Interpretive Memo

20 signatures from International Students whom I interviewed. I asked them to write their names in English then in their native languages!

 

Here are some results from the interviews that I made recently which works as a follow-up to the previous surveys I gave to the students examining particularly their reading and writing skills. These interviews will go beyond that and focus on the main factors that affect the students’ literacy while they are attending Texas A&M-Commerce. All the participants are international students attending Texas A&M-University Commerce during spring 2010. According to the statistics given by the International Student Service Office, there are 533 international students coming from 38 countries attending the school this spring 2010. 23 students have been interviewed in this project. The results of the interviews can be classified into 3 parts.

Part 1: the skills that the students brought to the school.

       A: A major skill that the students use here is the use of their native language.

      B: Taking notes in their native language.

Part 2: the factors that helped the students become more literate.

       A: The writing center at Texas A&M Commerce plays a vital role in promoting the     

            international students writing skills.

       B: The assignments that the professors give to the students help the international students to   

            read and write more.

         C: Studying all the time is a major factor for the international students to improve their

           reading and writing skills.

         D: The online library helps the international students to easily read and access the resources

            and some of them use the online library for outside reading.

           E: Students become more literate because they have to read more and speak the language,

           i.e., the academic life.

        F: Registering for elective classes is another factor in promoting the international students’

         literacy because they have the choice to register for the classes that meet their needs and

          satisfy their  future goals.

Part 3: some suggestions made by the students to help them excel in their studies.

        A: Some students have suggested that the library should provide textbooks.