Students’ Perceptions and Experiences of Teaching and Learning in Transnational Higher Education in China

Abstract

Given that there are very limited research studies into students’ experiences in transnational higher education, this paper is aimed at exploring students’ satisfaction and perceptions of teaching and learning at UK-Chinese collaborating institutions in China. This study involves 105 undergraduate students at a collaborating institution in China who completed a questionnaire online. 35 students were interviewed. It is found that the levels of students’ satisfaction of teaching and learning are generally high. However, there are marked differences in students’ perceptions of quality of foreign and local Chinese lecturers. In addition, the most preferred teaching style is interactive lecture. The findings have implications for teacher development in transnational higher education. It also sheds light on how to meet the needs of the Chinese students in terms of their preferred study and learning approaches. It is suggested that an academic development unit (involving both the foreign and local Chinese teachers) in the host institution should be established, focusing on pedagogical transformation from teacher-centred to student-centred approach. This research bridges the gap of identifying the determinants of good teaching from students’ perspective at a collaborating institution in China.