Understanding The Learning Impacts Of A Short-Term Study Abroad By Using A Mixed-Method Approach

This study presents the preliminary learning outcomes of a short-term study abroad that focusses on sustainable building concepts. A mixed-method approach is used to understand the social networks and student learning that emerged in this study abroad program during the 2019 winter break offering. The mixed-method approach was chosen to capture the network structure of the class as well as provide a deeper understanding of the story of the network. In this study, we draw on ethnographic observations, interviews, and social network analysis (SNA). Ethnographic observations and follow-up qualitative interviews allowed for the observations of high impact practices in situ as well as to capture the impact of the course for students. The results presented in this study are based on data collected between October 2018 and January 2019. The results highlight the change in student networks during the duration of the program and student reported impacts in their learning. The results also illustrate that learning does not happen in isolation. Building a dense network of students is a critical component of cultivating collective knowledge building and sharing. Engaging with local community members and understanding their needs was seen to be a key aspect of student learning. In addition, incorporating local students in the course strengthened peer-to-peer learning.