Perceptions and Coping Strategies in English Writing Among Chinese Study-Abroad Graduate Students
Year: 2023
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: With the internationalization of higher education, more Chinese students are pursuing their postgraduate study in English-medium instruction (EMI) institutions abroad. Related studies have mostly investigated EMI policies and implementation and students’ attitudes; however, they have not examined how Chinese students cope in English-as-a-second-language environments, specifically in academic writing. This study examines Chinese students’ perceptions of English academic writing, difficulties, and coping strategies to complete academic writing requirements in Malaysian universities. Respondents, totalling 128, filled out a 51-item questionnaire. T-test was used for data analysis, and nine students were selected for qualitative interview. The results indicate significant differences in participants’ chances of practicing English writing before and after studying in Malaysia. Although they experienced challenges, such as insufficient prior English writing practice, lack of knowledge in English academic terms and expressions, and difficulty in identifying research gaps, they succeeded with help from teachers, peers, and workshops. Implications for EMI are provided.
Source: SAGE Open
Authors: Songcun Zhang, Zuwati Hasim
Institution: University of Malaya
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,200
OpenAlex ID: W4382938843