From learner passive to learner active? The case of Chinese postgraduate students studying marketing in the UK

Abstract

The explosion in international student numbers at many British institutions during recent years raises important questions about the effective inclusion of international students into the British learning system. This study investigates how one major group of international students, namely the Chinese students undertaking marketing courses, learn in the British environment. The findings indicate that while these students do respond well to more structured learning, they have started to appreciate and, in many cases, are keen to adapt to the more student-centered and process-based approach to learning. However, their transition is not obstacle-free as many are still held back by their cultural background and more notably a lack of confidence with their English language abilities. The findings offer a different perspective on how Chinese students learn and tend to challenge the predominant, deeply-held assumption of Chinese students as passive learners.