High School Study Abroad: What do World History Students Really Learn?

Authors

  • Carmen Newstreet University of Dallas
  • Jacqueline Rackard Broward County Public Schools

Keywords:

study abroad, high school, global citizenship education, qualitative, enrichment, self-perception

Abstract

Study abroad is recognized as a means to teach global citizenship to students, but little empirical research exists to support the notion.  This qualitative research study detailed how a large, urban, public high school implemented a study abroad program to enrich its Advanced Placement World History course.  The diverse school collaborated with a local community college to allow students to participate in a weeklong European study abroad exploring art, architecture and historic sites.  Student interviews demonstrated that study abroad, as a global education enrichment, extended comprehension and enriched classroom learning and could be integrated into many disciplines.  Further, the study revealed the value of the program in meeting the needs of 21st century learners and their self-perceptions as members of the global society.  The study gave insight for school leaders, study abroad coordinators and teachers and suggests future research and study abroad implications for the field of global citizenship.

Author Biographies

Carmen Newstreet, University of Dallas

Carmen Newstreet is Assistant Professor of Secondary Curriculum at the University of Dallas and focuses her research and teaching in promoting global citizenship education through study abroad and literacy.  She worked in the Broward County Public School system (FL) teaching secondary social studies, and received multiple awards for teaching excellence.  E-mail:  cnewstreet@udallas.edu. 

Jacqueline Rackard, Broward County Public Schools

Jacqueline Rackard is a secondary school teacher in South Florida. She has taught English/language arts, reading, and research and is certified in English, reading, and gifted education.  Rackard served on the AP English Development Committee and has presented at national conferences, including NCTE and the AP Annual Conference.

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Published

2018-11-15

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2018)

Section

Articles

License

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