Connecting with the African-student diaspora in Australian higher education
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(Published version)
Date
2012
Authors
Zufferey, C.
Wache, D.
Editors
Brown, N.
Jones, S.M.
Adam, A.
Jones, S.M.
Adam, A.
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Conference paper
Citation
Research and development in higher education: connections in higher education volume 35: refereed papers from the 35th HERDSA Annual International Conference, 2012 / Brown, N., Jones, S.M., Adam, A. (ed./s), pp.363-373
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35th HERDSA Annual International Conference (2 Jul 2012 - 5 Jul 2012 : Hobart, Tasmania)
Abstract
This paper reflects on the experience of a small group of mature aged students from African refugee backgrounds who are enrolled in tertiary degrees in social work at a South Australian university. It investigates the expectations and experiences of the students. In semi-structured interviews the students revealed a range of expectations and experiences such as having aspirations to work with their communities either in Australia or in Africa once they had qualified; entering university as a result of a TAFE qualification; struggling with the shock of computer and information literacy and making sense of the various learning supports provided by academics and learning staff and the distinctions between them. Students reported a preference for learning in a social environment and reiterated that they believed that not having English as a first language did not affect their thinking ability. An understanding of, and a response to, these issues may assist refugee students' approach to learning at university.
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Copyright 2012 Dr Carole Zufferey and Ms Dale Wache