Uncovering aspects of university culture which are often hidden or
misunderstood, this book brings together international perspectives,
showing the matches and mismatches between experience and expectation,
as both staff and student face new academic cultures.
Drawing on the stories of students and members of staff in the higher
education sector as starting points for analysis, this book considers
aspects such as the dynamics and pragmatics of university settings, from
tutorial to lecture; the assignment and multiple text types from
reflective logs to essays; different interpretations of grades, grading
and feedback. Topics are explored with examples from critical incidents
and narratives in international contexts - both where staff or students
cross cultures and borders, and where they are functioning within the
university culture with which they are most familiar.
Ideal both for those new to learning and teaching in higher education,
and those seeking to refresh their practice, this must-read book uses
case studies and narratives to illustrate key challenges academics and
students face. With consideration given to learning across cultures, the
narratives and topics lead to enquiries which the reader can ask and
research for themselves to find helpful answers to explain their own
university experiences.
