Campuses encouraged to draw on 'domestic diversity'
Published on 22 January, 2009
Educational institutions seeking to promote global awareness and literacy could take a 'powerful first step' by drawing on domestic diversity in their recruitment of staff and students, as well as adapting course materials, teaching and learning practices and staff development programs.
This was a key point stressed by Dr Alison Owens during presentations for more than 150 Indonesian lecturers and students, hosted at the Australian Embassy by Australian Education International (AEI) at the end of 2008.
Dr Owens is a Senior Research Associate with C Management Services, based at CQUniversity Sydney, and is attached to the Intercultural Education Research Institute. Her Sydney Campus colleague Dr Clive Graham also gave presentations in Indonesia.
"These were interactive presentations, with the audience asked to devise their own definition of the purpose of an internationalised education as well as identify essentials to the educational process of developing global citizens within domestic programs," Dr Owens said.
"Further strategies for internationalising curriculum and pedagogy include institutional-level practices both small, such as signage in multiple languages and recognition of culturally diverse festivals, and bigger, such as student exchange programs and partnerships or campuses in overseas destinations.
"At the level of curriculum, all courses might be reviewed to include culturally-alternative case studies, diverse practical and theoretical approaches and solutions to problems, as well as the inclusion of authors and artefacts of ranging cultural traditions.
Dr Owens addresses the audience
"Some institutions also offer one or more courses which specifically explore the meaning of cultural difference, engagement, conflict and cooperation that is constitutive of globalisation. Such courses explicitly assist students develop the knowledge, values and skills to navigate the cultural differences that characterise global interaction."
Dr Owens reviewed a range of CQUniversity strategies for achieving an international education.
She summarised the range of research activities and topics current to CQUniversity staff involved in the Intercultural Education Research Institute as well as research topics with an international focus from the Professional Doctorate program.
Dr Owens explained the objectives and strategies central to the undergraduate course Principles of University Learning which was specifically developed to assist transition international students to the western critical model of education.
Members of the audience in Indonesia
She also reviewed the academic staff development sessions at CQUniversity international campuses which have focused heavily on achieving intercultural competence in the delivery of education.
At the conclusion, the participants were asked to read a comprehensive check-list of criteria for an international education and to identify where their own model of education included or might include learning materials and experiences that promote more internationally-oriented and informed graduates.
"Many audience members commented that there was a tendency in some Indonesian institutions to label an education as ‘international' when the teaching of the English language was the only strategy in play. They expressed great interest in more meaningful internationalisation of programs and study experiences." Dr Owens said.
Meanwhile, Dr Graham addressed an audience of more than 140 practitioners, lecturers and students involved in the Creative Industries. His topic was ‘The Rise of Creative Enterprise' and he categorised 4 communication eras, describing creativity as the driving force of communication in the digital era.
The address was well received and was followed by radio and television interviews.