METHODOLOGY

The data was collected from 65 students who were interviewed from predominantly nine different countries or regions：India，Pakistan，Sri Lanka，Taiwan，Hong Kong，China，Indonesia，Vietnam，and Thailand.

Usually the researchers met the student in small focus groups as it was felt this was less intimidating for them and they could be encouraged to speak more openly.The students met in the Learning Skills Unit（LSU）or classrooms.Each group was given information about the purpose and aims of the research and confidentiality was assured.

The respective positions of the two researchers turned out to be significant factors in this process.One is coordinator of the Learning Skills Unit（LSU）.So students tended to see her as neutral and therefore noticeably were more inclined to talk openly and candidly with her.She has also had the opportunity of spending a lot of social time with students which meant they were more relaxed.The LSU is also seen as an area where students can come to discuss any problem they may have.The staff put a great deal of effort into making the atmosphere calm and friendly and students responded very well when they were interviewed in the center.

The other is a member of the academic staff teaching management courses.Whilst the research involved a number of his classes，students seemed much more reluctant to discuss all issues openly with him.As a result，the LSU coordinator took greater responsibility for collecting information and more of the discussions were held in the LSU.In relation to assessing staff attitudes，the researchers found it useful to use the research undertaken by one of the Learning Skills Advisors who was coincidentally researching staff attitudes and teaching strategies in relation to this campus.So，rather than double up，the researchers sought her permission to use this research and combine it with their own experiences with academic staff.A third person had interviewed a number of staff from both the faculties of Business ＆ Law and Communication ＆ Informatics undertaking individual consultation with them.