GREAT Conference 2021
Theme: Expanding Pathways to Global Engagement
As the world is getting more connected through the internet technology and our traditional ways of global engagement are challenged by the pandemic, it becomes imperative to explore more innovative ways to deliver global teaching and teaching at home, abroad, and virtually. To expand our pathways to global engagement, this GREAT conference carries two missions to fulfill. The first is to highlight the successful global engagement activities and programs. And the second is to build bridges and channels for the MSU faculty's global engagement by introducing the support resources.
To carry out the overarching theme with the two missions above, there are five subthemes to organize the conference sessions.
- International virtual exchange
- International research and service collaborations
- Education abroad
- International Partnerships and academic collaboration models in practice
- International research or fellowship funding opportunities
The teaching and learning practices that engage students in international or intercultural collaborations through virtual technologies.
The international research and global service projects with the aims of developing global citizens or tackling global challenges and issues.
Global teaching and learning practices occurring overseas
Successful models of international academic partnerships and collaboration models, such as developing international dual degrees, international training, teaching, or research collaborations.
Highlight international teaching and research grants, funding, and fellowship opportunities that can be applied by MSU faculty across academic disciplines.
Innovation in Learning: The Amazon Experience Challenge Preparing Students to Make a Difference Locally and Globally
Description: MSU partner university CESUPA in Brazil has a distinct philosophy on the value of global engagement and practical experience in preparing students for success beyond the classroom. When the disruption of COVID prevented study away travel, CESUPA decided to go virtual by creating the “Amazon Experience Challenge” to include students from Brazil, the U.S., and China. Join us to learn about this program that received the top Innovation in Learning award at Brazil’s 2021 Future of Higher Education seminar
Take-aways
- Learn about value and impact of globalization for higher education
- Learn about the impact of international virtual exchange on students from various cultures and background
- Learn about the practices of conducting a successful international virtual exchange project
Presenters
- Professor Sergio Mendes (Keynote) - Rector of CESUPA in Brazil
- Caio Fanha
- Dana Frederick
- Jinzi Fan
- Brad Bodenhausen
College student engagement in a Japanese-American virtual cultural exchange: A sustainability project
Description: In 2020, the English Language Institute (ELI) launched the Online Global Goals Academy (OGGA), an international virtual exchange between MSU partner university students in Japan and ELI teachers and MSU sustainability students. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provided a venue for both groups to engage in deep learning through the cultural exchange. Students from MSU’s sustainability courses also enhanced their knowledge of the SDGs while Japanese students improved their English and research skills - topics focused on their local communities and varied from illegal migrants to food recovery. A panel of four specialists will share their experiences.
Take-aways
- Sustainability topics are the perfect venue because they are both internationally and locally relevant.
- We can’t underestimate the benefits of MSU students interacting with competent and knowledgeable university students abroad.
- Thorough planning and a team approach – both locally and abroad – are the keys to success.
Presenters
- Paula Moore
- Brandon Decker
- Christy Conaway
Intercultural competence and connecting across cultures: Theory and practice
Description: The field of Intercultural Competence (IC) provides a framework for the foundational knowledge and skills that allow us to become more successful in working among diverse cultures and backgrounds. Intercultural competence is “the appropriate and effective management of interaction between people who, to some degree or another, represent different or divergent affective, cognitive, and behavioral orientations to the world” (Spitzberg & Changnon, 2009, p. 7). What we have learned from research is that intercultural competence is not an intrinsically innate ability. Rather, it is a set of dispositions, capabilities, a mindset - that people learn and develop (DeJaeghere, 2009). Promoting intercultural competence requires thoughtful, intentional consideration, and active engagement. This interactive presentation will offer a background discussion of IC along with practical examples of implementation through travel and cultural exchange and teacher development programs.
Take-aways
- Define Intercultural Competence as a framework
- Recognize ways to incorporate IC to meet the growing cultural needs of our student population
- Receive resources aimed at further developing an understanding of IC as well as implementation strategies and ideas for the classroom
Presenters
- Dr. April Mattix Foster
- Inge Urbancic
Experiences of Teaching International Students Online
Description: The pandemic forced us to teach courses online, and both instructors and students had to adjust to a variety of circumstances. Several MSU faculty taught courses through Zoom to Chinese students in Southwest University in regular semester and summer session over last two years. Each of us had our own style, philosophy, and using technology to engage the students and make the most of the online environment. We will share our experiences, the successes and failures, assessments of our online teaching effectiveness, and thoughts about engaging students and getting their feedback and suggestions.
Take-aways
- Audience will get the practical tips for improving online teaching to international students.
- Audience can avoid repeating the same mistakes.
- Audience may be inspired to have new ideas or methods for enhancing teaching effectiveness.
Presenters
- Dr. Melissa Bledsoe
- Steven Schneider
- Dr. Mirza Babur
- Dr. Wenping Qiu
Empower Global Thinking and Sharpen Student Perspective with an Education Abroad program
Description: Join Education Abroad faculty directors as they bridge sound practices and fresh insights on leading and managing an Education Abroad program. This session will include a review of MSU Exit Exam Public Affairs Scale Cultural Competence data from education abroad and non-education abroad students, testimonials from faculty leaders on pre-travel student preparation, cultural points of inquiry, integrating coursework with the learning environment, and directing a program in a remote location. Participants will also gain practical tips on budgets, health and safety, and traveling with students.
Take-aways
- Participants will examine the MSU Exit Exam Public Affairs Scale Cultural Competence data from education abroad students and non-education abroad students.
- Participants will be able to recognize effective leadership guiding principles for directing an education abroad program.
- Participants will be able to apply specific director responsibilities, i.e., tips on preparing a proposal, budgeting and financial logistics, health and safety, and traveling with students, in ways that will improve program outcomes.
Presenters
- Gwen Walstrand
- Dr. Tamara Arthaud
- Dr. Ximena Uribe-Zarain
- Ana Estrella Riollano
- Elizabeth Strong
Luncheon - Can virtual exchange change the World?
Description: Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 500 new and future teachers from Missouri State University and Morocco have participated in an academic virtual exchange that was developed in partnership with teacher trainers from the Moroccan Ministry of Education. Using the College of Education’s exchange as a case study, we’ll discuss the ends to which our exchange operates and the design elements that support our goals.
Take-aways
- Global education can operate towards a spectrum of ends, from exploitation to liberation.
- Participants often enter virtual exchanges with dangerous stereotypes and narratives about people they’ve never met and places they’ve never been.
- Virtual exchanges can be designed to support social change.
Presenters
- Dr. Jennice McCafferty-Wright
Searching International research funding and fellowship Opportunities
Description: Engaging research internationally is a critical element of global engagement. In this session, one former fulbright scholar will share her experiences of being an international research fellow. In addition, this session will introduce the university system and resources of searching international grant and research fellowship opportunities with the aim to introduce more pathways to engage global research.
Take-aways
- Learn about Fulbright Scholar fellowship and the experiences of being an international research fellow.
- Learn about application process of Fulbright Scholar fellowship.
- Learn about MSU support resources and system to search international research grant and fellowship opportunities.
Presenters
- Dr. Barri Tinkler
- Rachel McGinnis
- Peng Zhang
International partnership and Collaborative Academic Program Development
Description: International partnerships have been an essential driving force for the internationalization of higher education. It specifically serves as agents for Missouri State’s continuous development of international programs and global engagement. This session will discuss Missouri State’s current major international academic collaborations and share the practices and tips of developing and operating international academic initiatives
Take-aways
- Learn about MSU’s international partnership network and its development.
- Understand MSU’s current major academic collaboration programs including dual degrees programs.
- Learn about practices and tips for developing and operating new international academic programs.
Presenters
- Peng Zhang
- Brad Bodenhausen
- Dandan Liu