The impact of student experiences with diversity on developing graduate attributes

Abstract

While the emerging body of international research suggests that students’ experiences with diversity impact positively on student learning and their preparation for entering a diverse workforce and society, no similar research is available in relation to students in Australian universities. Many of these outcomes, such as problem‐solving, ability to work with others, and appreciation of and respect for diversity, are attributes that most – if not all – Australian universities value and work hard to instil in their graduates. This study explored whether student experiences with diversity impact on the development of selected graduate attributes and whether this relationship differs between international and local students at one Group of Eight (Go8) university. The findings demonstrate that student experiences with diversity positively impact on problem‐solving, ability to work with others, and appreciation of and respect for diversity. The magnitude of these relationships, however, differs between international and local students.