Dr.  Xiaoli  Jiang
Education & Arts Federation University,  Australia

Title: Eastern Scholars Teaching in the West

Abstract:

This presentation reveals several fundamental differences between individualistic Western and collective Eastern cultures that result in dissimilarities in pedagogy, teaching and learning practices. It identifies challenges and rewards for Asian scholars teaching in Western individualistic orientated universities. The presentation utilises a case study of university academics with a collective cultural background and investigates their personal reflections on their quest to adapt to an individualism orientated academic culture and achieve professional satisfaction in the mix of language and cultural challenges. It identifies the core issues of the difficulties encountered in changing from a collective orientated environment to an individualistic society and teaching context. The presentation aims to assist a better understanding of the self in relation to others in individualistic and collective societies, to help with personal reflection and to rationalise teaching and learning practices in different cultures.

Biography: