‘Loss of Face’ in Australian Classrooms

Abstract Discussion will be undertaken within this paper identifying a barrier hindering the overall learning and interaction of students from countries within the East Asian region undertaking education in an Australian context. This barrier was identified within a form of teacher research undertaken in Melbourne, Australia. The barrier encompasses the fear of intimidation, embarrassment, and consequences of ‘loss of face’ for some of the targeted students, within Australian classrooms. This paper will address approaches to alleviate the repercussions of ‘loss of face'for these students, and issues and methods for teachers and students to consider when attempting to overcome this learning barrier.