The CARE2 Model: Action Research Study Exploring Multicultural Experiences in Higher Education

Abstract

This study explores the development of the CARE² model, an instructional design framework aimed at enhancing curriculum engagement and performance for international learners in higher education. Grounded in action research, the study was conducted at a private business college in Copenhagen, Denmark, where 240 first-year marketing students from Nepal, Bangladesh, and India engaged with a U.K.-based curriculum. The study led to the creation of the CARE² model, a framework for instructional designers to develop relevant learning experiences for international students. Limitations include challenges in asynchronous settings, as the model was tested in a fully in-person environment. Further research is needed to explore the model's applicability across different educational contexts. The study concludes by demonstrating how the CARE² model fosters culturally responsive and co-created learning experiences.