Elements of Globally Competent Teaching in Pre- and In-Service Agricultural Educators After Participation in a Maymester Study Abroad

Authors

  • Melissia A. Law Iowa State University
  • Sarah E. LaRose Purdue University
  • Mark A. Russell Purdue University
  • JoAnn Phillion Purdue University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i3.1017

Keywords:

Agricultural Education, empathetic dispositions, global competence, globally competent teaching and learning continuum, teacher education

Abstract

This study utilized an ex post facto explanatory sequential mixed methods research design to explore how a short-term study abroad in Jamaica may have influenced participants’ empathetic dispositions related to globally competent teaching practices. The study employed Tichnor-Wagner et al.’s (2019) Globally Competent Teaching and Learning Continuum, an independently validated research instrument, to assess participants’ self-rated empathy development. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from pre-service, in-service, and other agricultural educators (n = 36), followed by four focus groups. Findings were framed within Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory (TLT), which emphasizes empathy as a component of transformation and global competency development. Results indicated that study abroad experiences may have contributed to increased empathy and recognition of diverse perspectives, though pre-service teachers reported lower confidence in applying these competencies. Findings highlight the role of transformative experiences in fostering globally competent educators and suggest strategies for enhancing empathy-focused training in teacher preparation programs.

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Author Biographies

Melissia A. Law, Iowa State University

Melissia A. Law is a Study Abroad Advisor at Iowa State University, Ames, IA. She completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Purdue University, with a focus on international agriculture and extension education. With experience as a PreK-12 educator and a background in international education, she supports students in building global competency. Melissia is passionate about helping students grow through meaningful, hands-on international learning opportunities.

Sarah E. LaRose, Purdue University

Sarah E. LaRose is an Associate Professor of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication at Purdue University. As an agricultural teacher educator, she holds a joint appointment between the College of Agriculture and College of Education. As an agricultural teacher educator, her research focuses on developing agricultural educators who design student-centered, inclusive programs that foster engagement and learning.

Mark A. Russell, Purdue University

Mark A. Russell is an Emeritus Professor of Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication at Purdue University. Throughout his career, he dedicated his teaching and scholarship to international education, community engagement, and intercultural development through service-learning and interdisciplinary projects in global settings like Ecuador, Romania, and Haiti. He remains passionate about helping students discover their worldview and explore cultures beyond their comfort zones.

JoAnn Phillion, Purdue University

JoAnn Phillion is an Emerita Professor of Curriculum Studies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Purdue University’s College of Education. During her career, she taught a variety of courses for pre-service educators and developed study abroad programs emphasizing social justice, service learning, and global outreach. Her research focused on preparing socially aware educators.

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Published

2025-11-05

How to Cite

Law, M., LaRose, S. ., Russell, M. ., & Phillion, J. (2025). Elements of Globally Competent Teaching in Pre- and In-Service Agricultural Educators After Participation in a Maymester Study Abroad. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 37(3), 187–219. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i3.1017

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 3 (2025): November 2025

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Melissia A Law, Sarah E. LaRose, Mark A. Russell, JoAnn Phillion

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