Self-Directed Learning for Nonnative English-Speaking Graduate Students Across Disciplines

Translanguaging Practices and Perspectives

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v11i1.1901

Keywords:

higher education, nonnative English-speaking graduate student, self-directed learning, translanguaging

Abstract

The influx of international students in U.S. colleges has resulted in linguistically diverse classrooms, raising attention to translanguaging practices. The purpose of this study is to examine the self-directed translanguaging practices and perspectives of nonnative English-speaking (NNES) graduate students in the U.S. university setting by using narrative stories, individual interviews, and focus group discussion. Twelve NNES graduate students from Asian countries participated in this research. These students demonstrated their self-management, motivation and persistence, and self-monitoring in their academic learning. Although they reported the difficulties from academic English language, they identified the value of translanguaging practices, and they developed some characteristics of autonomous learning due to “teacher-directed translanguaging” and “student-directed translanguaging.” Scaffolding and collaborative learning benefited and effectively engaged NNES graduate students in self-directed learning.

Author Biography

  • Hong Shi, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, China

    Hong Shi, PhD, is a lecturer in the School of Foreign Languages at China University of Petroleum-Beijing. Her major research interests lie in the area of instructed SLA, foreign language teaching, English for academic purposes, and teaching materials assessment.

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Published

2021-02-23

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Section

Research Articles (English)

How to Cite

Self-Directed Learning for Nonnative English-Speaking Graduate Students Across Disciplines: Translanguaging Practices and Perspectives. (2021). Journal of International Students, 11(1), 195-215. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v11i1.1901