2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Perception and Adaptation of First-Year International Graduate Students Towards Academic Writing: A Case Study at a School of Engineering

Presented at GSD 1: From Recruitment to Retention

International graduate students (IGS) encounter a few challenges in academic writing during their first semesters in the United States. These difficulties encompass language barriers, cultural variances, and a lack of familiarity with academic norms. This research investigates the perception and adaptation of first-year IGS in engineering at a historically black college and university (HBCU). The study adopted a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative findings from an Academic Literacy Questionnaire (ALQ) utilizing the Academic Literacies Framework and with qualitative data collected from interviews with only ten participants. The questionnaire examines the obstacles in academic writing, while the interviews offer comprehensive insights into adaptive strategies. Quantitative findings were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) at a significance level of 95 % confidence level to determine descriptive and inferential statistics. At the same time, thematic analysis was utilized for the qualitative data to reveal periodic themes and distinctive strategies used by the participants. Results showed that participants struggled with writing methodology, logically integrating information, and articulating their ideas effectively. Despite these challenges, they implemented various adaptive techniques, including reviewing prior literature, utilizing online platforms like ResearchGate and YouTube, working with peers and mentors, enrolling in formal writing courses, and employing AI tools to enhance grammar and structure. External motivation, such as awards and prizes, and maintaining supportive work environments, was also noted as a crucial influence. The study concluded that institutional support plays a critical role in mitigating these challenges. Suggested improvements include writing programs, availability of academic resources, opportunities for peer collaboration, incorporation of AI tools, and establishment of supportive learning environments. These initiatives can significantly enrich the academic writing skills of IGS, ultimately enhancing their academic performance, retention, and success in their chosen fields.

Authors

Mr. Samuel Sola Akosile Morgan State University [biography]

Samuel Akosile is a Ph.D. student in Sustainable Infrastructure and Resilience Engineering at Morgan State University, within the Department of Civil Engineering. He currently works as a Research Assistant, contributing to innovative studies in the field of civil infrastructure. His primary research area focuses on sustainable design for pavement systems, aiming to develop environmentally responsible, durable, and cost-effective solutions for modern transportation networks. Samuel’s work explores the integration of green materials, lifecycle assessment, and resilient engineering practices in pavement design. Through his research, he seeks to address key challenges in infrastructure sustainability while promoting long-term resilience in the face of climate change and increasing urban demands.
Michael Oluwafemi Ige Morgan State University [biography]

Michael Ige is a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Morgan State University, Maryland, where he is pursuing his M.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a concentration in Construction Management and Transportation Engineering. He earned his B.Tech. in Building Structure from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Michael has extensive professional experience managing large-scale heavy construction and façade projects, including high-rise and industrial developments across West Africa, having held key roles in the field. His research interests include the integration of digital tools in construction education, resilient building design, and asset management in civil infrastructure. He is passionate about bridging academic knowledge with real-world application and is committed to developing innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable construction solutions.
Tolulope Abiri Morgan State University [biography]

Tolulope Abiri is a graduate student in Civil Engineering at Morgan State University, where he also serves as a Research Assistant. He holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). His current research focuses on the sustainability and resilience of transportation infrastructure in the face of sea level rise, with a particular emphasis on coastal vulnerability and adaptive planning for future climate scenarios.
Tolulope is passionate about engineering education and research, with a strong appreciation for field experiences that bridge theory and practical application.
Mr. Pelumi Olaitan Abiodun http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4969-9591 Morgan State University [biography]

Pelumi Abiodun is a current doctoral student and research assistant at the department of Civil Engineering, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland. Pelumi got his BSc and MSc degree in Physics from Obafemi Awolowo University, where he also served as a research assistant at the Environmental Pollution Research unit, in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. As part of his contribution to science and engineering, Pelumi has taught as a teaching assistant both at Morgan State University and Obafemi Awolowo University. With passion to communicate research findings and gleaned from experts in the field as he advances his career, Olaitan has attended several in-persons and virtual conferences and workshop, and at some of them, made presentation on findings on air pollution, waste water reuse, and heavy metal contamination.
Dr. Oludare Adegbola Owolabi P.E. Morgan State University [biography]

Dr. Oludare Owolabi, a professional engineer in Maryland, joined the Morgan State University faculty
in 2010. He is the director of the sustainable infrastructure development, smart innovation and resilient
engineering lab and the director of undergraduate programs in the department of civil engineering at Morgan
State University.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

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