IntroductionThe evolving dialogue about internationalisation in the Higher Education has moved from considering issues surrounding teaching international students to recognising students and teachers as co-creators of the learning environments and positive responses to cultural diversity in the classroom. This workshop explores the implications of culturally diverse classrooms for programme designers and tutors, and examples of practice which embraces cultural diversity. It is based on SEDA Special 28 and led by Dr Monika Foster, the editor and co-author of that publication.Aims and outcomes of the workshopThe workshop will adopt an interactive approach which will draw on the experience of the participants and practitioners’ suggestions from SEDA Special 28. It will be an opportunity to:
Participants will:·
The workshop will include an introduction to cultural diversity, followed by ‘student voices’, students describing their experience, and participants’ own case studies of working in cultural diverse environments. Suggestions for good practice will be explored as well as participants’ own experience. Monika Foster Monika works as a Senior Lecturer and Senior Teaching Fellow at Edinburgh Napier University and has researched the international student experience and cultural diversity in the UK and overseas for a number of years. She has led innovative and collaborative projects in China and India, the results of which have been published internationally. She has developed an online, interactive pre-arrival induction resource for international students, SPICE International. Monika is a Visiting Professor at Shandong University of Finance, China. The workshop will take place on Monday 28th May in Edinburgh from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The cost will be £80.00 and will include a copy of SEDA Special 28 and lunch
9.45 Tea / coffee10.00 Introductions, overview of the day Part 110.15 Monika Foster: Cultural diversity and inclusive learning and teaching Activity 1 – setting out what we want to achieve today11.00 Students discussing their experience of studying on aculturally diverse course, Q&A11.30 Cultural diversity in our lives – participants’ case studies Activity 2 12.30 -13.30 Lunch Part 213.30 Who adapts? Considering our own context and available strategies Activity 3 and discussion 14.15 Practices which help embrace cultural diversity Activity 4 and discussion15.00 Tea15.15 Summary of activities – what we’d like to take away and try out in our practice Activity 5 15.45 Conclusions16.00 Close of workshop
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