6A - Staying informed about student sentiment in a rapidly changing world (60mins)
Tracks
A
| Wednesday, March 15, 2023 |
| 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM |
| 110A |
Details
Through a better understanding of shifting student sentiment and the reasons that underpin the sentiment, institutions, support groups, policy makers and sector stakeholders can improve the delivery of messaging to international students and the provision of effective support services.
The panel will focus on three key Asia-Pacific international student markets: China, India and Vietnam to discuss the usefulness of dynamic student insights in better understanding the diverse experience and expectations of international students. The session draws on #TheSocialSource, a custom-built AI-powered student insights analytics platform that focuses on the student journey from first enquiry to alumni journey.
Drawing on real examples of shifting sentiment and key concerns from 2020 -2022, the discussion will outline how dynamic student insights aids the post-pandemic recovery and the rebuilding of trust amongst students for Australia. Through case studies drawn from China, India and Vietnam, the session will explore how in each of these markets, understanding social media sentiment needs a different approach and how this is key in identifying where there are shared experiences and support needs and where there are unique challenges facing cohorts of students.
Learning Objectives:
● Learn about the concept of dynamic student insights and how it aids in building a sustainable future for international students.
● Outlines the value of using dynamic student insights to understand student concerns, well-being and overall experience of three key Asia-Pacific markets.
● Relate real life examples of how dynamic student insights allows mitigation of negative sentiment and its ability to inform student support initiatives, policy, and advocacy and effective messaging and communication.
Target Audience:
- Recruitment
- Marketing
- Student support
Target Audience Level:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Presenter(s)
Miss Varsha Devi Balakrishnan
Head of Student Insights and Strategy
The Lygon Group, Australia
Staying informed about student sentiment in a rapidly changing world
9:45 AM - 10:45 AMBiography
“Any positive change is better than no change”. Living by that motto, Varsha has served as both a vocal advocate and a changemaker in a diversity of social causes. Coming from Singapore, a cultural and racial melting pot, Varsha’s advocacy and volunteering work are framed by her own identity as a female that is part of a minority race.
Dr Angela Lehmann
Head of Research
The Lygon Group
Staying informed about student sentiment in a rapidly changing world
9:45 AM - 10:45 AMBiography
Angela has had a rich and varied career in research, policy and analysis in Australia, China and the UK. Angela has been a lecturer in Sociology at the ANU, and an Assistant Professor at Xiamen University China, and holds adjunct and honorary appointments at each.
Ms Melissa Banks
Head of International Education
Austrade, Australia
Staying informed about student sentiment in a rapidly changing world
9:45 AM - 10:45 AMBiography
Melissa Banks is the Head of International Education Centre of Excellence, Austrade, providing national industry leadership and stakeholder engagement to drive innovation, collaboration and capability development.
An experienced leader, Melissa brings a rich background in international education spanning 30 years and including multiple education sectors. She was most recently the Pro Vice Chancellor International at James Cook University.
Mr Luke Sheehy
Executive Director
Australian Technology Network of Universities, Australia
Staying informed about student sentiment in a rapidly changing world
9:45 AM - 10:45 AMBiography
Luke Sheehy is the Executive Director of the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN), a peak body representing Curtin University, Deakin University, RMIT University, The University of Newcastle, University of South Australia and University of Technology Sydney.
Chairperson
Varsha Devi Balakrishnan
Head of Student Insights and Strategy
The Lygon Group, Australia
