Learning Accounting in Globalised Australian Universities : Challenges and Way Out

In designing appropriate learning activities, learning problems need to be considered, and suitable teaching and learning strategies need to be identified to resolve these problems. This study reports on the major problems encountered by international students studying accounting in an Australian university, particularly those related to differences in cultural background, learning approach, English language fluency, and local accents etc. whereby some solutions can be offered. Twenty students were asked to identify the main problems they face in learning accounting in Australia, and to describe their expectations and needs during their study. Based on the findings, the author suggests eight actions which might go a long way to resolve the problems currently being faced: (a) Getting students to explicitly workshop and negotiate issues around culture, language and learning, and how best to respond to their needs, (b) Taking individual care to give them confidence, (c) Going slowly in classes so that they can understand concepts, (d) Extensive use of a white board and Power point slides during lectures, (e) Providing lecture notes prior to the lecture, (f) Encouraging students to form informal study groups, (g) Making greater efforts to understand the culture and their learning approaches and, (h) Meeting the students in a tutorial session at least once a week