This study explores the factors of study abroad programs that contribute to cultivating intercultural competence. Through an empirically based quantitative examination of 303 Japanese study abroad students, it attempts to gain an understanding of the factors that enhance the development of intercultural competence. Considering that many previous…

Imagine walking into an 8th-grade science classroom and hearing a discussion among students about a challenging assignment they recently completed. A pilot program in 18 Tennessee schools develops agency through competency-based education. Students in Beth Hines' 8th grade physical science class at West Collierville Middle School in Tennessee are…

The present study examined whether and to what degree empathy increased in adolescents who participated in a high-intensity writing program over the course of a year. Data for this study came from writing samples of a randomly selected group of middle-grade students (n = 61) collected at three different time points to answer whether: (1) it was…

This study examines whether preexisting close friendships facilitate students' cultural agility development during short-term international study abroad experiences. Using a longitudinal design, we found that study abroad students who had a close friend accompanying them on the experience (i.e., an "international study buddy") had lower…

This paper examines student teachers' perceptions of their professional development while engaging in work-integrated learning at a teaching school in South Africa. Teacher educators often assume that practical aspects of pre-service education will be dealt with when student teachers are attached to schools for several weeks. However, the…

The student body in many higher education institutions (HEIs) has become more international, although student services are often offered in a generic one-size fits all approach. Traditionally, student services served as a key indicator of student satisfaction and influenced the mobility of international students' choices regarding study programme,…

First-year students who enter college pursuing a STEM degree still face challenges persisting through the STEM pipeline (Chen, 2013; Leu, 2017). In this case study, researchers examine the impact of a utilitarian scientific literacy based academic intervention on retention of first-year students in STEM using a mixed methods approach. A sample (n…

Background: Uncertainty is a crucial element of scientific knowledge growth. Students should have some understanding of how science knowledge is developed and why scientific conclusions are considered more or less certain than others. A component of the nature of science, it is considered an important aspect of science education and allows…

Drawing on the sociocultural theoretical (SCT) perspective, we offer a microgenetic analysis of mentor-mentee interactions in the context of pre-service teachers' practicum in a Master's program for Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). Following two pairs of mentors and mentees, we analyze audio-recorded interactions and interviews and…

The human development (HD) model for religious education (RE) emphasises how students benefit from studying religion. However, detailed teaching practices for 'learning from religion' are not fully understood. In this article, lesson observations, school documents and interview data were collected from two Christian primary schools in Hong Kong…

The purpose of this study was to present a narrative account of one gender-variant music student and his experiences as a music education major at a small private college. The question guiding this study was as follows: In what ways can one transgender music education student's lived experiences and identity development inform discourse in the…

There are two important premises at the core of the American democracy: inclusion and dissent. Focusing on the premise of democratic dissent, the overarching goal of this study is understanding how colleges may encourage desirable civic outcomes. This dissertation is proceeds in an alternative format, containing three distinct manuscripts. Chapter…

We examine the effects of a comprehensive college transition program (CCTP) on four psychosocial outcomes associated with postsecondary success: sense of belonging, mattering, and academic and social self-efficacy. The CCTP operates on three four-year campuses and includes a range of supports, including shared academic courses, peer mentoring, and…

Since 1990, environmental education (EE) has become more integrated into K-12 education through EE programs. A synthesis of research identified overall themes, outcomes, benefits and challenges surrounding research integrating outdoor learning into mandatory curriculum. Most research on outdoor classroom focuses on student development, attitude,…

University students are increasingly more involved as they juggle managing life away from family, making time for coursework, organizational commitments, and social engagements as well as, for many, holding full-time jobs. At a time when students' lives are more intense than ever, many are at a distinct disadvantage because of inadequate energy…