Tutorial dynamics and participation in small groups: a student perspective in a multicultural setting.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the language and cultural backgrounds of medical students, and explored their perspectives of the influences on student participation in small-group tutorial settings.


METHODS
A task group of students and staff from a variety of cultural backgrounds designed a cross-sectional survey using an anonymous questionnaire. The survey was conducted at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences (a campus of the University of Otago). Students attending a 4th-year and a 5th-year lecture were invited to participate.


RESULTS
Seventy-five percent of students enrolled in the medical course responded to the survey. Half of the sample self-identified as New Zealand European or Maori. Sixty-four percent of students identified English as their first language. Ninety-one percent of students stated a preference for small-group tutorials rather than lectures. Most students reported that there was a 'lack of prior preparation' by students in these tutorials (no statistically significant difference between students with English as first or second language). Two thirds of students (66%) students felt there was a lack of full participation in small-group teaching. Personality, cultural, and language differences were perceived as contributing factors to the lack of participation.


CONCLUSIONS
Lack of participation should not be assumed to be due to language difficulties. Barriers to participation are perceived differently by students from a variety of language and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, interactions between students who dominate and under-participate may influence student participation. Further research is needed to determine whether language and cultural backgrounds affect students' participation in small group teaching.
Gill
Emily
E
Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Otago University, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Tuck
Ailsa
A
Lee
Don Wai Gin
DW
Beckert
Lutz
L
D044466:Asian People; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching; D044465:White People