What is this research about?
This research explores the access to and use of information by refugee students during their settlement process in Canada. Researchers conducted a pilot study to explore refugee students’ access to and use of information during the settlement process. Their goal was to help the Student Refugee Program (SRP) at University of British Columbia to advocate for and meet the information needs of refugee students by understanding what information is needed, when it is needed, and how to provide optimal access to it. Their findings begin to identify the scope and variety of information sources that students consult at various stages of settlement and their utility.
What do you need to know?
Refugee students face unique challenges in accessing and using information during the settlement process compared to other immigrant groups. Current models of immigrant settlement describe information needs and sources at different stages, but have not been evaluated for refugee students specifically. It's unclear if current information provided to refugee students is delivered in optimal formats and timing to meet their needs.
What did the researchers do?
Researchers worked with one refugee student to understand their information world, the sources they used, and the strategies they employed to meet their information needs. They conducted a pilot study using arts-based elicitation (Information World Mapping) and semi-structured interviews with the student. Researchers asked the student to visually map their "information world" - the people, places and things that help them find and use information.
What did the researchers find?
Refugee students often lack accessible information about the city, university, and academic policies before arrival. Everyday life information needs, such as finding jobs and managing daily expenses, are challenging to meet due to a lack of clear information sources. The preference for face-to-face interactions for obtaining information is prevalent among refugee students in the literature. Technology use varies, with some students facing difficulties in using required academic software. Financial struggles and the need to work while studying significantly impact students' academic performance and social integration. Social connections and ongoing support are crucial for the successful settlement of refugee students.
Findings
"This exploratory pilot study is the beginning of a project to address these questions, with the goal of evaluating, designing and reconfiguring information sources and how they are delivered to facilitate essential information practices that aid the settlement process. We used a novel arts-based elicitation technique, Information World Mapping (IWM), and semi-structured interview to appreciate a refugee student’s information world and the role of information within it."
The authors assessed information access and use during three phases of settlement:
How can you use this research?
If you work in higher education or refugee support services, this research can guide you to enhance the accessibility and timing of information provided to refugee students. Other points:
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Please take this short survey to help improve the KM4S web site. The survey is anonymous. Thank you for your feedback! (click on the screen anywhere (or on the x in the top right corner) to remove this pop-up)