PhD Defence Weiwei Li 'Mixing cultures, boosting learning: how diversity can improve the value of student group work in higher education'

On Thursday, December 05, Weiwei Li will defend her dissertation titled 'Mixing cultures, boosting learning: how diversity can improve the value of student group work in higher education' at the University of Groningen.

You are cordially invited to attend this event. Below you will find the time and the schedule of the graduation ceremony. The defence will take place at Campus Fryslân, Wirdumerdijk 34, Leeuwarden.  

13.30 Layman's talk  
14.00 Public defence
15:30 Reception

If you cannot attend in person, you can follow the defence via the Livestream.

PhD Project Insight
In today’s globally connected world, student diversity—encompassing various cultures, nationalities, and fields of study—is a valuable resource in higher education. When students from different backgrounds collaborate, it can lead to enriched learning experiences.
However, integrating these perspectives in group projects poses challenges, as students may be hesitant to engage fully, and educators must innovate to foster inclusive collaboration. Weiwei's PhD dissertation explores the question: “What conditions make diversity in group learning beneficial for students?” Using a framework called the Categorization-Elaboration Model, the study examines factors like students’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of working with diverse peers, their learning goals, and the quality of their interactions. It also looks at teachers’ methods, their role in supporting students, and how they create a positive learning environment that values diversity.
By evaluating these elements, the dissertation sheds light on how diverse groups can enhance learning and help students develop intercultural competencies, ultimately making collaborative learning more enriching for everyone involved.

Supervisors: Prof. S. Otten & Prof. R.J. Coelen

About Weiwei Li
Weiwei Li, is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven school of education, in the Netherlands. Her research is centered on advancing educational innovations and competency-based learning in higher education. Building on her PhD work, she explores how student diversity can enrich learning experiences in small group settings. Expanding this focus to adaptive learning environments, she also investigates the role of AI and learning analytics in supporting self-directed learning for diverse students in higher education.