New approaches to teaching and learning: improving the international student experience. Observations of practice at the Howe Writing Initiative, Farmer School of Business, Miami University, Ohio, USA

This PMI Overseas Study Visit enabled practitioners from two similar centres for academic writing support to exchange views of best practice. It was found that although the infrastructure and learning cultures of the UK and USA are very different, there were many parallels in terms of pedagogical practice and initiatives. New approaches to teaching international students have been identified. In particular, the implementation of the model of universal design in order to inform the writing of module documentation, as well as the potential to provide a more varied assessment portfolio which aims to value cultural diversity. Strategic aims in terms of funding initiatives could be modelled with reference to US practice, where industry standards and expectations are linked closely to pedagogy and curriculum development.