Creating a Global Classroom: International Collaborative Legal Research Partnerships

Abstract

Educators have used technology to connect students from around the globe to create "global classrooms". This article details the development and implementation of a virtual international collaborative comparative legal research project, for which students from two countries/partner institutions met for joint classroom meetings and small group sessions, using technology to engage effectively. Students presented their research posters at conferences and published their findings in academic journals. This study evaluated the extent to which students developed global citizenship competencies, such as improved intercultural communication skills and an appreciation of diversity, resulting from their participation. The impact of the global engagement project was evaluated by analyzing anonymous student surveys and conducting a qualitative review of the students' written reflections. The study found that students who participated in the project developed their research and writing skills, learned to work together in teams, improved their oral and written communication skills, delved deeper into the course content, improved their time management skills, cultivated intercultural understanding, and developed greater respect for diversity while learning more about the culture, country, language, and traditions of their research partners.