Date of Award
10-1-1987
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
John Losak
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the adequacy of selected services, conditions and opportunities to international students in the academic areas of; proficiency in the English language, academic advisement, instructional practices, format of examinations and grading practices as well as in areas; finances, cultural adjustment and personal problems. Attempt was also made to determine how international students differed in perceptions of the adequacy of services, conditions and opportunities offered to the international student clientele by the college based on seven personal characteristics. The population surveyed consisted of international students (157) except the twenty students who participated in establishing the reliability of the questionnaire, enrolled for Spring semester 1987. A survey was conducted in the classrooms via a questionnaire developed based on the results of a previous needs assessment study. An eighty-nine (89%) percent response was obtained from the survey. Research questions were analysed using frequencies, mean weighted scores and percentage variances. A mean weighted score of less than 2.5 on a scale of excellent = 4, good = 3, fair = 2 and unsatisfactory = 1 was considered to indicate a need for improvement of services. Thirty-three null hypotheses were formulated, tested and analysed using Chi squares at .05 level of significance. The group/s in the variables contributing to the significant difference in respondents' opinions between or among the groups was determined by using percentage variances. Suggestions and recommendations made in the open-ended component of the questionnaire were summarized in four major areas. In every category surveyed pertaining to academic services student expectations were not reached even to minimal levels. Two areas namely; assistance for financial aid and information regarding immigration and tax laws of the United States, attained minimal satisfactory levels in personal services. Statistical analysis indicated that groups in variables age, time lived in United States and type of financial support did not differ significantly between or among the groups pertaining to academic and personal services for international students provided by the college. However, a significant difference in the respondents' opinions between or among groups regarding serving the academic needs of international students by the college was seen in the variables sex, national origin and native language. Group I (males) indicating adequacy of services and Group III (Middle Eastern/Asian) indicating inadequacy of services; Group II (Spanish/French) and Group V (Other) indicating adequacy of services and Group III (Hindi/Arabic) and Group IV (Chinese) indicating inadequacy of services respectively, contributed to the significant difference in respondents opinions. In reference to personal services, a significant difference in respondents' opinions in serving the personal needs of international students by the college, was seen between or among the groups in the variables, proficiency in reading of English, proficiency of speaking of English and native language. The groups contributing to the significant difference of respondents' opinions were, Group II (those good in reading of English) showing inadequacy of services, Group I (those excellent in reading of English) indicating inadequacy of services, Group IV (those poor in speaking English) indicating adequacy of services and Group I (those with excellent level of speaking in English indicating inadequacy of services; Group II (Spanish / French) and Group IV (Chinese) indicating adequacy of services and Group IV (Chinese) showing inadequacy of services respectively. Based on the findings of the study a plan was developed for achieving a desired change in serving the academic and personal needs of international students at New York City Technical College. Reexamination of the admission policies with reference to proficiency in English and addition of more sections in the ESL Program were also recommended. It was further recommended that a Foreign Students Advisors Office be established at the college and to tap the experiences and expertise of the international faculty and those of National Association for Foreign Student Affairs. The establishment of an Orientation Program, endeavors for involvement of international students in the community, mainstreaming the international students and internationalization of some programs at New York City Technical College were also recommended.