International and Comparative Education Commons^™

A Comparative Case Study Of Learners Experiencing Interdependent Empowered Care In Marginalizing Contexts, Elizabeth Gil

GSE Faculty Publications

This comparative case study’s purpose is to explore how multi-age learn-
ers, both adults and children, from immigrant backgrounds experienced
care in two educational settings in the United States and Ireland. Using
data from two separate qualitative studies, this paper draws on the
authors’ conceptualization of interdependent empowered care (IEC) to
argue that the settings exemplified three separate, but interrelated, care
elements: 1) identity-affirming counterspaces; 2) interdependency and
reciprocity; and 3) a means to achieve greater empowerment and agency.
This cross-national study illuminates the role of care in educational set-
tings to understand how it helps multi-age learners from immigrant …

Investigating The State Of Graduate Education In The Philippines: Challenges, Opportunities, And Policy Implications, Anne K. Candelaria, Eric Arthur N. Dio, Jovelyn G. Delosa

Political Science Department Faculty Publications

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the graduate education sector, revealing that it is highly privatized, NCR-centric, and dominated by enrollment in Education and Business/Administration fields. The analysis confirms that the primary driver for this high demand, particularly in teacher education (which accounts for over half of all enrollment), is the use of graduate degrees as a key requirement for career advancement and promotion within agencies like the Department of Education (DepEd). This policy-driven demand, however, is linked to systemic issues, including the proliferation of “diploma mills” that undermine quality, extremely low on-time completion rates (averaging 18.77% for Master’s …

Pairwise Comparison Method Toolkit. A Toolkit For Countries To Measure Global Learning Outcomes., United Nations Educational, Scientific And Cultural Organization (Unesco), Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

Global education monitoring

This toolkit has been co-authored by the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Centre at the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Statistics (UIS). ACER provides technical support to the UIS, which has been mandated to monitor the progress of countries towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) in education to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” (United Nations, 2021). The GEM Centre sponsors and contributes to public goods and activities that facilitate education systems reporting against SDG 4 in a …

Understanding And Helping International Students Cope When Catastrophes Strike In Their Home Countries: A Qualitative Study, Zubeyde Akpakir, Radha J. Horton-Parker

Counseling & Human Services Faculty Publications

This study explores the experiences of international students in the United States who come from countries that have been, or are being, affected by catastrophic events. The aim of the study is to understand the challenges such students face and to formulate supportive strategies that address these challenges. Utilizing the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study delves into the lived experiences of five international PhD students from Turkey, Ukraine, and Iran—nations that have recently experienced significant disasters or unrest. The study highlights the need for the development of effective personalized support from academic institutions, faculty, and peers. Through offering critical …

Uncertain Futures, Unfinished Journeys: The Complex Realities Of Belonging Among International College Women Of Color In The U.S., Matheeha Majeeth

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study explored the complex and personal lived experiences of International College Women of Color (ICWOC) as they navigated the complexities of developing of a sense of belonging within their U.S. higher education institution (HEI). Guided by Kimberlé Crenshaw’s theory of Intersectionality (1991,1989) and Strayhorn’s College Student Sense of Belonging theory (2012), this research study used an interpretive phenomenological approach to explore how racism, ethnocentrism and misogyny shaped the ICWOC participants’ academic and social journeys in their U.S. HEIs. Through individual, semi-structured interviews with the participants, this study revealed that belonging was not simply about institutional access or inclusion. It …

Designing A Catholic School In The Twenty-First Century, Emmanuel I. Ugwejeh S.J.

Journal of Catholic Education

Data show an increasing number of Catholic schools from elementary to tertiary levels in developing countries, especially countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. These new Catholic schools seem to follow the industrial-era school design trajectories. However, the exigencies of the 21st century require a paradigm shift, ensuring that Catholic schools move away from the industrial method of education that did not attend to the specific educational needs of the student to a kind of education that further enriches the holistic education offered by the Catholic school. This enrichment includes architectural designs that support Catholic educational ideals and practices that preserve the earth. …

The Influence Of Family-School Communication On Junior High School Students’ Academic Success, Stephen Junior Amoah

Masters Theses

This study examines the influence of family-school communication on students' academic success in the context of Ghana, with a particular focus on Junior High School (JHS) students. While existing research emphasizes the importance of family involvement in educational outcomes, limited studies explore how family-school communication directly affects academic success in Ghana. By using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative and qualitative data collection. The quantitative component includes an online survey distributed to JHS graduates, assessing the frequency, impact, methods, and barriers of communication between families and schools, as well as their perceived effect on academic performance. The survey includes …

The Geography Of Care: Rural Versus Urban Caregiver Perspectives On Community Resources For Parkinson’S Disease Management, Rebecca Jones

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated the experiences and perceptions of caregivers for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) in rural versus urban settings, with particular emphasis on their access to and utilization of community resources. Through semi-structured interviews with 30 caregivers, the research explored how geographical location impacts caregiving challenges, support systems, and resource accessibility. Using Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use as a theoretical framework, the study revealed both universal caregiving challenges and location-specific barriers. While all caregivers reported significant emotional burden and healthcare system navigation difficulties, rural caregivers faced distinct challenges related to resource accessibility and specialized care availability. …

From Marginality To Mattering: A Narrative Inquiry Into International Student Involvement In Higher Education, Nehemiah Jiyong Chung

Dissertations of Practice

From Marginality to Mattering: A Narrative Inquiry into International Student Involvement in Higher Education

International students contribute to the campus community through diversity, cultural aspects and to the local economy within the university community. However, they often face unique challenges to their involvement which leads to feelings of marginality and impacting their sense of belonging. Using Schlossberg’s theory of Marginality and Mattering, this narrative inquiry explored the lived experiences of international students in seeking involvement opportunities at mid to large public university in the Midwest of the United States. This study highlighted international students’ reflections on their initial attempts to …

International School Leaders’ Lived Experiences Of Crises And Perceptions Of Trust, Shary L. Marshall

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies

International school leaders worldwide have navigated their schools through a variety of crises. Their unique lived experiences offer insights into the role of trust in leadership, particularly during times of crisis.

This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of 12 experienced international school leaders. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Using the theoretical lenses of authentic leadership, sensemaking, loose coupling, and crisis leadership, this study illuminates the central role of trust in leading schools through crises.

Three significant themes emerged from the analysis. First, trust is foundational to leadership and is built through intentional, transparent …

Crossing Borders, Breaking Barriers: The Transformative Journey Of First-Generation Students Abroad, Stephen Farley

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation

First-generation students are underrepresented in study abroad programming, both nationally and at the University of Kentucky. To address participation barriers and the resulting opportunity gap for first-generation students, the University of Kentucky designed and implemented an innovative study abroad program for first-generation students titled “Explore First: Careers, Cultures, and Connections.” This specially-designed program sought to provide participants with the academic, social, and professional benefits associated with education abroad experiences, including greater self-efficacy, sense of belonging, intercultural competence, and career exploration and preparation. This mixed methods study examines these intended outcomes of Explore First. Drawing from quantitative surveys administered pre-, mid- …

An Exploration Of Ibdp Coordinator Leadership In Southeastern U.S. Public High Schools, Raymond W. Scheetz Jr.

Theses and Dissertations--Educational Leadership Studies

Along with its brand, vision, and curricula, International Baccalaureate (IB) provides member schools with requirements and expectations, such as implementing a program coordinator. However, the need for flexibility that would allow for global implementation leaves the nature of IB’s required program coordinator positions subject to local discretion in many ways. However, while increasing in numbers globally, IB Diploma Programs are still not widely implemented in public high schools throughout the U.S. Southeast. As a result, the position of an IBDP coordinator is unusual in such schools in the region. Also, the IBDP coordinator position has not been substantially defined or …

Effects Of Parent Involvement In Their Children’S Academic And Behavioral Performance, Megan Menozzi

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to investigate the best practices to increase parental involvement in their children’s school activities by recording and scribing the experiences of certified teachers. Prior to this study, the current school experienced a decrease in parental involvement with their child’s scheduled school activities. As the school carry on with planning scheduled events for parental involvement, teachers were still expected to be prepared to implement curriculum in the classrooms, while ensuring children’s needs were being met by way of continuous communication with families.

The researcher developed a qualitative phenomenological approach. The design allowed the researcher to interview …

The Impact Of Self-Study Apps On University Efl Learners: A Radical Constructivism’S Perspective, Tuyet Thi Tran, Bhudtree Wetpichetkosol, Xoan Thi Tran

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE)

This article examines the impact of self-study apps on out-of-class English learning among first-year non-major university students in EFL contexts in Thailand and Vietnam. Grounded in Radical Constructivism, the study highlights how these tools foster learner autonomy through goal setting, progress monitoring, and independent study behaviors. Over 16 weeks, 200 participants used the apps, with 78% Vietnamese and 71% Thai learners reporting consistent engagement. Quantitative findings revealed their effectiveness in promoting self-regulated learning, while qualitative data emphasized flexibility, personalization, and motivation through gamification and real-time feedback. However, challenges such as limited cultural localization, inadequate interaction opportunities, and technological barriers, particularly …

Adolescent Male Perspectives’ On Civic Engagement: A Pilot Study On Youth Conceptualization Of Citizenship And Social Participation In Southern Trinidad, Cherisse M S Bovell

Dissertations and Theses

This pilot study examines the understanding of civic engagement among socio- economically disadvantaged adolescent males in the Anglophone Caribbean, a critically under- researched population. This inquiry is necessitated by acute observations of the structural inequalities embedded in Trinidad and Tobago’s merit-based education system and the resultant disparity in learning outcomes. This thesis project is part of a larger study, and focuses on chapters1-3. There is limited understanding of marginalised male youth political perspectives in the Caribbean region. Therefore, only assumptions can be made on the potential impacts of inadequate civic instruction on these individuals and their communities. To identify best …

The Senior International Officer: A Sociological Perspective On The Development Of A Higher Education Profession, Mohammad Mansoor Khan

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Internationalization of higher education institutions in the United States has progressed rapidly since World War II. The pace and specifics of this internationalization vary by institution. However, there are some shared characteristics including, but not limited to, increase in student mobility, both inward and outward, exchange of scholars, cross-border research, and internationalization of the curriculum. This increased the institutional administrative burden and necessitated the centralization of internationalization activities under a single administrative unit and led by an individual capable of providing leadership at their institution in the area of higher education internationalization. This individual is recognized as the Senior International …

A Multiple Perspective Analysis On Urban Poverty In Developing Nations: A Case Study On Nigeria, Colonial Implications, And Modern-Day Outcomes, Julian Rivera-Williams

CMC Senior Theses

This paper will dissect urbanization and poverty in Nigeria as a case study of the challenges of underdevelopment and the lingering effects of colonialism in Africa. To draw a complete understanding of challenges faced by developing nations facing systemic underdevelopment, high poverty, and low productivity– nations like Nigeria, my research will uncover colonial impacts and post-colonial policies that initiated urban poverty and underdevelopment outcomes we see today. The purpose of my thesis is to encompass existing fragmented academia on the causes and consequences of underdevelopment and connect historical implications to current impacts of global development today including the influence of …

The Impact Of International Baccalaureate (Ib) Courses: Experience And Outcome Differences For Full Ib Diploma Earners Vs. Non-Diploma Earners In An Urban School In The Us, Christopher Jennens, Nilufer Guler

Research, Publications & Creative Work

This study examines differences in educational experiences and outcomes for high school(HS) students who participated in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and earned full diplomas compared to those who participated in the IB Diploma Program but did not earn the diploma. ACT scores, after-high school placement, and HS graduation rates of 256 participants were collected. 122 participants completed an online survey, and 12 participated in interviews. The results revealed that the educational outcomes and experiences for diploma and non-diploma earners were vastly similar. Diploma earners had significantly higher ACT scores, but their college entrance and other academic outcomes were …

Global Horizons: International Considerations Within Sport Management, Michael Ross, Reginald Overton, Bob Case

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

As experiential learning becomes increasingly prioritized within sport management curriculums found across the nation, an emerging need for a more in-depth understanding of the globalization of sport has become evident. Professional, collegiate, and even high school sports are displaying a global footprint though international competition and experiencing increased numbers of international players within their rosters.

While those of us in the academic realm continue to bridge the gap between academia and industry, it is essential to enhance the global perspective of our students by incorporating more international opportunities, such as study abroad programs, that blend academic components with real-world sports …

Personal Characteristics, Goal Setting, And Academic Thriving, Hedayat Ghazali

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Abstract

This dissertation examines if pre-existing personal characteristics influence the effectiveness of a reflective goal-setting intervention on credits completed among first-year university students. Grounded in goal-setting theory and self-regulated learning frameworks, the study investigates the roles of self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, metacognitive strategies, and autonomy in shaping students’ academic outcomes. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, four distinct learner profiles were identified based on these personal characteristics. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to evaluate whether the intervention significantly affected students’ academic performance—measured in credits completed —over three time points (T0, T1, T2) across intervention and control groups.

The results revealed a …

International Students’ Perceptions And Experiences Of Institutional Diversity Initiatives And Self-Authorship Attainment: A Mixed Methods Study, Sandra Ayivor

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Higher education institutions in the United States have responded to years of discrimination through several diversity initiatives. Although research has indicated the merits of such initiatives on student development, the outcomes are not uniform across all student populations. Moreover, student development discourses have often excluded the experiences of international students. Employing a convergent mixed methods approach, this study investigated the perceptions and experiences of international students at a flagship land-grant higher education institution in the Appalachian region of the United States regarding institutional diversity initiatives and their self-authorship based on some demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, age, marital status, religion, continent, …

The Position Of The United States Of America Vis-A-Vis The Question Of Western Sahara: Assessing The Role Of Think Tanks In The Conflict, Hamid Baadeche

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

The Position of the United States of America Vis-à-vis the Question of Western Sahara: Assessing the Role of Think Tanks in the Conflict

Hamid Baadeche

Think tank organizations, particularly in the United States, have become a prominent feature of the political landscape. They act as advocates for specific policies that they consider beneficial for the country or a particular societal group. They function as a primary source of information, which they then aim to transform into well-informed policies and sound decisions. They are referred to as "the revolving doors," "idea brokers," and "idea factory." As such, their foremost objective …