A Study on Chinese Students’ At-home Online Learning Practice at a UK University

Abstract

This study explores Chinese university students’ online learning practice during the at-home online learning period and the factors driving their learning practice. Based on the data collected from semi-structured interviews with eight postgraduate students at a UK university, I found that Chinese students prefer self-directed learning and collaborative learning through social media. Lack of metacognitive skills and deep roots in Chinese collective culture drive them to learn in these two ways. I advocate a) that students should learn and employ metacognitive learning strategies and b) that teachers should provide students with more flexible and appropriate learning materials from various platforms.