Factors influencing the oral participation levels of Vietnamese postgraduate students studying in Australia

Master of EducationThis study examines the experiences of Vietnamese students studying at postgraduate level in Australia, and attempts to understand their learning behaviour from their own perspectives and that of Vietnamese culture. The broad focus of the study is the attitudes of the Vietnamese students to the teaching and learning styles they experience in the Australian tertiary environment. The specific focus of the study is oral participation - the study identifies factors that influence the level and nature of participation of Vietnamese students. Also considered is the role of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses in shaping student behaviour and attitudes. Data was generated by means of a survey and indepth interviews. The study establishes that a range of factors influence Vietnamese students in terms of their oral participation behaviour, and that these fall into three broad categories: language proficiency, cultural and affective factors and content knowledge and awareness. The study considers ways in which courses designed to prepare international students for study can take account of these factors, thereby better preparing students for study in Australian universities