It is my pleasure to inform you that your paper titled "How will Tourism and Hospitality Educatio... more It is my pleasure to inform you that your paper titled "How will Tourism and Hospitality Education have to change in 5, 10 and 15 years' time for the global citizen student?" has been accepted for presentation at the 32 nd EuroCHRIE Dubai 2014 Conference which is proudly hosted by The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management. My sincere congratulations to you! Please register for the Conference at www.EuroCHRIE2014.com. You will find your reviewers' comments as attachments to this email. In regards to your presentation, please note that the duration will be approximately 15 minutes followed by a brief Q&A session. Confirmation of the actual date and time of your presentation will be conveyed to you within the coming months.
Despite the internationalisation of higher education, which offers a multicultural space, there i... more Despite the internationalisation of higher education, which offers a multicultural space, there is little understanding as to what are the behaviours and attitudes within multi-cultural groupwork. The cultural mix of values, beliefs and behaviours of students from different cultural backgrounds participating within multicultural group-work can present many challenges leading to misunderstandings. This thesis explored to what extent group behaviour and attitudes were related to cultural expectations within multi-cultural group-work and how the benefits of multicultural group-work could be maximised. The study explored the students' perceptions of their own behaviours and that of others within multicultural group-work. It also uncovered the challenges and the richness cultural behaviours brought to multi-cultural groupwork. To achieve this, the study took an ontological position of phenomenology. Nine students were interviewed from different cultures. A series of four focus groups...
In today’s multicultural society students can expect to work in multicultural groups as part of t... more In today’s multicultural society students can expect to work in multicultural groups as part of their professional practice (Sweeney et al. 2008; Krishnamurthi 2003). Therefore the ability to work in multicultural groups is seen as an integral part of a student’s competency within higher education (Papov et al. 2012). Multicultural education pathways provide for many benefits. The greater diversity in communication styles helps development of intercultural competence (De Vita 2000; Popav et al. 2012) and increases performance in team project tasks (De Vita 2000). Equally it provides challenges due to different cultural behaviour patterns. As Bourdieu (1990) and the Hofstede (1980) model identified, each culture inherits its own societal behavioural norms. A lack of knowledge of the differences in members’ social norms and values may provide for conflicts. Intercultural competences is a relatively new field of study within literature. Due to globalisation students now need the skills...
The Graduate Diploma programme in Hospitality has actively fostered productive partnerships with ... more The Graduate Diploma programme in Hospitality has actively fostered productive partnerships with students in order to strengthen participation and increase student engagement. Initiatives employed by the lecturing team provided opportunities for international students to integrate within the community and develop skills of team working, leadership, and management. An emphasis was placed on developing pluralistic skills aimed at developing an appreciation and understanding of the different cultures; such key skills better enable the students to be global citizens. Whilst theoretical knowledge gained within the class room provided ample opportunity to understand the subject concepts of hospitality and event management, the international students needed an avenue where they could put this into practice within a real environment and learn skills that cannot always be taught with the teaching environment; skills such as integration within a community, lead a project, manage student teams...
In recent years we have piloted and then adapted our learning, teaching and assessment methods to... more In recent years we have piloted and then adapted our learning, teaching and assessment methods to the needs of the international students. As these methods have become more diverse, so have our methods of giving feedback. Our students receive formative and final feedback through different forms and media (in person, in group discussions, written on turnitin or pebblepad, written on paper, peer feedback, mentor feedback, voice recorded). Influential behaviourist theories have argued that feedback is a strong external stimulus which influences both positive and negative behaviour (Skinner, 1968). Handley et.al (2010) argue that although the learner may not always recognise the benefits of feedback; they are in the best position to evaluate the effectiveness of feedback. International students are especially dependent on feedback as they have come from different teaching methods and assessment structures and have a need to identify if they are on the right track and if not, what steps ...
In today’s multicultural society students can expect to work in multicultural groups as part of t... more In today’s multicultural society students can expect to work in multicultural groups as part of their professional practice (Sweeney et al. 2008; Krishnamurthi 2003). Therefore the ability to work in multicultural groups is seen as an integral part of a student’s competency within higher education (Papov et al. 2012). Multicultural group work provides for many benefits. The greater diversity in communication styles helps development of intercultural competence (De Vita 2000; Popav et al. 2012) and increases performance in team project tasks (De Vita 2000). Equally it provides challenges due to different cultural behaviour patterns. As Bourdieu (1990) and the Hofstede (1980) model identified, each culture inherits its own societal behavioural norms. A lack of knowledge of the differences in members’ social norms and values may provide for conflicts. Particularly within the multicultural groupwork assessment process as student socio-cultural expectations of verbal communication norms ...
The impact of the free market, neoliberal ideology of globalisation has initiated student mobilit... more The impact of the free market, neoliberal ideology of globalisation has initiated student mobility within higher education circles; Initiating a shift towards a diverse multicultural student base within universities (Albech 2002; Thomas 2004). These sliding landscapes have impacted the dynamics within the group work process often providing for greater diversity in communication styles helping the development of intercultural competence (De Vita 2000; Popav et al. 2012). Despites these benefits MCGW has been found to exert conflicting influences of asymmetrical power relationships within the group members often initiating challenges and tensions for students. Clearly cultural diversity cannot be stereotyped as factors such as age and gender can affect groupwork dynamics. However, literature indicates socio-culture behavioural norms may impact small groupwork and a lack of knowledge of the differences in members’ social norms, behaviour and values may provide for conflicts within the ...
The search for Truth The aim of research is to achieve true and certain knowledge (Eisner 1992). ... more The search for Truth The aim of research is to achieve true and certain knowledge (Eisner 1992). Achieving this is problematic as research is complex, diverse and pluralistic (Hodkinson, 2004). This diversity has resulted in the creation of many research paradigms, which provide a set of propositions on how the world is perceived; attempting to break down the complexities of the real world, in order to identify what is important and legitimate (Hammersley 1992). We get a sense of why these complexities arise when we examine the term ‘research’. It is not one that has a well-defined meaning, considerable disagreement exists to as what counts as research. At one extreme is the realist / objectivist ontology, claiming that objective detachment; elimination of one’s own values system and personal bias and neutrality is desirable when conducting research (Sarantakos 2005). At the other extreme is the constructionist ontology representation, based on interpretivist epistemology, claiming ...
Higher Education within the UK is experiencing many changes, one of which is the changing nature ... more Higher Education within the UK is experiencing many changes, one of which is the changing nature of graduate profiles (Higher Education Academy, 2014). Traditionally Tourism and Hospitality education was predominately composed of home students. In recent years this has changed to include more international students. Our longitudinal research study of four years indicated that those international students’ encounter challenges when adapting to the UK University teaching systems, developing employability skills and integrating within the community. To address these challenges the lecturing team created a conceptual framework named The Learning, Assessment, Pastoral (LAP) conceptual Framework, which provides for a theoretical model perpetuating the concepts of incremental learning, critical thinking; volunteering, competitive spirit and mentoring. The entrenched framework formulation enables students to build confidence and a sense of belonging as well as an appreciation of the teachin...
Aim: Globalisation has brought countries, nations and cultures closer together. This augmentation... more Aim: Globalisation has brought countries, nations and cultures closer together. This augmentation of nations brings many benefits resulting in the enrichment of lives. It has opened doors to a customer base that is no longer local or national, rather global. Equally it brings challenges to industries to remain competitive, within a globalised world, that celebrates different languages, traditions and beliefs. Technology can enable the hospitality industry to remain competitive and help reduce operational costs. The aim of this session is to bring awareness to the most resent technologies that enable industries to remain competitive and to have a market presence and be able to engage with the customer base in a way that has not been possible before. Content: The first part of the session will be presented by the main presenters, and will discuss robotics, social media, mobile technologies and Virtual reality. The audience will be invited to discuss the challenges these new technologi...
Assessment has been shown to direct student learning behaviour by influencing the quality and qua... more Assessment has been shown to direct student learning behaviour by influencing the quality and quantity of effort to study and to adopt either a surface or deep learning approach (Laurillard, 1979, cited in Hoskins, 1999 p.18). Literature suggest that most students today develop a learning strategy where they learn only to pass assessments, also called a surface learning approach (Anderson, 2010). Employers argue that they cannot find skilled workers and graduates often lack the actual knowledge required within their subject area (Levy and Rodkin, 2015; Kirton, 2015). Student learning has become focused on passing assessments (Peelo et al., 2002; Light et al., 2009) and they use their time strategically. Course content that is not assessed directly is neglected; therefore, students gain only superficial knowledge of the core theory (Anderson, 2010; Yorke, 2001). From the late 1960’s through the 1990’s, a wealth of research was undertaken to explore student learning behaviour and this...
In recent years we have piloted and then adapted our learning, teaching and assessment methods to... more In recent years we have piloted and then adapted our learning, teaching and assessment methods to the needs of the international students. As these methods have become more diverse, so have our methods of giving feedback. Our students receive formative and final feedback through different forms and media (in person, in group discussions, written on turnitin or pebblepad, written on paper, peer feedback, mentor feedback, voice recorded). Influential behaviourist theories have argued that feedback is a strong external stimulus which influences both positive and negative behaviour (Skinner, 1968). Handley et.al (2010) argue that although the learner may not always recognise the benefits of feedback; they are in the best position to evaluate the effectiveness of feedback. International students are especially dependent on feedback as they have come from different teaching methods and assessment structures and have a need to identify if they are on the right track and if not, what steps ...
This paper critically reviews content analysis as a research approach. It discusses its immense f... more This paper critically reviews content analysis as a research approach. It discusses its immense flexibility making it beneficial for a variety of research. Conversely it provides a critical review and appraisal of this approach, questioning its validity as a research tool given that it lacks firm definition or procedure. It does this by conducting qualitative content data analysis on three transcripts focusing on children’s aspirations. The merits and shortcomings of the content analysis and intercoding process are discussed. Finally it concludes by saying that although it is a complex technique, the outcomes can provide for a critical appreciation of the contents.
The hospitality industry demands graduates joining the industry to have a wide range of soft skil... more The hospitality industry demands graduates joining the industry to have a wide range of soft skills involving communication, change management, self and other leadership, presentation, flexibility and application (Hofstrand, 1996; Pebble, 2002; Robinson, 2006). This study set out to pilot a Blended Learning Phased Assessment Employability Strategy- framework during a seven week, graduate module in a hospitality management programme. The purpose of this study was to enhance employability skills of the global citizen student at graduate level through the use of a web-based environment. First, the framework was designed where learners can develop their skills through a range of activities forming a phased assessment whilst considering the student profile is a mature, global citizen student who has typically completed a degree in a different field. The framework took into consideration that rapid developed is required without risking a cognitive overload whilst being designed to facilit...
It is my pleasure to inform you that your paper titled "How will Tourism and Hospitality Educatio... more It is my pleasure to inform you that your paper titled "How will Tourism and Hospitality Education have to change in 5, 10 and 15 years' time for the global citizen student?" has been accepted for presentation at the 32 nd EuroCHRIE Dubai 2014 Conference which is proudly hosted by The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management. My sincere congratulations to you! Please register for the Conference at www.EuroCHRIE2014.com. You will find your reviewers' comments as attachments to this email. In regards to your presentation, please note that the duration will be approximately 15 minutes followed by a brief Q&A session. Confirmation of the actual date and time of your presentation will be conveyed to you within the coming months.
Despite the internationalisation of higher education, which offers a multicultural space, there i... more Despite the internationalisation of higher education, which offers a multicultural space, there is little understanding as to what are the behaviours and attitudes within multi-cultural groupwork. The cultural mix of values, beliefs and behaviours of students from different cultural backgrounds participating within multicultural group-work can present many challenges leading to misunderstandings. This thesis explored to what extent group behaviour and attitudes were related to cultural expectations within multi-cultural group-work and how the benefits of multicultural group-work could be maximised. The study explored the students' perceptions of their own behaviours and that of others within multicultural group-work. It also uncovered the challenges and the richness cultural behaviours brought to multi-cultural groupwork. To achieve this, the study took an ontological position of phenomenology. Nine students were interviewed from different cultures. A series of four focus groups...
In today’s multicultural society students can expect to work in multicultural groups as part of t... more In today’s multicultural society students can expect to work in multicultural groups as part of their professional practice (Sweeney et al. 2008; Krishnamurthi 2003). Therefore the ability to work in multicultural groups is seen as an integral part of a student’s competency within higher education (Papov et al. 2012). Multicultural education pathways provide for many benefits. The greater diversity in communication styles helps development of intercultural competence (De Vita 2000; Popav et al. 2012) and increases performance in team project tasks (De Vita 2000). Equally it provides challenges due to different cultural behaviour patterns. As Bourdieu (1990) and the Hofstede (1980) model identified, each culture inherits its own societal behavioural norms. A lack of knowledge of the differences in members’ social norms and values may provide for conflicts. Intercultural competences is a relatively new field of study within literature. Due to globalisation students now need the skills...
The Graduate Diploma programme in Hospitality has actively fostered productive partnerships with ... more The Graduate Diploma programme in Hospitality has actively fostered productive partnerships with students in order to strengthen participation and increase student engagement. Initiatives employed by the lecturing team provided opportunities for international students to integrate within the community and develop skills of team working, leadership, and management. An emphasis was placed on developing pluralistic skills aimed at developing an appreciation and understanding of the different cultures; such key skills better enable the students to be global citizens. Whilst theoretical knowledge gained within the class room provided ample opportunity to understand the subject concepts of hospitality and event management, the international students needed an avenue where they could put this into practice within a real environment and learn skills that cannot always be taught with the teaching environment; skills such as integration within a community, lead a project, manage student teams...
In recent years we have piloted and then adapted our learning, teaching and assessment methods to... more In recent years we have piloted and then adapted our learning, teaching and assessment methods to the needs of the international students. As these methods have become more diverse, so have our methods of giving feedback. Our students receive formative and final feedback through different forms and media (in person, in group discussions, written on turnitin or pebblepad, written on paper, peer feedback, mentor feedback, voice recorded). Influential behaviourist theories have argued that feedback is a strong external stimulus which influences both positive and negative behaviour (Skinner, 1968). Handley et.al (2010) argue that although the learner may not always recognise the benefits of feedback; they are in the best position to evaluate the effectiveness of feedback. International students are especially dependent on feedback as they have come from different teaching methods and assessment structures and have a need to identify if they are on the right track and if not, what steps ...
In today’s multicultural society students can expect to work in multicultural groups as part of t... more In today’s multicultural society students can expect to work in multicultural groups as part of their professional practice (Sweeney et al. 2008; Krishnamurthi 2003). Therefore the ability to work in multicultural groups is seen as an integral part of a student’s competency within higher education (Papov et al. 2012). Multicultural group work provides for many benefits. The greater diversity in communication styles helps development of intercultural competence (De Vita 2000; Popav et al. 2012) and increases performance in team project tasks (De Vita 2000). Equally it provides challenges due to different cultural behaviour patterns. As Bourdieu (1990) and the Hofstede (1980) model identified, each culture inherits its own societal behavioural norms. A lack of knowledge of the differences in members’ social norms and values may provide for conflicts. Particularly within the multicultural groupwork assessment process as student socio-cultural expectations of verbal communication norms ...
The impact of the free market, neoliberal ideology of globalisation has initiated student mobilit... more The impact of the free market, neoliberal ideology of globalisation has initiated student mobility within higher education circles; Initiating a shift towards a diverse multicultural student base within universities (Albech 2002; Thomas 2004). These sliding landscapes have impacted the dynamics within the group work process often providing for greater diversity in communication styles helping the development of intercultural competence (De Vita 2000; Popav et al. 2012). Despites these benefits MCGW has been found to exert conflicting influences of asymmetrical power relationships within the group members often initiating challenges and tensions for students. Clearly cultural diversity cannot be stereotyped as factors such as age and gender can affect groupwork dynamics. However, literature indicates socio-culture behavioural norms may impact small groupwork and a lack of knowledge of the differences in members’ social norms, behaviour and values may provide for conflicts within the ...
The search for Truth The aim of research is to achieve true and certain knowledge (Eisner 1992). ... more The search for Truth The aim of research is to achieve true and certain knowledge (Eisner 1992). Achieving this is problematic as research is complex, diverse and pluralistic (Hodkinson, 2004). This diversity has resulted in the creation of many research paradigms, which provide a set of propositions on how the world is perceived; attempting to break down the complexities of the real world, in order to identify what is important and legitimate (Hammersley 1992). We get a sense of why these complexities arise when we examine the term ‘research’. It is not one that has a well-defined meaning, considerable disagreement exists to as what counts as research. At one extreme is the realist / objectivist ontology, claiming that objective detachment; elimination of one’s own values system and personal bias and neutrality is desirable when conducting research (Sarantakos 2005). At the other extreme is the constructionist ontology representation, based on interpretivist epistemology, claiming ...
Higher Education within the UK is experiencing many changes, one of which is the changing nature ... more Higher Education within the UK is experiencing many changes, one of which is the changing nature of graduate profiles (Higher Education Academy, 2014). Traditionally Tourism and Hospitality education was predominately composed of home students. In recent years this has changed to include more international students. Our longitudinal research study of four years indicated that those international students’ encounter challenges when adapting to the UK University teaching systems, developing employability skills and integrating within the community. To address these challenges the lecturing team created a conceptual framework named The Learning, Assessment, Pastoral (LAP) conceptual Framework, which provides for a theoretical model perpetuating the concepts of incremental learning, critical thinking; volunteering, competitive spirit and mentoring. The entrenched framework formulation enables students to build confidence and a sense of belonging as well as an appreciation of the teachin...
Aim: Globalisation has brought countries, nations and cultures closer together. This augmentation... more Aim: Globalisation has brought countries, nations and cultures closer together. This augmentation of nations brings many benefits resulting in the enrichment of lives. It has opened doors to a customer base that is no longer local or national, rather global. Equally it brings challenges to industries to remain competitive, within a globalised world, that celebrates different languages, traditions and beliefs. Technology can enable the hospitality industry to remain competitive and help reduce operational costs. The aim of this session is to bring awareness to the most resent technologies that enable industries to remain competitive and to have a market presence and be able to engage with the customer base in a way that has not been possible before. Content: The first part of the session will be presented by the main presenters, and will discuss robotics, social media, mobile technologies and Virtual reality. The audience will be invited to discuss the challenges these new technologi...
Assessment has been shown to direct student learning behaviour by influencing the quality and qua... more Assessment has been shown to direct student learning behaviour by influencing the quality and quantity of effort to study and to adopt either a surface or deep learning approach (Laurillard, 1979, cited in Hoskins, 1999 p.18). Literature suggest that most students today develop a learning strategy where they learn only to pass assessments, also called a surface learning approach (Anderson, 2010). Employers argue that they cannot find skilled workers and graduates often lack the actual knowledge required within their subject area (Levy and Rodkin, 2015; Kirton, 2015). Student learning has become focused on passing assessments (Peelo et al., 2002; Light et al., 2009) and they use their time strategically. Course content that is not assessed directly is neglected; therefore, students gain only superficial knowledge of the core theory (Anderson, 2010; Yorke, 2001). From the late 1960’s through the 1990’s, a wealth of research was undertaken to explore student learning behaviour and this...
In recent years we have piloted and then adapted our learning, teaching and assessment methods to... more In recent years we have piloted and then adapted our learning, teaching and assessment methods to the needs of the international students. As these methods have become more diverse, so have our methods of giving feedback. Our students receive formative and final feedback through different forms and media (in person, in group discussions, written on turnitin or pebblepad, written on paper, peer feedback, mentor feedback, voice recorded). Influential behaviourist theories have argued that feedback is a strong external stimulus which influences both positive and negative behaviour (Skinner, 1968). Handley et.al (2010) argue that although the learner may not always recognise the benefits of feedback; they are in the best position to evaluate the effectiveness of feedback. International students are especially dependent on feedback as they have come from different teaching methods and assessment structures and have a need to identify if they are on the right track and if not, what steps ...
This paper critically reviews content analysis as a research approach. It discusses its immense f... more This paper critically reviews content analysis as a research approach. It discusses its immense flexibility making it beneficial for a variety of research. Conversely it provides a critical review and appraisal of this approach, questioning its validity as a research tool given that it lacks firm definition or procedure. It does this by conducting qualitative content data analysis on three transcripts focusing on children’s aspirations. The merits and shortcomings of the content analysis and intercoding process are discussed. Finally it concludes by saying that although it is a complex technique, the outcomes can provide for a critical appreciation of the contents.
The hospitality industry demands graduates joining the industry to have a wide range of soft skil... more The hospitality industry demands graduates joining the industry to have a wide range of soft skills involving communication, change management, self and other leadership, presentation, flexibility and application (Hofstrand, 1996; Pebble, 2002; Robinson, 2006). This study set out to pilot a Blended Learning Phased Assessment Employability Strategy- framework during a seven week, graduate module in a hospitality management programme. The purpose of this study was to enhance employability skills of the global citizen student at graduate level through the use of a web-based environment. First, the framework was designed where learners can develop their skills through a range of activities forming a phased assessment whilst considering the student profile is a mature, global citizen student who has typically completed a degree in a different field. The framework took into consideration that rapid developed is required without risking a cognitive overload whilst being designed to facilit...
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