The focus for the 2023-24 LTExChange Symposia Series is “The Connected University”. The series will bring together and engage key stakeholders to support new thinking and share practice innovations as we consider what it means to be a truly “Connected University” in what is an increasingly uncertain higher education landscape. Through the series we will be considering, more specifically, what it means for the university, staff, and students to be ‘globally connected’ and how we can prepare our staff and students to adapt and develop ‘socially and ethically engaged’ approaches to learning that will meet future challenges.
The second symposium in the series focuses on the theme of ‘The Connected Communities’ and we are delighted to welcome Professor Monika Foster (Northumbria University) as our keynote speaker for the event. The title and outline for Moniker’s talk can be found below.
Globally Connected learning: Developing Learner Relationships in Global Higher Education, a Critical Pedagogy.
By Professor Monika Foster, Head of Department of Marketing, Operations and Systems, Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University
In a rapidly evolving and highly topical field of globally connected education, internationalisation strategies call for maximising the benefits of a diverse campus and preparing our students for a multicultural and interconnected world (Shuessler, 2020, Stein, 2019). Furthermore, universities’ mission to respond to societal changes, paired with an increased competition for talent and the undeniable need for collaboration on a global scale, provide an impetus to develop curriculum solutions for equitable, inclusive, and critical learning which is relevant to students’ current and future personal, social, and professional lives (Adichie, 2009, Hunter, 2008; Ortiz et al, 2020¬).
Drawing upon principles and theory of international education, diversity, and relationship science, as well as critical pedagogy (Killick and Foster, 2021, McArthur, 2010; Miller, 1986; Wink, 2005), this keynote, will explore how we can maximise the benefits of diversity on programmes of study by relationship development among diverse students in diverse contexts. Using research-informed examples, we will explore designing and facilitating critical academic practice to enable students to enact relationships with cultural others, engage in critical dialogue, explore diverse perspectives, and learning collaboratively to develop confidence and critical capabilities.
Disciplinary Insights – share your practice!
The LTExChange symposium explores the changing relationships between technology, teaching practice, curriculum design, and stakeholders both within and beyond our courses (students, staff, industry). To this end, colleagues are invited to submit a short expression of interest to showcase and discuss practice-based work aligned to the broader theme of ‘Connected Communities’ in learning and teaching. Those colleagues selected to contribute to the symposium will take on the role of a panel member for the panel discussion that will follow the keynote address. The panel will explore, share, and discuss examples of practice, as well as key issues and opportunities relating to the theme of ‘Connected Communities’.
To register an expression of interest to contribute to the disciplinary insights panel discussion of the symposium please submit a 100-word (maximum) outline of the work you would like to share to Professor Sam Elkington (s.elkington@tees.ac.uk) by 5pm on Monday 30th January.
About our keynote:
Professor Monika Foster CMBE is the Head of Department Marketing, Operations and Systems at the Faculty of Business and Law and Professor of Business Education. Her previous role was the Head of Sunderland Business School. Professor Foster has worked in Business Schools in the UK, Europe and Far East for over 30 years and led a number of international, cross-institutional and interdisciplinary projects to scope and design mechanisms for assisting students with transitions, especially international transitions and relationship building.
Monika’s research interests lie in cross-cultural management, employability, internationalization of higher education, intercultural aspects, and leadership and change management (HR). Professor Foster has previously led Research Centre for Management Learning and Business Education. Monika’s external recognition includes the award of National Teaching Fellow and Principal Fellow of HEA and a title of Visiting Professor in a number of universities, as well as Editorial roles including as Co-Editor on Perspectives On, and Dynamic Conversations with Chartered ABS.
To book your place on this session please click here