Cultivating critical thinking of Chinese international students through media analysis

The increasing presence of Chinese international students in Australian higher education has prompted concerns regarding the enhancement of their learning experiences within the English-speaking educational framework. This chapter delves into teaching methods and student learning experience within two newly established Chinese language units at an Australian university, aiming to positively enrich the learning experiences of Chinese international students in this new environment. This chapter delineates the application of the translanguaging approach within the context of a module focused on Chinese media discourse analysis, aimed at fostering post-monolingual critical thinking among students. Through practical engagement with these frameworks, students are encouraged to cultivate critical thinking abilities, thereby examining pertinent textual and contextual facets that underpin the creation and comprehension of provided texts. This chapter provides valuable insights into teaching practices and student engagement, shedding light on the preferred academic practices of Chinese international students as they navigate their initial academic and cultural transition into the Australian education system.