Evaluating an Intensive Program to Increase Cultural Intelligence: A Quasi-Experimental Design

Authors

  • Kristofer Chang Alexander Purdue University
  • Luke T Ingersoll Purdue University
  • Charles A. Calahan Purdue University
  • Monica L. Miller Purdue University
  • Cleveland G. Shields Purdue University
  • John A. Gipson Purdue University
  • Stewart Chang Alexander Purdue University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v33i1.497

Keywords:

Cultural Intelligence, Intercultural effectiveness, CQ development, Study abroad, Cultural metacognition, Bridging cultural differences

Abstract

This study used a quasi-experimental design to compare the effects of an intercultural development program on students' Cultural Intelligence (CQ) compared with students in a summer research program who did not receive the intervention. Social Learning Theory guided a 9-week student-centered cultural learning course focused on attention, retention, and reproduction of each CQ domain. After the course, students had opportunities to practice their CQ abilities while studying abroad. Pre-assessment CQ determined an individualized learning plan. Reflective journaling and cultural mentoring were used to maximize student CQ growth. Using multi-level modeling, we observed a statistically significant increase in three CQ domains compared to the comparison control group: cognitive (p<.01), metacognitive (p<.01), and behavioral CQ (p<.01). Motivation CQ scores did not significantly improve (p=0.08). Our results suggest that a university intercultural development program that intentionally combines a cultural learning course with a study abroad experience may improve students’ CQ.

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Author Biographies

Kristofer Chang Alexander, Purdue University

Kristofer Chang Alexander is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Purdue University in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Professor Chang Alexander has led over 15 study abroad programs overseas. He is a recipient of Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences’ Study Abroad Leadership Award (2020) and has been selected for the 2020-2021 Teaching for Tomorrow Fellowship Program.

Luke T Ingersoll, Purdue University

Luke T Ingersoll is a PhD student in the Department of Consumer Science at Purdue University. Luke has helped design and lead study abroad programs to six different countries over the last five years. In 2019, he received a Teaching Academy Graduate Teaching Award for outstanding contributions and commitment to undergraduate education. 

Charles A. Calahan, Purdue University

Charles A. Calahan directs Global Learning in the Center for Instructional Excellence at Purdue University. As an award-winning teacher in the College of Health and Human Sciences, his teaching and learning focused on active and experiential learning via advanced and innovative technologies. Since 2005, he was a paradigm pioneer at Purdue University in hybrid or blended learning. He is a Purdue University Diversity Fellow, Service-Learning Fellow and a Member of the Purdue Teaching Academy.

Monica L. Miller, Purdue University

Monica L. Miller is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Purdue University College of Pharmacy. Dr. Miller also serves as a study abroad/international program lead as well as the College of Pharmacy’s Intercultural Learning Liaison in both roles, she helps pharmacy students develop intercultural competence skills to effectively work with underserved populations domestically and globally. She is a Service Learning Faculty Fellow whose dedication to teaching, mentorship and work with the Purdue Kenya Partnership has been consistently recognized and celebrated.

Cleveland G. Shields, Purdue University

Cleveland G. Shields is a Professor at Purdue University in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Dr. Shields is a Faculty Scholar and received the College of Health and Human Sciences’ Career Research Achievement Award. His research examines racial and gender differences in physician-patient communication.

John A. Gipson, Purdue University

John A Gipson is the Director of Summer Session at Purdue University. The program runs the Think Summer program for students, including, Summer Internships and the Summer Stay Scholar Program.  In 2015, Dr. Gipson was awarded the Outstanding New Professional Award by NASPA (Student Affairs in Higher Education).

Stewart Chang Alexander, Purdue University

Stewart Chang Alexander is an Associate Professor (Public Health) and is a Faculty Scholar at Purdue University. In 2020, he was the inaugural recipient of Purdue University’s Vision Award for his work on cultural development. In 2018, he received the College of Health and Human Sciences’ Study Abroad Leadership Award. In 2017, he received Purdue’s Trailblazer Award for mid-career faculty whose research, scholarship or creative work has made a significant impact in their discipline.

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Published

2021-02-26

How to Cite

Chang Alexander, K., Ingersoll, L. T., Calahan, C. A., Miller, M. L. ., Shields, C. G., Gipson, J. A. ., & Chang Alexander, S. (2021). Evaluating an Intensive Program to Increase Cultural Intelligence: A Quasi-Experimental Design . Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 33(1), 106–128. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v33i1.497

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 1 (2021): Special Issue on Assessment as Pedagogy in Education Abroad

Section

Micro-Level Studies

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