Kexin Feng

Email fenca314@student.otago.ac.nz

Qualifications

Master of Education in assessment and pedagogy, University of Melbourne, Bachelor of Arts in Education and French, University of Otago

Background

Kexin Feng is a full-time PhD student in Higher Education. Originally from Beijing, she obtained her BA from the University of Otago majoring in Education and minoring in French. Kexin also took some Japanese courses, and, in the midst, she exchanged to Kyoto University for one semester.

Subsequently, Kexin pursued her MEd at the University of Melbourne. Her doctoral research focuses on international students from non-English speaking backgrounds, exploring the relationship between their academic motivation and first-year experiences. Having obtained her master’s degree in education, Kexin brings a strong foundation in the field and a deep interest in addressing current challenges in higher education.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Kexin engages in the work of international ambassador and exam supervision and actively participates in volunteer activities.

Research title

The relationship between academic motivation and first year experiences of international students

PhD start

August 2023

Research summary

In contemporary academia, an increasing number of students from non-English speaking backgrounds are seeking for higher education in English speaking countries. This research focuses on the first year of their academic journey, recognising it as a crucial juncture that significantly shapes the values, attitudes, and learning behaviours of these young adults from diverse cultural backgrounds.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between academic motivation and first-year experiences among this cohort at the University of Otago. By shedding light on this underexplored topic within New Zealand context, this study promotes a diverse and inclusive academic community. Ultimately, the findings are expected to offer valuable insights that can support the university in enhancing the overall quality of first year education for its diverse student population.

Research interests

• Academic motivation
• First-year experiences
• Transition education
• Parenting styles

Activities and roles

• Research assistant, Higher Education Development Centre
• International ambassador, International Office
• Test and examination supervisor, Disability Information and Support
• Refugee resettlement volunteer, New Zealand Red Cross
• Global citizen, International Office

Supervisors

• Dr Rob Wass
• Dr Lee Adam
• Professor Rachel Spronken-Smith (advisor)