The influence an overseas teaching experience has on teaching decisions

Abstract

This study examined the influence an overseas teaching experience has on teaching decisions. Previous research has focused on preservice teachers and student teachers, but none have looked at licensed teachers and how their teaching decisions were different when they returned to teach in their home country. Through a questionnaire, face-to-face interviews, and classroom observations, the study found four areas that are influenced by an overseas teaching experience: global perspective, cultural empathy, culturally relevant pedagogy and curriculum choices, and personal growth. No clear differences among the teachers were found for factors such as gender, race, or experience. Results suggest teachers who have taught overseas may have more cultural empathy for students of other backgrounds and English-language proficiency and a willingness to develop curriculum that encompasses more of a global perspective.