GlobalFest: what does internationalisation mean to us?
Friday, 02 August 2019
Dr Nicola Abram talks about decentring the ‘English’ in English literature.
‘Simply having a diverse student body does not mean the education or even the campus is global in nature. What comes as an essential part of a global education is the inclusion of international students in communities and classes’ (British Council Integration of international students: A UK perspective 2014).
On 10 July, all colleagues were invited to attend CQSD’s exciting summer T&L event, GlobalFest 2019. The session aimed to explore what internationalisation of the curriculum and student experience might mean in practice, as we educate in an increasingly global context.
Dr David Killick (Emeritus Fellow at Leeds Beckett University, and a National Teaching Fellow), introduced by Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement Enzo Raimo, delivered the thought-provoking plenary session, ‘Globalising the Curriculum: What it means, why it matters, how to make a difference’ to over 90 colleagues, as well as facilitating a fully booked, interactive workshop in the afternoon to 40 staff members. .
Colleagues from across the University presented a series of diverse and informative lightning talks, sharing inspiring examples of good practice already established at Reading. Special thanks to Angela Buckingham (CQSD-ADE), Dr Nicola Abram (English literature), Holly Baker (PhD student, Psychology), Dr Yiorgos Gadanakis (Agricultural Business Management), Hannah Hayes (IWLP/ISLI), Dr Peter Innes (Meteorology), Ali Nicholson (IWLP /ISLI) and Dr Hong Yang (Environmental Science), for their key roles in this.
A busy, international-themed marketplace was accessible before the sessions and during breaks, made possible through creative collaboration between colleagues in Teaching Enhanced Learning, Open Online Courses, International Partnerships, the Library, Study Advice, Careers, Erasmus & Study Abroad, ISLI, the International Student Advisory team, and Academic Development & Enhancement. Designed to demonstrate how we purposefully develop ‘global engagement and multi-cultural awareness’ in our graduates, it was a dynamic space to learn how our global outlook as an institution is embedded into the core of what and how we teach our curriculum. Globalisation is an opportunity to develop and enhance the curriculum for all – placing it at the centre of our Curriculum Framework is a crucial part of how this potential becomes reality.
Feedback from colleagues has been extremely encouraging, particularly regarding the “friendly” atmosphere, “brilliant” sessions and value in “hear[ing] what others are doing well.” All in all, it was an “awe-inspiring day”, both in terms of celebrating success, and demonstrating where valuable enhancements can be made.
We would love to hear more examples of where internationalisation of the curriculum and student experience is being done well. If you have any success stories from colleagues or students who are making progress in this area (perhaps a case study, or as a written article), or would like further support in globalising the curriculum, please contact Angela Buckingham.
For videos, photos, presentation slides and highlights of the day please click here , and for more information generally visit the Curriculum Framework: Engage in Globalisation webpages.