International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Volume 3, Number 1, January 2009

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Research Article

Excerpt

Integrating Discipline-Based Reading to Improve Intercultural and International Learning

With the number of alternative pathways now available for entry into Australian universities, the number of international students is steadily increasing. This article reports on the undergraduate results of a teaching project at the University of Canberra, Australia, and explored whether the introduction of a discipline-based reading program into an existing university preparation course would result in an improvement in international students' learning in the discipline and increase their proficiency in the English language.

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Bios

Anna Maldoni
University of Canberra
Canberra, Australia
anna.maldoni@canberra.edu.au

I am a lecturer and the English Program Coordinator for the University of Canberra College. I have a Master of Education in TESOL and have been working with international students both on and offshore for over 20 years. My interests lie in developing effective teaching and learning models to better meet the needs of EAL (English as an Additional Language) students both in pathway and mainstream university education. Currently, I am teaching and conducting research in the Faculty of Business and Government at the University of Canberra supporting the development of academic and language skills of EAL students in the discipline. In 2008, I was nominated for a University of Canberra Vice -Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (VCATE) for outstanding contributions to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching at the University.

Robert Kennelly
University of Canberra
Canberra, Australia
rmkennelly@homemail.com.au

I am a tutor and researcher in the Faculty of Business and Government at the University of Canberra. I have an abiding interest in what motivates students to learn, in particular the development of academic skills of EAL (English as an Additional Language) students. Together with my research partner, Anna Maldoni, I have run a number of unit support programs for first year students in the discipline of Management. I am a member of the executive of my professional association, HERDSA, The Higher Educational Research Development Society of Australasia who recognized my work with the title of HERDSA Fellow. I run programs in reflective practice for those academics wanting to develop teaching portfolios.

Doug Davies
University of Canberra
Canberra, Australia
Doug.Davies@canberra.edu.au

I am a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations in the Faculty of Business & Government, University of Canberra, and am currently the Acting Associate Dean, Education. My interests are in developing different teaching and assessment methods for students and in assisting overseas students to integrate into the Australian culture. My other research interests are in workforce planning and examining staff engagement in China and Australia. I am also completing a book on Chinese HR practices, to be published in 2010. With my co-authors, I was recently nominated for a University of Canberra Vice -Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence. I am on the State Council of the Australian Human Resources Institute, and a member of other professional Management associations.

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International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning is a publication of the Center for Excellence in Teaching at Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, USA.