Students' perspectives and learning from a cross-cultural online course: The influence of a critical pedagogical approach
Devers, Christopher John
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/11768
Description
Title
Students' perspectives and learning from a cross-cultural online course: The influence of a critical pedagogical approach
Author(s)
Devers, Christopher John
Issue Date
2009-05
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Johnston-Parsons, Marilyn A.
Committee Member(s)
Bruce, Bertram C.
Hug, Barbara
Ndimande, Bekisizwe S.
Department of Study
Curriculum and Instruction
Discipline
Curriculum and Instruction
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
sociocultural theory
critical pedagogy
cross-cultural
multicultural
online
technology
Language
en
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to learn about students’ learning through cross-cultural online education. The participants were students involved in the course “Teaching and Learning about Africa” at the University of Illinois and the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Students were able to participate in their native country while interacting with others abroad. The course explored various topics related to education in South Africa, the United States, and the world. The research questions were: What do students learn in a cross-cultural online environment? and What does an online environment add to or detract from cross-cultural education? Data from the interviews were coded into categories, and later as broader themes emerged, these were linked to the two research questions. Online survey data were analyzed using statistical methods. The theoretical framework for the study included both sociocultural (Dewey, 1902, 1915, 1916) and critical pedagogy perspectives (Freire, 1970). The discussion explored how challenging the students’ worldviews through online chat sessions, assigned readings, and assignments cultivated a problem-posing and authentic educational atmosphere, which offered students the chance to think critically, learn, and grow both academically and personally. In addition, an interpretation of how the development of trust, openness, and textual communication influenced the students’ participation in this course was explored.
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