Dr Michael Cowling
Convenor

SIG: International Education Research (IER)

Purpose

Growing out of the merger of CQUniversity’s International Education Research Centre (IERC) with LTERC in 2013, the International Education Research SIG provides a focal point for researchers at CQUni to look at the nexus between research into international education and our curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, as well as the broader issues that affect the International education student. With CQUniversity’s substantial international student enrolment (even given the recent downturns), we are well-placed to perform work in the broad field of international education and make a difference to the learning and teaching issues of international students.

While the areas of interest of the SIG are fluid and wide-ranging, areas of interest for IERC in the past have included:

In pedagogy and learning: international student approaches to learning; cultural issues; English language proficiency; plagiarism issues; international student enabling programs; and the student learning experience.

In educational pathways and outcomes: alternative pathways for international students; international-specific graduate attributes; international student employability; and long-term outcomes for international students seeking to stay in Australia.

In the business of international education: the economics of international education; the contribution to the economy; the role of agents for student recruitment; and the marketing of programs overseas.

Within broader international education issues: the international education regulatory environment; public policy issues; implementation of the ESOS Act; student welfare and support; and submissions to government.

Strategic Deliverables

The IER SIG contributes to the strategic direction of CQUniversity by providing a platform to provide engaged teaching and learning to CQUni students, a large proportion of which are still International students.

The Strategic Plan 2012 – 2022 outlines a need to “incorporate international, intercultural and Indigenous perspectives into our programs”, “provide preparatory programs and services to help students develop the skills they need for university studies” and “providing high quality learning experiences for all students”, all tasks that will be enhanced by the existence of a group within the university focussed on International Education Research.

Members

TBA