Arthur N1
1University Of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
A lot of attention has been paid to preparing students for international learning experiences through pre-departure programming and helping them to get ready for immersion into new cultural and country contexts. Yet, what are strategies used to support students when they return home? The re-entry transition is a critical stage for students to review their experiences and to make sense of new understandings about themselves, about other people, and about the world around them. It is just as important to provide students with opportunities to debrief their experiences and support them to gain new insights. Personnel who offer programming to students can also be prepared with teaching and learning strategies that help to engage students and help them to gain new understandings about their international experiences. Reflection activities are commonly integrated into curriculum while students are overseas and can also be used effectively with students when they return to their home institutions. This presentation will outline some different approaches to reflection and describe a strategy that was used to develop a hybrid model. Examples from student reflections will illustrate a range of learning experiences, from descriptive aspects of travel to critical reflection about personal worldviews, and exploration of possibilities for future careers. Join the presentation for a refresh about ways to use reflection to enhance international learning – for you and for your students!
Biography:
Professor Nancy Arthur is appointed as Dean Research for UniSA Business, University of South Australia and Professor Emeritus, University of Calgary, Canada. Nancy’s research focuses on international work and learning transitions, including the career development of international students and their university to employment experiences.