environmental and Cultural Factors Affecting the Experiences of Overseas Research Students in the UK
Quelle	In: Studies in Higher Education, 35 (2010) 5, S.545-560 (16 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0307-5079
Schlagwörter	Cultural Influences; Foreign Countries; Study Abroad; Doctoral Programs; Graduate Students; Interviews; Engineering Education; Science Education; Social Isolation; Educational Environment; Adjustment (to Environment); Cultural Differences; Student Experience; Student Research; Supervisors; Group Dynamics; Language of Instruction; United Kingdom + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Cultural influence; Kultureinfluss; Ausland; Studies abroad; Auslandsstudium; Doktorandenprogramm; Graduate Study; Student; Students; Aufbaustudium; Graduiertenstudium; Hauptstudium; Studentin; Interviewing; Interviewtechnik; Ingenieurausbildung; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung; Soziale Isolation; Lernumgebung; Pädagogische Umwelt; Schulumwelt; Kultureller Unterschied; Studienerfahrung; Studentenforschung; Gruppendynamik; Teaching language; Unterrichtssprache; Großbritannien
Abstract	Researchers from outside the European Union represent an increasing proportion of the UK doctoral student body. However, relatively little research exists on their experience from their own perspective. This research, based on interviews with students from a range of countries and scientific and engineering disciplines, seeks to address that deficit. It looks in particular at the difficulties the researchers identified whilst undertaking doctoral study, which included isolation, a lack of integration with home students, cultural adjustment problems and ongoing language difficulties. Two important findings emerged: firstly, that research groups appear to exhibit a "microclimate" which is determined by factors including the style of the supervisor and the norms of social and work-related interaction. Groups with a more cohesive microclimate presented a more supportive environment. Secondly, evidence emerged of a widespread deficit in understanding of cultural issues. This, when combined with language difficulties, aggravated the problems experienced by the overseas students. (Contains 2 tables.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10