Bridging experiential (study abroad) and academic learning through critical reflection and web-enhanced pedagogy

Principal Supervisor

Professor Jane Jackson, Department of English
Duration

3 years
Approved Budget

HK 250,000
 
  • Project Objectives
  • Description of process, outcomes or deliverable
  • Evaluation
  • Dissemination, diffusion and impact

Project Objectives

  • to optimize and extend the international/intercultural learning of CUHK students through the design and delivery of a course for study abroad returnees/incoming international exchange students: ENGE 3750 Intercultural Transitions: Making Sense of International Experience; and
  • to develop an annual study abroad writing contest for CUHK students with recent or current international experience.

Description of process, outcomes or deliverable

The Intercultural transitions course followed an outcomes-based approach to curriculum design and development and implemented a practice-to-theory-to-practice methodology, drawing on experiential learning theory (Kolb 1984). The insights of the participants were made accessible to other students by way of end-of-term presentations; webpages were created to showcase the winning essays in CUHK’s Annual Study Abroad Essay Contest.

Evaluation

The Intercultural Development Inventory was administered before and after each offering of the Intercultural Transitions course; qualitative data (e.g., semi-structured interviews, Forum chats/blog entries, essays) was analyzed to assess student learning. The findings revealed that the participants had developed more intercultural sensitivity and concrete plans to further enhance their intercultural (communicative) competence and global citizenship.

Dissemination, diffusion and impact

  • Numerous regional and international conference presentations;
  • Publications, e.g., book chapters, journal articles, and a book on intercultural communication (Routledge, in preparation); and
  • CUHK now has an annual study abroad writing contest (The webpages are hosted by the Office of Academic Links with a link from my webpage in the English Department’s site).