Transformative Learning through International Research Experiences
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Mikako Munakata
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2024 12:45 PM
End Date
26-4-2024 1:44 PM
Description
This poster gives an overview of an international summer molecular biology research program in Japan and reports on the results of a qualitative study that described the ways in which the participants were transformed. Six students were recruited primarily from HSI, HBCU, and women’s colleges to participate in the program for nine weeks. We report on four themes that emerged using transformative (Mezirow, 1978) and situated (Lave and Wenger, 1991) learning theories as frameworks. Through our analysis, we identified four transformations that occurred: accommodating language differences; advocating for oneself; reflecting on one’s positionality; and reconsidering the nature of scientific research. We used the participants’ own narratives to describe these transformations in their own words. We present a unique but transferable model that merges summer research with international experiences and report on the impact such programs can have on students’ personal and professional growth.
Transformative Learning through International Research Experiences
This poster gives an overview of an international summer molecular biology research program in Japan and reports on the results of a qualitative study that described the ways in which the participants were transformed. Six students were recruited primarily from HSI, HBCU, and women’s colleges to participate in the program for nine weeks. We report on four themes that emerged using transformative (Mezirow, 1978) and situated (Lave and Wenger, 1991) learning theories as frameworks. Through our analysis, we identified four transformations that occurred: accommodating language differences; advocating for oneself; reflecting on one’s positionality; and reconsidering the nature of scientific research. We used the participants’ own narratives to describe these transformations in their own words. We present a unique but transferable model that merges summer research with international experiences and report on the impact such programs can have on students’ personal and professional growth.