SIT Graduate capstone presentations are May 1-3, 2023
Announcement Date: April 25, 2023 | Research, SIT Graduate Institute
Students completing their master's degree programs at SIT Graduate Institute will present their final capstone projects May 1-3, 2023. Members of the public are invited to attend these virtual presentations. Please email [email protected] to RSVP and receive a link. All times are for the eastern U.S. time zone.
Monday, May 1, 8:40-10 a.m.
U.S. Student Motivations to Study Abroad in East Asia: A Regional Comparison
Nadia Braun, MA in International Education
Many factors influence student motivations to study abroad. This qualitative study examines U.S. student motivations to study abroad in East Asia (Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan), through the lens of push-pull theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior. The study finds that both theories accurately portray student motivations to study abroad in East Asia and that there are important distinctions between student motivations depending on their choice of host country.
Monday, May 1, 7-8:15 PM
Global Changemakers – Hope for the Future
Ann Flanagan, MA in International Education (Hybrid)
This qualitative. multiple case study explores the journey of changemakers and the role of formal and informal curricula in shaping students' understanding of social change and motivating them to take action. This thesis investigates transformative experiences encountered through critical reflection and experiential learning and the steps universities can take to equip future changemakers with the necessary tools, skills, and mindsets. This research highlights significant implications for higher education institutions and policymakers seeking to promote social innovation and entrepreneurship programs among students.
Tuesday, May 2, 7-8:15 PM
Education Policy and Practice in Nepal: An Exploration of Education Quality in Private Primary and Secondary Education in Context of a Decentralized Education System in Kathmandu, Nepal
Tashina Tamara McNeil, Global Masters International Education
As a strategy for improving the country’s education sector and meet national development initiatives, the government of Nepal has implemented decentralization measures. Similarly, the government has committed to the Sustainable Development Goal 4, the premise of which is ensuring by 2030 that all Nepalese school-aged boys and girls have access to quality education. Decentralization, as defined, is the transfer of authority over school management to local governments, the private sector, and local communities. Decentralization, however, is not a panacea for all and when incorrectly implemented the consequences can be deleterious. This study sought to answer this research question: In the context of a decentralized education system, what is the quality of primary and secondary education in private schools in Kathmandu, Nepal? The findings of the study indicate that school environments lacking proper administrative leadership, teacher support, educational resources, and professional development opportunities compounded with poor classroom environments negatively impact the quality of education schools provide.
Wednesday, May 3, 7-8:15 PM
System Support for Early Grade Teacher Mentors in Cambodia
Jana Scislowicz, MA in Intercultural Service, Leadership & Management
The early primary education system in Cambodia is working to expand its teacher mentoring network. This quantitative and qualitative study examines the motivational factors of school-based early grade literacy mentors and master mentors who have played these roles in a pilot program implemented by a United States Agency for International Development-funded project during the 2021-22 academic year in Cambodia. The study finds that mentors are motivated to perform the mentoring roles for intrinsic reasons such as improving student education and peer learning. It also finds that there are areas of improvement for mentor selection, workload assignment, financial remuneration, and recognition for the mentor network to successfully scale-up to the entire nation.