In class documentary

How does culture play out in the students writing and how are our expectations shaped by cultural preferences?

                I think that culture played a huge role in the students’ writing.  It was clear that many of the students struggled with some of the assignments they were given because of these cultural differences.  Some of them were not used to writing about certain topics and were uncomfortable, and others just were accustomed to a different writing style than what the instructor was used to.  We are so accustomed to our own “American” way of writing that we do not stop to think about how the students learned to write in their homelands.  Many educators expect students to write in our style right from the beginning without taking into consideration their backgrounds.  Many teachers may even view their writing as wrong or incorrect, when in reality they may be excellent writers who just write in a different writing style.

How do we assess international student writing when we have to grade it alongside with the native speakers, and how can we think about surface error in a fair and constructive manner?

                Many times the international students are expected to perform at the same level as the native speakers.  I think that it is important for teachers to make accommodations and modifications in order to ensure the best quality education for the student.  It is important that all students progress equally not that they perform equally. 

What kinds of teaching and testing practices disadvantage international students and which help them improve as writers?

Many times when we give them too short of a time limit, they struggle to produce a quality product.  It is important to remember that it will take them longer to process the information since it is not in their native language.  Also, giving them assignments on topics that are not familiar with will really cause them to struggle; for example topics such as American pop culture and politics.  Giving students constructive, useful feedback will help international students improve their writing.  Marking all over their papers and correcting every little mistake discourages the student and really does not help them understand how to improve.  In the documentary some students even stated that they preferred if they commented on certain sentences about what they did wrong, but also present a solution.