The CARE² Model: An Action Research Study Exploring Multicultural Experiences in an International Higher Education Classroom

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. Using qualitative methods such as formative assessments, classroom observations, and student feedback via Kahoot and Padlet, researchers identified four key challenges: technological literacy gaps, low engagement, unfamiliarity with U.K. brand cases, and varied communication proficiency levels. Using a design-based research approach enabled iterative revisions to the U.K.-based curriculum through changes to instructional strategies, content, and activities, resulting in increased student engagement, improved technological literacy, and higher academic performance. Thematic analysis highlighted core instructional constructs, including culture, collaboration, agency, agility, relevance, repetition, engagement, and evaluation. Quantitative results revealed significant performance improvements in the CARE² intervention group. In Semester 1, the intervention group scored 15-16% higher than the control groups (p < 0.0001), and in Semester 2, it scored 21.13% higher than Control 1 and 10.79% higher than Control 2 (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that culturally relevant content, collaborative learning opportunities, and instructor adaptability play critical roles in learner satisfaction and success. 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.