International graduate coursework students and the urgency of adapting to new learning strategies

Abstract

International graduate students enrolled in coursework degrees are under enormous pressure from the moment they come on course. They usually have only 1-2 years to complete their courses. There is greater pressure on their language skills in the context of reading and writing. They often have gaps in their knowledge and the higher levels of theoretical, philosophical or methodological content in their readings can be particularly difficult for them. There are also other pressures. Time constraints do not permit the more leisurely acquisition of new learning strategies allowed research students. This paper discusses the particular difficulties encountered by coursework students and their urgent need of help. It also examines the different contexts in which they can be helped and proposes methods for assisting them in those contexts.