Perspective Transformation of Cultural Awareness: A Qualitative Study on Research Students’ Experiences of International Cross-Institutional Webinars

Abstract

Twenty-first century transformations have taken place within the framework of globalisation of the economy, the spread of information technology and global migration resulting in increased cultural diversity in many societies. This qualitative study investigated perspective transformation in 18 research students, from Australia, Hong Kong SAR, and Sweden, participating in an international online course by using Mezirow’s theory of perspective transformation and Kiely’s six forms of transformative change (intellectual, moral, political, cultural, personal, and spiritual). The approach to learning facilitated global networking and a commitment to support growth in the students’ research practice. Validating the link between research students’ learning experiences and perspective transformation theory encourages educators to develop future online educational materials to promote cognitive flexibility and reflexivity and increase students’ cultural awareness to inform their research practices.