Date of Award

1-1-2018

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of Educational Policy and Leadership

Content Description

1 online resource (ii, viii, 173 pages) : illustrations (some color)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Mitch Leventhal

Committee Members

Kathryn S Schiller, Michael N Christakis

Keywords

Assessment, ePortfolio, Higher Education, Reflection, Student Learning, Study Abroad, Foreign study, Internet in higher education, Intercultural communication, Educational technology, Academic achievement, Educational Technology

Subject Categories

Higher Education Administration

Abstract

In recent decades, it has become increasingly important for higher education institutions to intentionally promote and assess student learning. In this dissertation, the author sought to examine the efficacy of using reflection via ePortfolios to enhance and assess student learning, specifically intercultural competence, in study abroad programs. ePortfolios are promoted as a pedagogical tool that can be used to help students engage in reflective practices, and prior research, although limited, has shown ePortfolio use to be positively associated with learning gains. As assessment of study abroad learning outcomes becomes more necessary, additional research is needed to determine which methods are effective. In this study, Mezirow's (1991) transformative learning theory was used as a framework to explain why students who engage in reflection via ePortfolios could transform their perspectives and develop higher levels of intercultural competence.

Download

Share

COinS