<p> International students constituted 3.4 to 3.6% of the total student population in U.S. degree-granting institutions (NCES, 2008). Research efforts on this population have been divergent and disparate, thus findings cannot be systematized for theoretical consistency (Pedersen, 1991). Student interaction with faculty has been identified as one of the strongest factors relating to student persistence (Tinto, 1997), student satisfaction and other positive educational outcomes (Astin, 1999). Guided by Astin's (1991) Input-Environment-Outcome Model, this quantitative study utilized data from the Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) to explore how international students' interaction with faculty impacted their academic outcomes. Results indicated that international students interacted with faculty frequently. These interactions had significant impact on international students' academic outcome (College GPA, self-perceived academic ability and intellectual self-confidence), success and satisfaction. Regression analyses identified that getting encouragement for graduate school and receiving a letter of recommendation from faculty were consistently a factor associated with positive academic outcomes and student satisfaction. In addition, advice about education program, opportunity to discuss coursework outside class and opportunities to apply learning in the real world were factors associated with student success. Faculty and student service professionals should become aware of international students' unique needs and challenges and facilitate positive student-faculty interaction for this population.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3609959 |
| Date | 26 February 2014 |
| Creators | Mok, Doris S. |
| Publisher | University of Southern California |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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