The impact of global classrooms in first-year courses: knowledge, skills, attitudes, global engagement, and career influence (a five-year study across four institutions)

This session will present results of a five-year research study tracking student participants in a global classroom (GC, also known as COIL or IVE). These students were all enrolled in the GC the first term of their freshman year at university, specifically in a Business Foundations course averaging 20 students per section. Drexel University LeBow College of Business (U.S.) partnered with Leeds University (U.K.), Berlin School of Economics and Law (Germany) and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) on several GC student team projects from 2014-2019. The research includes both qualitative and quantitative data. Post-participation reflective reports were reviewed and analyzed for themes in knowledge, skills and attitudes developed and strengthened from the GC experience. Quantitative data analyzed included the subsequent global engagement activities participating students completed in the following years preceding graduation. The activities tracked included international mobility (internships, study or service abroad); participation in additional GC courses; declared international-related majors or programs of study; and significant global co-curricular engagement. Finally, career influence was assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively three years after the GC experience occurred, looking at retention and integration of GC learnings in jobs or post graduate studies.

Results were compared to non-GC sections of the course, and benchmarked against national averages or peer institutions. The evidence supports the value of offering a global classroom experience particularly at the onset of a student's academic career. Students in the GC course have above national average participation rates in global engagement, and they show exceptional achievement in oncampus involvement. Participation is also a key driver in their leadership activity and career selection, and is a distinguishing aspect during the job search and placement process. Authors will also share methodology, insights and next steps - including ongoing program improvement.