University of the Arts London
Social programme
UAL is an international art university renowned for its diversity. The complexity of the East and West cultural differences has always been a topic of its research. To enhance Maindarin-speaking students' academic experience, a platform was developed to illustrate their challenges, enabling UAL to offer better cultural transition support.
My Role
UX Researcher
Podcast Initiator
Team
Intercultural Communication Support; Jingwen Wang, Adam
Podcast Producing Team: Roshni, Bessie, Elizabeth, Vikram, Ananya
Date
Dec 2022-May 2023
User
Mandarin-speaking students within UAL
The Goal
Unearth the students' cultural challenges
At the University of the Arts London (UAL), 45% of international students are from mainland China; for many, the communication barrier is a recurring challenge. Our goal was to bridge this intercultural communication gap at UAL by giving a platform to the voices of Mandarin-speaking students. More informed and inclusive decision-making is promoted by UAL through compellingly understanding these insights.
Research
We conducted qualitative and quantitative research on the experiences and feelings of Mandarin-speaking students at UAL.
Research Method:
Group Discussion: Invited Mandarin-speaking students to share UAL course experiences and suggestions.
Questionnaire: Gathered feedback on cultural transition support. https://forms.office.com/r/gFM2MdeFvr
Case Study: Focused on the Illustration MA course where over 85% of students are from mainland China, providing deep insights into their unique challenges.
Interviews: Conducted 1-on-1 sessions and casual talks to explore recurrent culture shocks among Asian students, going beyond just mainland Chinese influences.
Cultural challenge Panel discussion
Data Analysis
We analyzed the data to identify prevalent cultural challenges and concerns, categorizing our findings by theme to discern patterns within the intricate cultural phenomena..
Quantitative Data Analysis
Dealing with voluminous cultural data is intricate. We must avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes of mainland Chinese students. To approach the data more objectively, I shared our findings with the Intercultural Communication Department for joint analysis. Upon discussion, we began our exploration with quantitative data, combined with repetitive keywords analysed from qualitative data to form categories.
Repetitive Keywords
After analyzing the quantitative data using Python's NLTK library for word frequency repetition, we obtained the following findings.
Qualitative Data Categorization
Using affinity mapping, we organized the typical qualitative data we had gathered. Upon categorization, we identified specific challenges related to academics and social interactions.
Cross-Cultural Validation Process
By sharing and discussing with the diverse backgrounds tutors and peers from intercultural communication department. I gained diverse feedback and insights, which not only enhanced the depth of analysis of the data but also helped to reduce subjective bias and ensure objectivity and impartiality in the study.
Meeting with the intercultural communication team
Insights Summary
Through our data exploration, we identified key academic and social challenges rooted in cultural differences. These differences stem from multicultural versus monocultural backgrounds, legal-rational versus customary societal structures, and individualistic versus collectivist orientations.
Define
Medium Selection Process
After analyzing our findings, our team decided on the medium for disseminating information, targeting primarily the internal members of UAL. We narrowed our choices to videos, podcasts, and online articles and initiated a vote.
Audience Medium Preferences Survey:
We conducted a survey targeting 49 UAL audiences: students, tutors, academic centre staff, and the digital education team, all within the age range of 18-55, to ascertain their most frequently used medium. The findings revealed that podcasts appeal to a broader audience segment.
UAL Staff 's Recommodation on Medium Selection
After consulting with the UAL digital learning team regarding their recommendations for this medium, they confirmed podcasts as a popular medium among modern audiences due to their Portability, Engaging nature, and Versatility as an educational tool.
Summary: Podcast Decision
Based on UAL feedback and broad appeal, podcasts were chosen for their portability, engagement, and educational versatility.
Design
Podcast Production
Based on the results of our analysis, I initiated a podcast project. I gathered several international and home students interested in UAL cross-cultural journey. We aimed to vividly convey these insights to the relevant stakeholders by planning and recording these podcast episodes.
Data-Driven Feedback Session for Podcast Direction：
At this stage, we detailed the topic planning for each series of episodes and proceeded with the recording. Originally, I intended to focus solely on the cultural dilemmas of mainland Chinese students. However, after the presentation, I received suggestions to contextualise the specific challenges within the broader scope of UAL's international framework.
Feedback I got from podcast producing team
Transition from Data to Podcast Themes
Building on the prevalent challenges we previously analyzed, the themes evolve from the research keywords.
Podcast Content Brainstorming
Building on the prevalent challenges we previously analyzed, the themes evolve from the research keywords.
Finalise the episodes and recording:
International students from various backgrounds, along with local students, broadened the dialogue with diverse experiences. Instead of just focusing on challenges faced by mainland Chinese students, the topic now encompasses wider cultural barriers and East-West educational style differences. By linking these insights to UAL's educational setting, the topic became more resonant for London stakeholders.
First episode recording: Bessie (left) and Elizabeth (right)
Result
Student Engagement and Reach:
The podcast series garnered 90% positive feedback from its listeners. and achieved a remarkable milestone with 5,000+ downloads, was promoted on the UAL student welcome package.
Growth in Participation:
Following the project, there was a 10% increase in the participation of mainland Chinese students in the subsequent cultural navigation project, indicating a positive shift in engagement.
Pedagogical Impact:
The project had a resonating impact on the teaching staff.
After understanding mainland Chinese students' thought processes, some educators integrated lessons on argumentation, critical thinking, and enhanced learning experiences into their curriculums.
Conclusion:
This project seeks to bridge the cultural gap for Chinese students at UAL by offering insights into their experiences. With a comprehensive understanding, UAL can enhance the student experience, ensuring academic success and a comfortable cultural transition.