Framework for collaborative teaching: Strengths and challenges for a different service paradigm in Haiti |
Author : Patricia Mason and Judith C. James-Borga |
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Abstract :Nursing education in Haiti is in transition. This article describes the teaching/learning experiences of participants in a nursing educational project in Haiti. The project was guided by an integrative framework of the educational collaborative model, constructivism and situated learning theory. Reflections on the experiences lead to the realization of these four lessons: (a) the service provided must supplement, not negate the values and strengths of the host community; (b) it is important to provide sustainable service; (c) methods used by international educators must be respectful and relevant; and (d) international educators must be willing to engage in the identification and application of new and different strategies. This resulted in a paradigm shift which highlighted teaching as a mode of service delivery. The experience revealed service as the mutual giving and receiving of resources and expertise. |
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Cultural diversity in undergraduate engineering education |
Author : Zariff Chaudhury, Ziarat Hossain, and E. Katherine Gordon |
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Abstract :The primary objectives of this study were to assess engineering students’ and professional engineers’ perceptions of cultural diversity in undergraduate engineering course curriculum, gender and ethnicity-specific access to the engineering field, and the professional engineering work environment in the United States. The sample consisted of 132 undergraduate engineering students and 90 professional engineers residing in the southern part of the U.S. The participants completed two survey questionnaires. Findings suggest that both the students and engineers responded similarly about the importance of having cultural diversity courses in the engineering program. However, students perceived to a greater degree than engineers did that all qualified students have equal access to an engineering education in the country. Students noted more than engineers that the existing curriculum accentuates cultural diversity and engineering programs need to recruit more minority students. Compared to their professional counterparts, students showed a stronger belief that engineers must maintain a high level of work ethics, tended to experience high levels of job satisfaction, and were well paid |
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Engaging students globally without leaving the comforts of home |
Author : Weiwen Liao, Margaret S. Kilcoyne, Carmella Parker , Begona Perez-Mira, Connie Jones, and Lynn Woods |
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Abstract :To meet the needs of and preparing graduates to enter the 21st century business environment, higher education institutions have realized global learning is now an essential part of the knowledge and skill sets needed by business graduates. Global competency is no longer a luxury. This article describes how a regional higher education institution has implemented active learning projects and assessments which integrate global competency in the core and elective courses. Students can complete these projects and assessments without leaving the comforts of their homes, the campus, or the U.S. and still be exposed to a global experience. The purpose of the study was to examine the global competency students acquire through active learning projects and assessments in different classes. Specifically, the study sought to determine the students’ perceived satisfaction level with these global active learning experiences, and to determine if they perceived their global competency had increased. Data analysis suggests the students were gaining global competencies using active learning projects and assessments. Also, from seven of the specific courses, the students indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their acquired global competency in six courses. Additionally, the students’ perceived global competence increased after taking the courses which implemented these projects and assessments. Therefore, it appears students can gain global competency through active learning projects and assessments used in courses without leaving the comforts of home. |
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Rethinking the meaning of study abroad programs: The learning experiences of two female Gambian students in Taiwan |
Author : Virginie Marc |
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Abstract :This paper is an ethnographic effort which examines the effects of oppression and social inequality on the learning experiences of foreign students in Taiwan, focusing on two female Gambian students. The theoretical frameworks utilized to interpret the learning experiences of these foreign students in Taiwan include Freire’s critical pedagogy, critical travel pedagogy, global citizenship, and experiential learning. Unstructured interviews and observations were selected for data collection, and the findings suggest these international students used their learning experiences as a tool to transform their lives and their perspectives on the future of Gambian society. The findings also show these study abroad experiences raised the students’ consciousness of the social, political, and economic disparities between the two nations and led them to act against oppression while helping them develop their critical thinking skills and place a high value on intercultural understanding. |
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Self-regulated learning strategies of adult learners regarding non-native status, gender, and study majors |
Author : Xi Lin |
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Abstract :The number of adult learners is growing rapidly in the US institutions, and these learners have become an important student population in colleges. Therefore, it is important to understand their learning strategies in order to better assist them to achieve academic goals. Meanwhile, US institutions have dramatically increased the number of international English as a Second Language (ESL) students. Thus, to better understand these students’ learning strategies and help them succeed is a need. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in learning strategies (i.e., cognitive and metacognitive strategies and resource management strategies) of adult learners regarding non-native status (international ESL learner vs. native speaker American learner), gender, and study majors. Two hundred and thirty-six adult learners participated in the study, and results indicated all these three variables have significant influences on these learners’ learning strategies. |
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The effects of writing proficiency on cognitive skills development among international students |
Author : Christie J. Curtis |
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Abstract :Utilizing data from the 2012 University of California Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES), the following question was addressed: What are the direct and indirect effects of writing proficiency on cognitive development among international students? Because many international students have chosen to study in the United States to improve their academic achievement, the higher education community has needed greater understanding of those factors which contribute significantly to the success and satisfaction of international students. Writing proficiency is one such factor, and the findings of this research study have suggested the importance of providing support and designing programs for improved writing skills. |
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