ERIC Number: EJ1224486
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Sep
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8259
EISSN: N/A
Building Resilience through Strengths-Based Learning during Graduate Study Abroad: An Exploratory Study
Dresen, Chelsea K.; Wilmes, Matthew L.; Sullivan, Karen R.; Waterbury, Theresa A.
Journal of Experiential Education, v42 n3 p297-310 Sep 2019
Background: Leadership growth during short-term study abroad programs remain of critical interest to educators. No research exists on how a strengths-based study abroad curriculum influences resilience growth for working adult graduate students. Purpose: This exploratory study sought to examine how utilizing a strengths-based curriculum contributes to the development of resilience in graduate students during a study abroad program. Methodology/Approach: An online, open-ended survey was distributed to 11 students who participated in a 2018 graduate study abroad program to New Zealand. Responses were analyzed to identify themes by faculty-organized and student-organized activities. Findings/Conclusions: A strengths-based curriculum contributed to the perceived growth of resilience during a study abroad program by providing opportunities to manage, adjust, and overcome challenges. All 11 respondents perceived growth in resilience when planning and implementing the student-organized activities, whereas 9 of the 11 students reported resilience growth within the faculty-organized activities. Implications: Graduate study abroad programs provide a rich environment in which to experience growth in resilience through peer engagement and reflection. The strengths-based curriculum establishes a common language in which to discuss challenges and reflect on experiences.
Descriptors: Resilience (Psychology), Study Abroad, Program Length, Graduate Students, Adults, Foreign Countries, Student Development, Student Adjustment, Experiential Learning, Self Efficacy, Travel, Learning Activities, Student Leadership, Transformative Learning, Curriculum Design
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2814
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A