Academic Transitional Program
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This project is a need-oriented intensive summer program to prepare international students with the ability to transition smoothly into American academic settings.
Problem Description
International students with good TOEFL score still have difficulty transition smoothly into American academic settings.
User Needs Analysis
Based on our research and interviews, international students are usually in lack of academic, social, and survival skills, which makes the transition hard.
Goal of the Project
The goal of the project is to create an intensive summer program to acclimate international students to transition smoothly into American academic settings.
Target Audience:International students who are going to study in American colleges with a TOEFL score of 100 and above.
Persona for Target Audience
Curriculum Vision
Cultural Relevant Pedagogy -- To “insert culture into the education, instead of inserting education into the culture ”
Enduring Understandings
1.International individuals need to be actively engaged in a new culture and to step outside of their comfort zone. 2. Students understand that learning intercultural communication will empower them to be global citizens. 3. International students need to master various learning skills, and to improve their English proficiency.
In order to cater to the specific needs of the target audience, participants of the summer program will be required to take a Needs Analysis Questionnaire. The program teachers and facilitators will take into account learners’ prior knowledge and learning requirements.
Pacing Calendar
Sample Week Schedule
Sample Lesson Plans -- Click Here
Comparison with Competitive Project
Teachers College has a website to inform incoming students about what to pay attention as a new student. However, just watching those tips is not enough to prepare international students to transition smoothly into American University.
Usability Tests
Our summer program idea was tested with a fair amount number of students and they wish they could join the program to be prepared for the coming semester. The program is going to be tested with a small number of incoming students as a pilot study. Based on students' feedback, the program is going to be further improved to tailor to students' needs.
Rachel Guo | rg2891@tc.columbia.edu | 175.2683.5198