Book
Cao, X., & Henderson, E. F. (2020). Exploring Diary Methods in Higher Education Research: Opportunities, Choices and Challenges. London: Routledge.
Peer-reviewed Journal Articles
Cao, X*., & Zhang, L., (2025). From "Formal Connection" to "Substantial Integration": Practical Dilemmas and Breakthrough Paths of the Transition from Undergraduate to Graduate in the Strengthening Basic Disciplines Plan [in Chinese]. China Higher Education Research, 04, 17-24+33.
Cao, X., Zhang, L., & Shi, J*. (2024). Theoretical Foundations and Practical Challenges of Personalized Education in China's Top Universities [in Chinese]. Fudan Education Forum,22(03), 5-12.
Zhang, L., Cao, X*., & Shi, J. (2024). Analysis on the Multi-institutional Logics of the "Plan for Strengthening Basic. Academic Disciplines" Practice [in Chinese]. Higher Education Review, 12(02), 172-184.
Zhou, X., Zhang, L.*, & Cao, X. (2022). High-impact educational practices: participation of Chinese and American undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Asia Pacific Education Review, 1-15.
Cao, X.* (2022). Diary method and its significance and enlightenment to research on Chinese college student's learning and development [in Chinese]. Jiangsu Higher Education, 258(08), 70-76.
Cao, X*., & Henderson, E. F. (2021). The interweaving of diaries and lives: diary-keeping behaviour in a diary-interview study of international students’ employability management. Qualitative Research, 21(6), 829-845.
Liu, Q., Cao, X., & Wang, C.* (2021). Graduate Education of Christian Universities in Modern China: A Case Study of Nanking University. Religions, 12(12), 1095-1110.
Cao, X*. (2017). Enhancing the employability of Chinese international students: identifying achievements and gaps in the research field. Exchanges: The Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 5(1), 77-89.
Book Chapters:
Cao, X. (2022). How the "caring chain" impacts capabilities of studying abroad, overseas experience and career decisions: A narrative analysis about a Chinese single mother. In Hook, G., Moreau, M-P. & Brooks, R. (eds.) Student Carers in Higher Education: Navigating, resisting and redefining academic cultures. London: Routledge, pp.106-120.
Cao, X. (2020). Researcher-participant "win-win" in diary research: Participant recruitment and retention in a longitudinal diary-interview study on employability management. In Cao, X. & Henderson, E. F. (eds.) Exploring Diary Methods in Higher Education Research: Opportunities, Choices and Challenges. London: Routledge, pp.73-86.
Cao, X., & Henderson, E. F. (2020). Introduction: The (re)naissance of diary method research in and beyond higher education studies. In Cao, X. & Henderson, E. F. (eds.) Exploring Diary Methods in Higher Education Research: Opportunities, Choices and Challenges. London: Routledge, pp.1-12.
Research Report:
Shi, J., Cao, X., Zhou, L., Xie, W., & Ba, Y. (in press). The learning experiences and outcomes of Chinese female college students in the stage of the popularization of higher education. In Chinese Women's Education
Development Report NO.4 – The growth and development of female college students in the new era.
Cao, X. (2020). The University of Warwick’s student recruitment from China in the Covid–19 era. Coventry: Institute of Advanced Study, University of Warwick.
Henderson, E.F., Cao. X. & Mansuy, J. (2018). In two places at once: the impact of caring responsibilities on academic/s conference participation:final project report. Coventry: Centre for Education Studies, University of Warwick. Available at:http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/103314/
