Exchange means educational excellence for academics from China

With the new academic year underway, Waterside is a hive of activity, but the campus is busier with an extended visit by extra special guests from overseas.

The 26 academics represent three Chinese universities – Shenyang Jianzhu, Jilin Normal and Changchun – and cover multiple disciplines.

They are visiting Northampton to soak up the University’s approach to teaching and learning and will take back home lessons in best practice.

During their 12 weeks in and around the town – part of the International Scholarly Exchange Curriculum (ISEC) programme – they will benefit from a series of talks and interactive experiences with UON lecturers, students.

These include digital education (including teaching about fashion), games-based learning and immersive reality, research methods, plus a visit to Delapre Abbey Primary.

It is the first time UON has facilitated an ISEC exchange programme with their partner Beijing Prepare Education & Technology Co. Ltd, supported by academics from all three UON Faculties and its Global Engagement directorate.

The programme for the trip means the visiting academics will improve their English language and teaching skills and hone their teaching to align with UK and US styles of being student-centred, using digital technology in class and multiple forms of assessment, as well as class management.

Associate Professor Dr Helen Caldwell, Co-Lead of the Centre for Active Digital Education, is one of the UON academics supporting the exchange. She says: “University of Northampton has a strong pedigree in teaching and learning which makes us the right location for this education exchange. We are delighted to accommodate our colleagues from China and look forward to showcasing the possibilities our approach to education will offer them and their students.”

Mabel Wang, Director of Global Engagement at Beijing Prepare Education & Technology Co. Ltd., says: “Even after just a day or two in Northampton, we have found this to be a wonderful experience. The academics feel set for 12 incredible weeks of discovery and development at UON. We look forward to reporting on what they have learned and will implement with their teaching.”