Cultural Differences in Student Perceptions: Student Evaluations of Online Discussion Forums

Mentor: Ryan Light

Facilitator: Nedzer Erilus

Cultural diversity and technical development have changed students’ learning experiences in American higher education. This research explores the relationship between cultural influences on students’ perceptions of higher education and students’ evaluations of their experiences with the use of online discussion forums in college. By employing both survey and interview, this case study on Asian international students and American students at University of Oregon examines three aspects of student evaluations: their expectation of the instructor’s role, self- evaluation of their own participation, and overall evaluation of their online discussion forum experiences. The results indicate that compared with American students, Asian international students tend to expect less in terms of the instructor’s role and provide lower self-evaluations of their own participation in online discussion forums. Meanwhile, both American students and Asian international students have positive evaluations of their online discussion forum experiences. The findings suggest that college administrators and instructors should take cultural orientation into account to promote a diverse and understanding learning environment in future course design.