ERIC Number: EJ1417977
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0737-7363
EISSN: EISSN-1948-4801
International Continuing Professional Education: An Interpretive Study of Ecuadorian Educators' Meaning-Making
Journal of Continuing Higher Education, v72 n1 p69-83 2024
The purpose of this qualitative interpretive study was to explore how 43 educators from Ecuador made meaning of a nine-month international continuing professional education (CPE) program at a higher education institution in the United States. Often categorized generally as study abroad, international CPE encompasses unique modalities focusing on adult learners who are professionals in fields such as medicine, law, and education. Participant-constructed concept maps at three different points during the program and semi-structured interviews were analyzed to understand how educators made meaning of their international CPE experience. The findings suggest that educators made meaning of experiences through three main themes: trying to connect to the future application, relating to professional identity, and processing intragroup differences in a "cultural bubble." The findings suggest that creating new approaches focusing on cohort learning, multiple professions, and program structures may expand innovations in international CPE programs. In addition, stakeholder power and influence should be examined for ethical dimensions of program planning. The findings can inform instruction and administration in similar cross-border CPE programs to meet the needs of adult learners and stakeholders.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Professional Continuing Education, Teacher Education Programs, International Education, Faculty Development, Study Abroad, Student Attitudes, Theory Practice Relationship, Professional Identity, Cultural Differences, Intergroup Relations, Concept Mapping
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ecuador; United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A