Intercultural awareness and the global economy: Chinese students and academic literacy – a lesson larger than just paraphrasing

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate a suite of academic literacy multimedia materials for Chinese students and reflect on educational approaches for the workplace.Design/methodology/approachThe literature review informed the initial resources which were trialled with volunteer groups of Chinese students in both Australia and China. A series of focus groups, follow up interviews and a workshop formed the basis of this qualitative studyFindingsAcademic literacy is one of the graduate attributes which students should obtain through their studies. Another area which demands student and employer attention in a globalised world is intercultural skills. It was found that students' engagement with interdisciplinary generic skills is lacking, sometimes due to the mostly textual way universities attempt to communicate with students about these skills. The multilayered, multimedia approach was successful; it is inclusive and sustainable for higher education and the workplace. A cross‐cultural understanding of academic literacy should enhance graduates' employability.Practical implicationsThe resources developed and assessed can be employed to enhance the transition of non‐Western students into the western higher education classroom and workplace.Originality/valueThe project advances existing national and international knowledge particularly with regards to teaching academic literacy to international students in Australia and the use of multimedia tools to assist understanding of key concepts and adoption of appropriate behaviours. Therefore, the use of a similar approach is suggested for business settings particularly for new graduate employees' learning of intercultural skills.