An International Faculty's Resilience and Identity Development Through Lived Experiences in Teaching

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Stress and Coping

Abstract

This study explored how an international faculty developed his resilience and identity through lived experiences in teaching in higher education. Interviews and reflections were used to identify his major difficulties, perceptions and adjustments, and his resilience development. The findings included the following resilience attributes: flexible locus of control, optimistic bias, autonomy, commitment, change, and positive relationship. In addition, bi-cultural experiences in teaching that contributed to his identity were explored and discussed. This study contributes to research on international faculty by exploring resilience theory in connection to cultural and professional identity.

Authors

• Jamie C. Hsu Kim, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Shaoan Zhang, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Margarita Huerta, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Qiang (Andy) Cheng, The University of Mississippi