Twelve weeks of learning for academics from China

University of Northampton opened its doors to 24 academics from overseas who were here for twelve weeks of learning, reflection and cultural exchange about international teaching practices.

After a dozen busy weeks, academics from China are heading back home, full of new insights about teaching styles in the UK and how they could benefit their students.

During their 12 weeks in the UK, part of the International Scholarly Exchange Curriculum (ISEC) programme, 24 guest academics attended talks and interactive activities with UON lecturers, students and other educational stakeholders.

This is the second UON ISEC exchange programme with partner Beijing Prepare Education & Technology Co. Ltd. The academics were from Shenyang Jianzhu University, Changchun University and Jilin Normal University.

The programme has been supported by academics and other staff from across the University and its Global Engagement Directorate. The talks and workshops they enjoyed included:

• How our learning experiences at school relate to the historical context of the English classroom culture and environment.
• Academics presented and recorded to test intercultural communication skills, reflecting on how media can enhance teaching and learning in higher education.
• How Artificial Intelligence can enhance course design with examples from fashion education.
  Simulation techniques and immersive technologies to enhance teaching and learning.
• Observing UK primary education in practice at Delapre Primary, meeting staff and pupils and comparing approaches to teaching, curriculum, and school culture with their own experiences.

It wasn’t all work, though, as there was time for sightseeing, including trips to Oxford University, Cambridge University, and to see the Houses of Parliament and consider how political structures shape higher education systems.

To conclude their dozen-week trip, there was a ‘graduation’ ceremony and celebration event. The guests gave presentations, sharing their reflections on the learning they will take back home.

Certificates of achievement were also presented by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Arts, Science and Technology, Dr Natalie Garrett-Brown.

Dr Emel Thomas, Senior Lecturer in Education, is one of the UON staff who supported the exchange. She says: “It has been a pleasure to again host guests from China, who were kept busy as they travelled England learning about…learning!

“As with last year’s visit, our guests from China really threw themselves into the spirit of this event as teachers became the students. From their enthusiastic presentations, it was clear they had absorbed lots of information about how to enhance their teaching. We look forward to welcoming more of their peers in the Autumn next year.”

Lingyue Li from Beijing Prepare Education & Technology Co. Ltd, said: “The international academics training programme has been extremely successful.

“We are delighted to see that this year’s training featured richer themes and more diverse formats, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the University of Northampton for arranging the insightful lectures and varied cultural activities for our teachers.

“We would also like to express our special appreciation to all the staff at UON who participated in the programme for their dedication and hard work.

“It has been a true honour to participate in this meaningful programme. We look forward to the possibility of future collaborations and extend our warmest regards to everyone at the University of Northampton.”