Problems of teaching foreign students in mixed groups

Abstract

The article analyzes the problems associated with teaching foreign students in mixed groups. A mixed group is a formally isolated part of the educational institution cohort that possesses such characteristics as: 1) a fixed heterogeneous ethno-cultural composition, 2) a different level of preparation of students for mastering the disciplines of the general educational program, 3) common cognitive interests and a single educational content in the current period of time; 4) joint educational activities under the guidance of the same teachers, 5) a single period of study. This article aims to highlight the range of language problems that hinder the development of general education programs by foreign students when studying as part of a mixed group. Since the structure of language difficulties varies for different categories of foreign citizens (foreigners with an initial level of proficiency in Russian, foreign speakers, bilinguals), it is important to have a differentiated approach to regulating the educational process and specially organized training taking into account the ethnic and linguistic needs of all members of the group. A differentiated approach to learning, building an individual way of each group member development allows mobilizing cognitive interests and motivating participants in the educational process. The development of specific recommendations to overcome the possible negative impact of a mixed group on the process of obtaining subject knowledge by foreign students is an important methodological task that requires further study.

Internationalization Based on Content Modification Combined with Project Management Methodology: An Application in a Spanish Postgraduate Course in Building Engineering

“…In this regard, mixed groups made up by students from various countries predominate in the architecture and engineering degrees of Spanish universities. One of the main problems could be language [41], although this depends on the students' language level. According to Bilyushova and Belokon [42], learning and teaching aids for foreign students should be developed in engineering degree programmes, especially in construction, but keeping the methodologies used for native students.…”