Internationalising the Curriculum: What does this mean? How can we achieve it?

14 May 2015 - 15 May 2015
Location: Marriott Victoria and Albert Hotel, Manchester

SEDA Spring 2015 Conference handbook The process of internationalising HE within the context of learning, teaching and research is a sector-wide concern with far-reaching implications. (HEA, 2014) There are many definitions of internationalisation though few of these definitions acknowledge the distinctive disciplinary communities that exist within academia (Leask, 2013) and much of the discourse frames internationalisation as more of a synonym of international education, in other words a summing up of fragmented and rather unrelated terms, than a comprehensive process and concept. (De Wit, 2013) Is this problematic for educational developers?As Montgomery (2009) states: the social interaction that takes place in the complex social environment of the university in the 21st century is fraught with tensions that relate to culture, social status, and educational background. As part of this complexity, there appear to remain some preconceptions or prejudices on all sides of the social interaction between international students, home students, and also staff. For example, the suggestions that international students don’t want to mix or like to stay with their own nationality are sometimes made by staff and students, and these criticisms extend into the classroom with comments such as they don’t contribute to discussions and they are reserved in class. This discourse can be seen as part of the deficit model that is applied to the social and academic experience of the international student, and this may have an influence on the social interaction of students and staff.The conference focuses on how, as a community of academic developers, we can support our institutions and colleagues move away from this deficit model to meaningfully embed the positive benefits. For example, as recently highlighted through research by the HEA (2014) engaging in the process of internationalising HE can benefit the formal and informal curriculum within HE and beyond, by providing the opportunity to:

  • capitalise on the diverse range of knowledge, experience, cultures, languages, beliefs, values, attitudes and meanings within the academic community, for academic enhancement and success;
  • deepen personal and interpersonal learning and development, helping promote cohesion, a sense of belonging, participation and success within the academic community;
  • broaden the range of perspectives and experiences which inform it, helping to influence future prospects;
  • enrich its design and delivery, using the process and products of international connections, to enhance practice, success and future sustainability;
  • surface and confront a range of inherent and complex humanitarian issues in a secure environment, as part of making a global responsible contribution to global society
  • respond to diversity and changing demographics within the academic community;
  • evidence the impact of activity associated with the process of internationalising HE to inform practice.

Internationalisation is a wide theme and as such we would welcome you to invite colleagues from European, transnational, or global initiatives involving many partner countries.Themes

  • Recent, current and likely future developments in internationalising the curriculum which have important implications for the thinking and the practice of educators and developers
  • Effective educational practice which embeds internationlisation in the practice of both staff and students
  • Innovative practice in educational development which takes advantage of diverse beliefs, values and cultures
  • Supporting and encouraging integration and co-operation between the growing number of connections now commonplace in HE
  • Strategies and techniques for the critical and effective embedding of new approaches which make appropriate use of internationalisation theory
  • The possibility of international competences (ICOMS) that can be considered alongside traditional learning outcomes
  • Work placements, study abroad and staff mobility opportunities
  • How technology can support the internationalisation of the curricum and working with international partners

CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS IS NOW CLOSED

“The process of internationalising HE within the context of learning, teaching and research is a sector-wide concern with far-reaching implications.” (HEA, 2014)

There are many definitions of internationalisation though few of these definitions acknowledge the distinctive disciplinary communities that exist within academia (Leask, 2013) and much of the discourse frames internationalisation as “more of a synonym of international education, in other words a summing up of fragmented and rather unrelated terms, than a comprehensive process and concept.” (De Wit, 2013) Is this problematic for educational developers?

As Montgomery (2009) states: “the social interaction that takes place in the complex social environment of the university in the 21st century is fraught with tensions that relate to culture, social status, and educational background. As part of this complexity, there appear to remain some preconceptions or prejudices on all sides of the social interaction between international students, home students, and also staff. For example, the suggestions that international students “don’t want to mix” or “like to stay with their own nationality” are sometimes made by staff and students, and these criticisms extend into the classroom with comments such as “they don’t contribute to discussions” and “they are reserved in class.” This discourse can be seen as part of the deficit model that is applied to the social and academic experience of the international student, and this may have an influence on the social interaction of students and staff.”

The conference focuses on how, as a community of academic developers, we can support our institutions and colleagues move away from this deficit model to meaningfully embed the positive benefits. For example, as recently highlighted through research by the HEA (2014) engaging in the process of internationalising HE can benefit the formal and informal curriculum within HE and beyond, by providing the opportunity to:

  • capitalise on the diverse range of knowledge, experience, cultures, languages, beliefs, values, attitudes and meanings within the academic community, for academic enhancement and success;
  • deepen personal and interpersonal learning and development, helping promote cohesion, a sense of belonging, participation and success within the academic community;
  • broaden the range of perspectives and experiences which inform it, helping to influence future prospects;
  • enrich its design and delivery, using the process and products of international connections, to enhance practice, success and future sustainability;
  • surface and confront a range of inherent and complex humanitarian issues in a secure environment, as part of making a global responsible contribution to global society
  • respond to diversity and changing demographics within the academic community;
  • evidence the impact of activity associated with the process of internationalising HE to inform practice.

Internationalisation is a wide theme and as such we would welcome you to invite colleagues from European, transnational, or global initiatives involving many partner countries.Themes

  • Recent, current and likely future developments in internationalising the curriculum which have important implications for the thinking and the practice of educators and developers
  • Effective educational practice which embeds internationlisation in the practice of both staff and students
  • Innovative practice in educational development which takes advantage of diverse beliefs, values and cultures
  • Supporting and encouraging integration and co-operation between the growing number of connections now commonplace in HE
  • Strategies and techniques for the critical and effective embedding of new approaches which make appropriate use of internationalisation theory
  • The possibility of international competences (ICOMS) that can be considered alongside traditional learning outcomes
  • Work placements, study abroad and staff mobility opportunities
  • How technology can support the internationalisation of the curricum and working with international partners

Session formatsProposals for posters, discussion papers and workshops are invited which address the conference themes. The emphasis should be on reflection, exploration, scholarship and evaluation rather than merely a description of activities and technologies. SEDA conferences include sessions which involve delegates in active participation, discussion and development. This is a requirement of all discussion papers and workshop proposals. Activities should go beyond discussion of topics, and should involve critique, analysis, development and action planning by and with participants.  Discussion papers: (up to 25 minutes presentation plus at least 20 minutes of questions and discussion / exploration), giving an account of research, evaluation, policy or practice, with the emphasis on drawing out lessons for and with others and involving participants in engaging with your findings. Sessions which integrate presentation and discussion, rather than presentation followed by Q&A, will generally be preferred.Workshops: (45 or 90 minutes) with the emphasis on a more detailed exploration of a research-informed issue or resource and including high levels of creativity, innovative thinking, critique, practical participation and action planning. Posters and demonstrations: the maximum size of a poster should be A1. Posters will be available for participants to view throughout the conference. Additionally, there will be a timetabled poster session when presenters should be available to discuss the content with conference participants.Criteria for acceptance of proposalsEach proposal will be reviewed for acceptance at the conference against the following criteria:        

  • Active and productive engagement of participants
  • Relevance to the conference title and themes        
  • Clarity and coherence of the proposal, including title        
  • Contribution to scholarship and evaluation of educational development in further and higher education, reflecting on and informing the future of educational development
  • Appropriateness of session structure and specified timings in relation to session type
  • Likely value of session aims and outcomes to the participants
  • Consistency with the SEDA Values

Submitting your proposalPROPOSALS DEADLINE HAS NOW PASSED

David Killick, Head of Academic Staff Development, Leeds Beckett University @DKillickLeedsDavid’s current role is Head of Academic Staff Development at Leeds Beckett University where he also acts as course leader for the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, a role in which he is able to work with colleagues across the institution to develop and spread best practice in learning and teaching.David has published and presented at national and international conferences on curriculum internationalisation, global citizenship, and creating inclusive campuses. He took a lead role in pioneering work to introduce global citizenship and cross-cultural capability into curricula in a five-year institution-wide project. This work has been disseminated widely and has formed the basis for internationalisation in other HEIs. He is continuing to lead on curriculum internationalisation as colleagues embed the graduate attribute of a global outlook following a major refocus of the undergraduate curriculum at Leeds Beckett University.David’s recent international work has included leading an institutional internationalisation review in Lithuania and developing a PGCHE with nine Ethiopian universities. His doctoral research investigated the lived experience of students undertaking international study and work placements. He is currently researching international conceptions of learning and teaching in higher education, and exploring the links between internationalisation and diversity – and the contributions and questions these raise for equitable academic practice.David is a National Teaching Fellow and a Senior Fellow of the HEA. As a lover of mountains, David recently completed his Mountain Leader training programme, and feels as intimidated as any student could by the forthcoming assessment process (which is exceptionally well constructively aligned).Sally Brown, Emerita Professor, Leeds Beckett University; Visiting Professor at University of Plymouth and Liverpool John Moores University @ProfSallyBrownSally Brown enjoys life as an Independent Consultant and Emerita Professor at Leeds Beckett University where she was, until July 2010, Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic). She is also Visiting Professor at the University of Plymouth and at Liverpool John Moores University as well as working in around thirty universities a year in the UK and internationally. In 2012 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Plymouth University for Services to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, is a Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) Senior Fellow and a UK National Teaching Fellow. She is widely published in the field of teaching, learning and particularly assessment. Her latest book (2015) is ‘Learning, Teaching and Assessment: Global Perspectives (Palgrave). Her areas of expertise and workshops as well as a full list of publications can be seen on Sally’s website.Mark Brown, Director, National Institute of Digital Learning, Dublin City University @mbrownzProfessor Mark Brown is Director of the National Institute for Digital Learning based at Dublin City University. Before taking up a Chair in Digital Learning in February of 2014, Mark was previously Director of the National Centre for Teaching and Learning and the Distance Education and Learning Futures Alliance (DELFA) at Massey University, New Zealand.

Over the last decade Professor Brown has played key leadership roles in the implementation of several major university-wide digital learning and teaching initiatives, including the enterprise wide deployment of Moodle, the design and development of the Mahara eportfolio system, a major study of the adoption and use of Open Educational Resources (OER), and the enterprise-wide implementation of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform (Open2Study).

Professor Brown serves on several international journal editorial boards and has published and/or presented extensively in the areas of online, blended and digital learning. Prior to his arrival at DCU, Mark was President of the New Zealand Association for Open, Flexible and Distance Learning (DEANZ) and remains Treasurer and executive committee member of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ascilite). Ascilite is the peak professional body for digital learning in Australia and New Zealand. Mark is a recipient of a National Award for Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching and is a member of the New Zealand Academy of Tertiary Teaching Excellence.

A vibrant Manchester city centre hotel, located on the banks of the River Irwell, theManchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel exudes a historical charm that appeals tobusiness and leisure travellers.Located across from the Coronation Street set tour; adjacent to Spinningfields and apleasant walk to the Opera House and Palace Theatre, this four-star hotel in Manchesterwas first built as a warehouse in 1844. The charming building displays the old architecturaldetail with contemporary flair, comfort and services.The luxurious guest rooms at our hotel in Manchester are graced by original oak beams andexposed brick and feature plush new bedding and high-speed Internet access. For dining,the brasserie-style V&A Restaurant offers international fare and river views, while the V&ALounge Bar has become a local favourite. 

PRICES

As of 7th May 2015, there are no more full residential places available.

 

Early bird price*

Standard price

Full residential conference delegate (includes one night’s accommodation and all meals, including the conference dinner)

£425

 £490

Student Concessionary Full residential conference delegate (includes one night’s accommodation and all meals, including the conference dinner) Available to Full Time Students Only £340 £390

Non-residential day delegate Thursday 14th May (includes lunch and refreshments)

£160

£185

Student Concessionary Non-residential day delegate Thursday 14th May (includes lunch and refreshments) Available to Full Time Students Only £128 £150

Non-residential day delegate Friday 15th May (includes lunch and refreshments)

£160

£185

Student Concessionary Non-residential day delegate Friday 15th May (includes lunch and refreshments) Available to Full Time Students Only £128 £150

Bed and breakfast accommodation for the night of Wednesday 13th May

£99

£99

Conference dinner Thursday 14th May

£35

 £40

* Early bird expires at 17.00 on Monday 13th April

Day One09.15 – 09.45 Registration and tea & coffee – GLASS ROOF FOYER09.45 –10.00 Welcome and Introductions – SUITE 2 & 310.00 – 11.00 Opening Keynote Address – ‘Internationalisation – from Principles to Practice’ – SUITE 2 & 3David Killick, Head, Academic Staff Development, Leeds Beckett University

11.00 – 11.30 Break – FOYER AREAS

11.30 – 13.00 Parallel Session 1

  1. Epistemological Foundations Matter: POISE – Personal Orientation to an International Student Experience Simon Atkinson – 1844
  2. “Virtual internationalisation” and the undergraduate curriculum in UK and overseas universities Bridget Middlemas, Jo Peat – SUITE 1
  3. Designing quizzes and treasure hunts for inclusive student engagement  Clare Millington – VICTORIA

13.00 – 14.00 Lunch – RESTAURANT13.30 – 14.00 New to SEDA? Come and find out more Stephen Bostock – 184414.00 – 14.45 Parallel Session 2

  1. Understanding international student adjustment issues: successful support interventions and implications for practice John Bostock – 1844
  2. cancelled
  3. Developing a cross-disciplinary intercultural engagement toolkit Sara Felix, Mark Dunford, Marita Grimwood – SUITE 3
  4. cancelled
  5. “But I treat all students the same!” Raising awareness of unconscious bias in teaching and learning Debby Cotton, Jennie Winter – SUITE 1

14.50 – 15.35 Parallel Session 3

  1. You’ve internationalised me now support me: Building and supporting a global academic community – what,when and why Jenny Eland, Rachel Curzon, Sarah King – SUITE 1
  2. Exploring cultural aspects of student mobility – what do we know about students’ perceptions of their own and host culture of learning Monika Foster – SUITE 2
  3. Putting internationalisation into practice:how to inform and develop your teaching  Angela Hammond – 1844
  4. Measuring student experience of digital platforms for online international learning Emma Hill, Graham Price – VICTORIA
  5. Internationalising the Curriculum through interactive Webinars Trish Igoe, James Hairsine – SUITE 3

15.35 – 16.00 Break – FOYER AREAS16.00 – 16.45 Parallel Session 4

  1. Internationalisation and inclusive practice: Academic Equity in the ‘post-national’ university David Killick – SUITE 1
  2. ‘An experienced map reader’: the academic developer as traveller and other metaphors  Colleen McKenna, Jane Hughes – SUITE 3
  3. A Window to the World: Embedding Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) in the Taught Curriculum  Sabine McKinnon – 1844
  4. From Best Practice to Every Practice: The use of Reflective Critique to engage academic staff with Internationalisation Nicky Meer – VICTORIA

17.00 – 17.45 Network Getting Published with SEDA James Wisdom (Chair, SEDA Educational Developments Magazine Editorial Committee) – 1844Introducing SEDA Fellowships Marita Grimwood (SEDA Fellowships Co-ordinator) – VICTORIAPoster Session – FOYER

18.00-18.45 SEDA AGM – VICTORIA19.15 Drinks Reception – GLASS ROOF FOYER/TERRACE20.00 Dinner – JOHN LOGIE BAIRD SUITEDay Two09.15 – 09.30 Welcome to day 2 – SUITE 2 & 309.30 – 10.25 Keynote Address – Internationalising the Curriculum: Teaching and Learning for the new Digital World – SUITE 2 & 3Mark Brown, Director, National Institute for Digital Learning, Dublin City University10.25 – 10.45 Break – FOYER AREAS10.45 – 12.15 Parallel Session 5

  1. Re-Setting all Student Expectations of Internationalisation during University Induction  Mary Crossan, Leanne de Main – VICTORIA
  2. Developing an international curriculum: why and how?  Examples PDF  Gap Analysis PDF  Pollyanna Magne – SUITE 3
  3. cancelled

12.20 – 13.15 Lunch13.15 – 14.00 Parallel Session 6

  1. Easy embedding: improving internationalisation and academic success through email Joy Robbins – BOARDROOM
  2. Meeting Expectations: the challenge of providing staff development to overseas collaborative partners Karen Smith, Sally Alsford – SUITE 1
  3. Home and Away: a whole institution learning experience of international perspectives in higher education  Deborah Steele – VICTORIA
  4. Positionality and reflexive interaction: A critical internationalist Cultural Studies approach to inclusive student collaboration Rupert Waldron – 1844
  5. Unpacking the Lessons Learned from an Educational Development-Focused International MOOC for Internationalising the Curriculum Donna Ziegenfuss, Cynthia Furse – SUITE 2 & 3

14.00 – 14.15 Break – FOYER AREAS14.15 – 15.15 Closing Keynote – Global perspectives on learning, teaching and assessment:​ avoiding unpleasant surprises and encouraging the love of learning – SUITE 2 & 3Sally Brown, Emerita Professor, Leeds Beckett University, Visiting Professor at University of Plymouth and Liverpool John Moores University15.15 – 15.30 Summing up and close – SUITE 2 & 3