Feedback is a powerful learning tool; however, cultural elements may inhibit its effectiveness. In China, the teacher-student dynamics are different than in the West and the methodologies purported by Western scholars may not be effective. This paper identifies
cultural elements of Mianzi and Guanxi that influence social relationships in Chinese academic environments. The research explores the needs and perspectives on feedback practices of twenty-five senior undergraduate students at a Chinese University via semi-structured interviews. The results offer insight into best feedback practices when working with Chinese students. The key takeaway is that most Western effective feedback guidelines translate into the Chinese classroom; however, power dynamics inherent in Confucianist society inhibit students from engaging with teachers. It is also important to note that peer feedback may not be as effective because students may be reluctant to make a peer lose face or may not see peers as having valid opinions. Understanding key cultural concepts can facilitate communication between teachers and students, improving feedback effectiveness.
Influence of Culture on Chinese University Students' Interaction with Feedback
International Journal of Changes in Education, 2(4), 2025, 279-289, https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42022828
Publication date: Nov 24, 2025
ABSTRACT
KEYWORDS
CITATION (APA)
Ilin, V., Ke, J., & Nuanla-Or, S. (2025). Influence of Culture on Chinese University Students' Interaction with Feedback. International Journal of Changes in Education, 2(4), 279-289. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42022828
Harvard
Ilin, V., Ke, J., and Nuanla-Or, S. (2025). Influence of Culture on Chinese University Students' Interaction with Feedback. International Journal of Changes in Education, 2(4), pp. 279-289. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42022828
Vancouver
Ilin V, Ke J, Nuanla-Or S. Influence of Culture on Chinese University Students' Interaction with Feedback. International Journal of Changes in Education. 2025;2(4):279-89. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42022828
AMA
Ilin V, Ke J, Nuanla-Or S. Influence of Culture on Chinese University Students' Interaction with Feedback. International Journal of Changes in Education. 2025;2(4), 279-289. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42022828
Chicago
Ilin, Vladislav, Jiaming Ke, and Sunantana Nuanla-Or. "Influence of Culture on Chinese University Students' Interaction with Feedback". International Journal of Changes in Education 2025 2 no. 4 (2025): 279-289. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42022828
MLA
Ilin, Vladislav et al. "Influence of Culture on Chinese University Students' Interaction with Feedback". International Journal of Changes in Education, vol. 2, no. 4, 2025, pp. 279-289. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE42022828
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