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Editorial, The Editor Oct 2011

Editorial, The Editor

Higher Learning Research Communications

This edition of Higher Learning Research Communications (HLRC) features research from Chile, Spain, and the United States focused on the development of career skills and the different competencies promoted in tertiary education institutions. Since the signing of the Bologna declaration in 1999, a special emphasis has been given to the development of key competencies in higher education in Europe, and around the world. As the research published in this edition portrays, from the adoption of competency-based models in English teaching and assessment to the development of core competencies to promote alumni employability, and even promoting military cultural competency among higher …

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The Relationship Between Listening Proficiency And Speaking Improvement In Higher Education: Considerations In Assessing Speaking And Listening, Erickzon Dany Astorga Oct 2011

The Relationship Between Listening Proficiency And Speaking Improvement In Higher Education: Considerations In Assessing Speaking And Listening, Erickzon Dany Astorga

Higher Learning Research Communications

This study examines the outcomes of having recourse to listening skills as support to improve oral skills in English language teaching. In this context, data from 120 students at a specific higher education institution was analyzed; 60 of whom were provided with totally listening-focused instruction and activities, while a separate group of 60 students receiving normal institutional English teaching. A comparative analysis of pre- and post-test rubric labels and scores indicated a close link between listening proficiency and a slight improvement in functional and interactive oral sub-skills. The results of this study have implications for defining the foundations of future …

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Competence-Based Profile Of Undergraduate Students In Madrid’S Universities: Differences In Terms Of The Gender And Age, Oscar García, Sara Redondo, Gema Santiago, Francisco López, Ana Cruz Oct 2011

Competence-Based Profile Of Undergraduate Students In Madrid’S Universities: Differences In Terms Of The Gender And Age, Oscar García, Sara Redondo, Gema Santiago, Francisco López, Ana Cruz

Higher Learning Research Communications

The aim of this study is to corroborate whether the development of academic excellence is affected by the gender and age of students. A sample of 364 students from different universities in the Community of Madrid were administered COMPEUEM, a test that assesses the extent to which students possess eight academic competencies: communication, leadership, team work, adaptation to the changes, initiative, problem solving, decision making, organization, and planning. All students took the test on site, in the classrooms of the participating universities. The results show that older subjects score higher in the acquisition of skills than younger ones. On the …

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An Institutional Approach To Developing A Culture Of Student Persistence, Gary J Burkholder, Jim Lenio, Nicole Holland, Rebecca Jobe, Alan Seidman, Diane Seidman Neal, Jimmy Seidman Middlebrook Oct 2011

An Institutional Approach To Developing A Culture Of Student Persistence, Gary J Burkholder, Jim Lenio, Nicole Holland, Rebecca Jobe, Alan Seidman, Diane Seidman Neal, Jimmy Seidman Middlebrook

Higher Learning Research Communications

There continues to be increasing focus on college student retention and persistence. This focus is coming from the United States federal government, accrediting organizations, and from students, parents, and the public. Given the spiraling costs of education and the fact that retention rates have not improved over time, various stakeholders are concerned about the value of a higher education credential. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the efforts of a for-profit, distance education institution to focus its resources, in an evidence-based manner, on retention and to develop a culture of retention and persistence throughout the institution. The literature …

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Share Your Voice: Online Community Building During Reaffirmation Of Accreditation, Brenda Kruse, Kimberlee Bethany Bonura, Suzanne G. James, Shelley Potler Oct 2011

Share Your Voice: Online Community Building During Reaffirmation Of Accreditation, Brenda Kruse, Kimberlee Bethany Bonura, Suzanne G. James, Shelley Potler

Higher Learning Research Communications

Generic University recently underwent a successful reaffirmation of accreditation process with The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. As part of the 3-year process, a committee, named the Education and Communication working group, was formed to inform and engage with the entire Generic community. The aim of this report is to describe the process and strategies this working group employed to achieve those goals in a distance learning environment. The primary charges of the Education and Communication working group were to (1) educate stakeholders about the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the importance of accreditation, …

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Perceived Self-Efficacy Of Licensed Counselors To Provide Substance Abuse Counseling, Nichelle Chandler, Michelle Perepiczka, Richard S. Balken Oct 2011

Perceived Self-Efficacy Of Licensed Counselors To Provide Substance Abuse Counseling, Nichelle Chandler, Michelle Perepiczka, Richard S. Balken

Walden Faculty and Staff Publications

This nationwide, quantitative study documented licensed counselors' perceived self-efficacy of adequately providing substance abuse services. Despite their lack of substance abuse training, counselors were highly confident in their ability to provide quality substance abuse services. Counselor training implications are discussed.

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Quality Assurance In Higher Education: A Review Of Literature, Tricia Ryan Sep 2011

Quality Assurance In Higher Education: A Review Of Literature, Tricia Ryan

Higher Learning Research Communications

The aim of this paper is to present a general view and a brief literature review of the main aspects related to quality assurance in global higher education. It provides an overview of accreditation as a mechanism to ensure quality in higher education, examines models of QA, and explores the concept of quality. In addition, this paper provides a review of research on the effectiveness of quality assurance practices, with a particular focus on student involvement with quality assurance. In reviewing the concept of quality assurance itself, the author noted there is a need for a common framework for a …

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Faculty Perspective On Competency Development In Higher Education: An International Study, Paloma Julia Velasco, Begoña Learreta, Claudia Kober, Irene Tan Sep 2011

Faculty Perspective On Competency Development In Higher Education: An International Study, Paloma Julia Velasco, Begoña Learreta, Claudia Kober, Irene Tan

Higher Learning Research Communications

The purpose of this research is to establish common ground on how faculty development should be instituted and the needs it should address on an international level, with its major focus being the development of competencies. A survey was developed and distributed to a sample of 764 university teaching professionals. Results show that 90% find that it is either important or very important to develop competencies in higher education, and that 73% find they are well or very well trained in developing and assessing competencies, particularly with regard to applying theoretical knowledge in practice, teamwork, and oral and written communication …

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Instructional Design And Facilitation Approaches That Promote Critical Thinking In Asynchronous Online Discussions: A Review Of The Literature, Laura A. Schindler, Gary J. Burkholder Sep 2011

Instructional Design And Facilitation Approaches That Promote Critical Thinking In Asynchronous Online Discussions: A Review Of The Literature, Laura A. Schindler, Gary J. Burkholder

Higher Learning Research Communications

Asynchronous online discussions (AODs) are often used to promote critical thinking in online courses; however, recent research suggests that levels of critical thinking in discussions remain low. Furthermore, there is a lack of consensus in the literature about the definition of critical thinking and many of the existing studies focus on one specific cognitive construct. Therefore, it is unknown which instructional approaches have the strongest empirical support for promoting critical thinking across multiple cognitive constructs. The purpose of this article is to present a review of the literature related to instructional design and facilitation approaches that promote critical thinking in …

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Enhancing Faculty Performance Through Coaching: Targeted, Individualized Support, Laurie Bedford, Melissa Mcdowell, Lyda Ditommaso Downs Sep 2011

Enhancing Faculty Performance Through Coaching: Targeted, Individualized Support, Laurie Bedford, Melissa Mcdowell, Lyda Ditommaso Downs

Higher Learning Research Communications

Coaching in higher education is a relatively new field; although, it has been taking place in educational institutions for some time, even if it was not labeled as such. This paper describes the faculty development filosophies of a US-based higher education institution with a strong culture of supporting faculty and promoting social change. A coaching model was implemented as a means for professional development. It was designed to be facilitated through a peer relationship and it offers problem-focused, contextualized opportunities for faculty to collaborate, thus making the experience and outcome more meaningful. The coaching model is individualized, confidential, non-evaluative, and …

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Motivational Issues Of Faculty In Saudi Arabia, Peter John Anthony, Akram Abdulcader Sep 2011

Motivational Issues Of Faculty In Saudi Arabia, Peter John Anthony, Akram Abdulcader

Higher Learning Research Communications

This study focused on the factors that affect motivation of faculty in Saudi Arabia. It included two surveys and open-ended queries to a focus group of five academic managers and 25 faculty members of varying nationalities, rank, and institutes in Saudi Arabia. The research showed that the faculties in Saudi Arabia’s higher education industry feel disconnected from the program development. The faculty members did not feel motivated to participate in the development and improvement of the academic program due to: (a) lack of monetary and non-monetary incentives, (b) management not involving faculty in decision-making, and (c) lack of recognition and …

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Blended Language Learning: An Effective Solution But Not Without Its Challenges, Christopher Johnson, Debra Marsh Sep 2011

Blended Language Learning: An Effective Solution But Not Without Its Challenges, Christopher Johnson, Debra Marsh

Higher Learning Research Communications

The study discussed in this investigation is part of a larger collaborative initiative between Laureate Education and Cambridge University Press (LEP-CUP collaboration). This second phase of the research, completed in 2013, aimed to further explore the conclusions from phase 1 and set out to identify effective and appropriate best practice blended learning models within the network. A study was set up with 36 teachers, all experienced ELT teachers with differing levels of experience in blended language teaching, who took part in extended focus groups discussions sessions prompted by a series of questions. Responses from these groups of teachers indicated that …

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The International Baccalaureate (Ib) Programme: An International Gateway To Higher Education And Beyond, Susan E. Saxton, Ian Hill Sep 2011

The International Baccalaureate (Ib) Programme: An International Gateway To Higher Education And Beyond, Susan E. Saxton, Ian Hill

Higher Learning Research Communications

The aim of this article is to present the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme and briefly outline its core components, followed by a review of what authoritative reports identify as skills for the future, esteemed by universities and the job market. There is a striking match between these skills and IB outcomes; thus, DP graduates perform well in higher education and add to the reputation of those institutions. After a review of the literature, the authors found the IB Diploma Programme has been studied in many countries by both consultants and educational agencies, and also by a wide array of universities …

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Emotional Intelligence Vs. General Intelligence: Aspects To Consider In Teaching, José L. Martínez-Rubio, Esther Moraleda, Blanca Rodríguez, Lourdes García-Salmones, Manuel Primo Aug 2011

Emotional Intelligence Vs. General Intelligence: Aspects To Consider In Teaching, José L. Martínez-Rubio, Esther Moraleda, Blanca Rodríguez, Lourdes García-Salmones, Manuel Primo

Higher Learning Research Communications

The main objective of this study was to analyze the way in which emotional competencies (EI) in students are linked to general intelligence (IQ), and how the crossing of the two measurements determines their academic performance. To conduct this research, two tests were applied. First, the TEIQue (Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire) assessment was administered and, secondly, the R scale of the PMA Test (Primary Mental Abilities). The sample consisted of 58 university students between 18 and 51 years old, of which 76% are women and 24% are men. The results show that there is no direct relationship between emotional intelligence …

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Qualitative Study Of College Tutoring Through The Expert Panel Method, Inmaculada López Martín, Ascensión Blanco Fernández, Rosa M. Pagán Marín, Bienvenido Gazapo Andrade, José M. De Arana Del Valle, Esther A. De Arana Del Valle Pizarro Juanas, Beatriz De Arana Del Valle Martínez Pascual Aug 2011

Qualitative Study Of College Tutoring Through The Expert Panel Method, Inmaculada López Martín, Ascensión Blanco Fernández, Rosa M. Pagán Marín, Bienvenido Gazapo Andrade, José M. De Arana Del Valle, Esther A. De Arana Del Valle Pizarro Juanas, Beatriz De Arana Del Valle Martínez Pascual

Higher Learning Research Communications

The implementation of a quality Tutorial Action Plan (TAP), in which the integral formation of students is the main objective, is a topical issue in the Spanish university environment . This paper aims to identify the actions contemplated in the TAPs of different Spanish universities and catalog the different types of activities performed by the teachers-tutors in the context of tutorial action. To achieve this, the authors conducted a qualitative analysis based on expert panels. As a result, three main vectors were extracted: Standard elements in a college TAP, critical aspects from tutors and managers of tutorial actions, and tutorial …

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E-Learning For Expanding Distance Education In Tertiary Level In Bangladesh: Problems And Progress, Md. Abdullah Al-Masum, Saiful Islam Chowdhury Aug 2011

E-Learning For Expanding Distance Education In Tertiary Level In Bangladesh: Problems And Progress, Md. Abdullah Al-Masum, Saiful Islam Chowdhury

Higher Learning Research Communications

E-learning has broadly become an important enabler to promote distance education (DE) and lifelong learning in most of the developed countries, but in Bangladesh it is still a new successful progressive system for the learning communities. Distance education is thought to be introduced as an effective way of educating people of all sections in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Open University (BOU), the only distance education provider in Bangladesh, has been trying to adopt the use of various e-learning materials for its distance delivery. This paper has tried to describe the current progress of quality e-learning for expanding distance education, identifying the major …

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The Use Of Internet-Based Social Media As A Tool In Enhancing Student’S Learning Experiences In Biological Sciences, Maribel Beltran Cruz, Shannen Belle B. Cruz Aug 2011

The Use Of Internet-Based Social Media As A Tool In Enhancing Student’S Learning Experiences In Biological Sciences, Maribel Beltran Cruz, Shannen Belle B. Cruz

Higher Learning Research Communications

This study explored the use of social media as a tool in enhancing student’s learning experiences, by using online instruction as a supplement to a face-to-face general education course, such as biological sciences. Survey data were collected from 186 students who were enrolled in a Biological Sciences course. The course was taught in a blended format using Facebook and Edmodo online social networks. A four point Likert scale was used to interpret the data collected. Findings indicated that, when traditional face-to-face instruction was combined with online components, students’ learning was enhanced. Findings from this study indicate that students had better …

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Blended Learning As An Effective Pedagogical Paradigm For Biomedical Science, Perry Hartfield Aug 2011

Blended Learning As An Effective Pedagogical Paradigm For Biomedical Science, Perry Hartfield

Higher Learning Research Communications

Blended learning combines face-to-face class based and online teaching and learning delivery in order to increase flexibility in how, when, and where students study and learn. The development, integration, and promotion of blended learning in frameworks of curriculum design can optimize the opportunities afforded by information and communication technologies and, concomitantly, accommodate a broad range of student learning styles. This study critically reviews the potential benefits of blended learning as a progressive educative paradigm for the teaching of biomedical science and evaluates the opportunities that blended learning offers for the delivery of accessible, flexible and sustainable teaching and learning experiences. …

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Students’ Perception Of Diversity In An International Classroom, Loïse Jeannin Aug 2011

Students’ Perception Of Diversity In An International Classroom, Loïse Jeannin

Higher Learning Research Communications

This paper presents students’ perception of diversity in an international classroom in one international university in Thailand. The aim of this exploratory study is to better understand students’ perception of diversity to better meet their learning needs. By conducting a survey among students enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s international programs, this study explores how students perceive their classmates’ diversity, such as, but not limited to, cultural, language, and knowledge differences. How does diversity affect students’ learning in an international setting? What kind of diversity is the most disturbing for learners? Some recommendations grounded in the conceptual framework of cultural responsive …

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The Relationship Between Psychological Well-Being And Perceived Wellness In Graduate-Level Counseling Students, Magy Martin, Michel Harris, Don Martin Aug 2011

The Relationship Between Psychological Well-Being And Perceived Wellness In Graduate-Level Counseling Students, Magy Martin, Michel Harris, Don Martin

Higher Learning Research Communications

Research has established that individuals who provide personal therapy to others should have stable personal and professional lives, and possess a keen and accurate perception of wellness. Unfortunately, sometimes students pursuing careers in counseling and psychotherapy have unresolved psychological issues that, if unresolved, could later affect them in their professional lives. Thus, the purpose of the study was to understand psychological well-being and perceived wellness in a sample of graduate students (N = 97) preparing to become counselors in a CACREP-accredited counseling program at a state university in Pennsylvania. It measured the participants' psychological well- being by the Scales of …

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Internationalization At Harvard, Ned Strong Aug 2011

Internationalization At Harvard, Ned Strong

Higher Learning Research Communications

The aim of this essay is to describe internationalization at Harvard University. Founded by European colonists in 17th century New England, Harvard has historic international roots. By the mid 1900’s it had become an international powerhouse attracting top students, academics and scientists from around the world. Yet, the University is international almost by default as it has reacted to world affairs. Looking toward the future, President Drew Faust has outlined a strategy to become “intentionally global”. One model, begun ten years ago, serves as an example for the future. In 2002 the University established its first overseas office designed to …

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Using Professional Certification Criteria To Assess Occupational Safety Curricula In Degree Programs Investigating Accreditation, Todd William Loushine, Robert G. Feyen Aug 2011

Using Professional Certification Criteria To Assess Occupational Safety Curricula In Degree Programs Investigating Accreditation, Todd William Loushine, Robert G. Feyen

Higher Learning Research Communications

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate a novel assessment method developed to determine if the curriculum from two separate safety degree programs provided sufficient opportunity for students to obtain the knowledge required for professional practice in occupational safety. The method relies on the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) examination blueprints. In the graduate program case study, over 88% of the BCSP criteria were met through an explicit means and up to 64% through assignments or better. Aggregating criteria into respective subject areas showed that the curriculum covered anywhere from 58% to 100% of the items within each …

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Toward A Transnational Framework: Aligning Internal And External Quality Assurance Processes, William Plater Aug 2011

Toward A Transnational Framework: Aligning Internal And External Quality Assurance Processes, William Plater

Higher Learning Research Communications

This article explores the tensions between internal and external quality assurance processes, making a case for the preeminence of internal actions to ensure the capacity of institutions to respond quickly and effectively to the rapidly evolving global conditions affecting all of higher education. As the forms and means of formal and informal learning evolve more rapidly than quality assurance and accrediting bodies can adapt, institutions themselves will have to take the steps necessary to ensure that students are actually learning at levels represented by a new array of credentials and to offer credible evidence to employers and others that the …

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Blogs, Webinars And Significant Learning: A Case Report On A Teacher Training Program For College Teachers, Rodrigo Polanco-Bueno Aug 2011

Blogs, Webinars And Significant Learning: A Case Report On A Teacher Training Program For College Teachers, Rodrigo Polanco-Bueno

Higher Learning Research Communications

This case study reports on a teacher training experience for college professors in which participants were trained, taking advantage of technological tools, in two main teaching competences. First, professors were trained to use technology to enrich students’ learning outcomes. Second, they applied strategies of significant learning in the design of students’ learning experiences. The learning experience consisted in an International Certificate on Significant Learning integrated by six modules, 20 hours each. Every module of the program consisted of two consecutive webinars with online activities in between. The results showed the positive impact of the program on participants’ perceptions about the …

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Challenges And Opportunities In The World Of Tourism From The Point Of View Of Ecotourism, Fredy González Fonseca Jul 2011

Challenges And Opportunities In The World Of Tourism From The Point Of View Of Ecotourism, Fredy González Fonseca

Higher Learning Research Communications

This article emerges from the analysis of the data corresponding to the tourism activity in the world and in Mexico, considering: the arrival of tourists and international visitors, and the arrival of tourists in the North American region. Subsequently, it is intended to place ecotourism as an option for sustainable development, which helps generate additional income for local communities and contributes to the protection and conservation of natural resources. The analysis of global tourism in the above categories, in addition to the discussion about the criteria and characteristics of ecotourism versus sustainable development, allows us to visualize the potential that …

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Quality Assurance Of Post-Graduate Education: The Case Of Capes, The Brazilian Agency For Support And Evaluation Of Graduate Education, Jorge Almeida Guimarães, Elenara Chaves Edler De Almeida Jul 2011

Quality Assurance Of Post-Graduate Education: The Case Of Capes, The Brazilian Agency For Support And Evaluation Of Graduate Education, Jorge Almeida Guimarães, Elenara Chaves Edler De Almeida

Higher Learning Research Communications

CAPES Foundation, The Brazilian Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education, was created in July 11th, 1951, some few years after the end of World War II, by the initiative of Anísio Teixeira, a pioneer Brazilian educator. At the same time, Alvaro Alberto, another open mind leader pioneer created CNPq, The Brazilian National Research Council. CAPES is linked to the Ministry of Education, and CNPq to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Since its creation, CAPES has been responsible for the evaluation and financial support of graduate courses at master and doctorate levels, covering the entire Brazilian graduate …

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Accreditation Processes In Mexico: Origins And Relevant Changes, Cesar Morales Hernandez Jul 2011

Accreditation Processes In Mexico: Origins And Relevant Changes, Cesar Morales Hernandez

Higher Learning Research Communications

The author discusses the origins and relevant changes that have occurred in Mexican higher education, regarding institutional and academic programs assessment and evaluation.-------Los Procesos de Acreditación en México: Origen y Cambios RelevantesResumenEl autor discute el origen y cambios relevantes que se han dado en la educación superior en México, en cuanto a evaluación y acreditación de programas e instituciones.DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v2i3.73PDF document contains both the original in Spanish and an English translation.

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Conceptual Framework For Mentoring Doctoral Students, Iris M. Yob, Linda Crawford Jul 2011

Conceptual Framework For Mentoring Doctoral Students, Iris M. Yob, Linda Crawford

Higher Learning Research Communications

In the research and professional literature, there are at least four lines of inquiry around mentoring: perceptions of successful mentoring in general, mentoring of doctoral dissertations in particular, mentoring specific to the online environment, and relative importance of mentoring behaviors. In each case, particular qualities that make for successful mentoring are identified and described but not coalesced into a conceptual model of mentoring. In examining this literature, the authors identified 94 mentor behaviors and characteristics of effective mentors, which were reduced for redundancies to 55. These were clustered into a conceptual model of mentoring with two domains, academic and psychosocial …

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Development And Assessment Of Key Skills In Undergraduate Students: An Action-Research Experience, Ana Fernández-Santander, María José García-García, Beatriz Sáez-Pizarro, María José Terrón-López Jul 2011

Development And Assessment Of Key Skills In Undergraduate Students: An Action-Research Experience, Ana Fernández-Santander, María José García-García, Beatriz Sáez-Pizarro, María José Terrón-López

Higher Learning Research Communications

Employers look for professionals able to work in a team, able to approach problems, with the capacity to analyze and resolve problems, under the constant renewal of knowledge and competencies. In this paper, a group of University teachers from different areas of knowledge presents an experience to introduce key employability skills in the higher education students’ curricula. This work has been developed under the action research scope. The first goal was to make an analysis of terms referred to key skills, generating an integrated denomination for each competency. The elaboration of general templates for key skills is proposed here as …

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Internationalization 2011: An Overview, Drummond Bone Jul 2011

Internationalization 2011: An Overview, Drummond Bone

Higher Learning Research Communications

The author provides an overview of internationalization in higher education since 2008 to the present. The essay is a partial follow-up to Bone’s 2008 paper on internationalization.DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v1i1.41

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