The mediating role of intercultural wonderment: connecting programmatic components to global outcomes in study abroad

This study examines the mediating role of intercultural wonderment in relation to students’ development of a global perspective. We utilize both confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to validate the intercultural wonderment construct and test the direct and indirect effects of the structural pathways in the model, respectively. Additionally, we highlight the relative and comparative effects of our model across cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal dimensions of student development while also testing equivalent and nested models to rule out alternative and rival explanations. The results have broad implications for study abroad researchers and practitioners who are interested in developing a deeper understanding of how students learn and develop in study abroad contexts, while offering a more nuanced understanding of how experiential and constructivist practices influence student learning abroad.     

Uncontrolled Destinies: Improving Opportunity for Low-Income Students in American Higher Education

Recognizing the current administration’s focus on improving postsecondary access, this study examines resource allocation patterns and the predictive power of these resources in increasing the likelihood of 2- and 4-year college enrollment among low-income students. Using data from the Educational Longitudinal Study, college choice decision-making is conceptualized in relation to an individual’s habitus and capital deficiency theory. The results reveal significant differences in the availability and predictive power of various forms of capital across enrollment classifications. The study concludes with implications for administrators and policymakers interested in improving access for low-income students.