2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Factors influencing learner outcomes in dual-language study abroad programs
| Project/Area Number |
19K13279
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| Research Institution | Kansai University |
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Principal Investigator |
RAMONDA Kris 関西大学, 外国語学部, 准教授 (10626427)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
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| Keywords | study abroad / coronavirus / coping strategies |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
I have continued to collect data from interviews of students who studied abroad during the coronavirus pandemic. The initial data show that in spite of the disadvantages distance learning impose, many students found that the quality of their interactions with others surprisingly improved. This was especially true of those who lived with a roommate or together with a host family. This finding was unexpected because it was assumed that both the quantity and quality of interactions would be diminished as a result of social distancing required during the pandemic. This plan deviated substantially from the original one which aimed to quantitatively analyze factors affecting dual-language study abroad, which wasn't possible due to the unwanted variables introduced by the coronavirus pandemic.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
The original research proposal related to study abroad experiences and learning outcomes under normal language immersion conditions. The coronavirus, however, introduced an unwanted variable in that students were no longer able to experience a typical study abroad due to the limitations imposed by social distancing and e-learning. For this reason, the focus of the research had to radically change. Instead, I am now focusing on how the coronavirus has impacted study abroad participants. Though I expect that the new research focus will yield valuable results, it has caused a delay in the collection of data.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
My plans for 2021 are to complete the collection of data. In particular, I would like to address the following questions:
1. What factors impact the degree to which students perceived a positive experience studying abroad during the pandemic?
2. What strategies did students employ to maximize their potential for an immersive experience while studying abroad during the pandemic?
This will be achieved by adding to the currently existing data set through interviews with the 2021 returning study abroad cohort. The original sample size was quite small, which meant that only the qualitative data could be analyzed meaningfully.
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| Causes of Carryover |
This year I need to finish collecting and analyzing data, which will require the continuing subscription to related software (e.g. SurveyMonkey). Furthermore, I intend to begin disseminating preliminary results to the wider public, which means I will be presenting at conferences (the ones not cancelled due to the coronavirus).
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