1 of 27

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

Eduardo Luís Cardoso (UCP)

Leandro Oliveira (UCP)

Erasmus+

Erasmus+

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

2 of 27

Inventory of EU Best Practices on teaching methodologies:

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

2

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

  • English as a Medium for Instruction (EMI)
  • Student Centered Learning (SCL)
  • Teacher Enhancement (TE)

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

3 of 27

1. Introduction

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

3

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

  • The 1980s-1990s at the end of the 20th century, introduced profound changes in the economic, social and cultural contexts of most developed countries;
  • Globalization as the international pressure to establish free markets, knowledge industries, reduce barriers to the movement of financial capital and people, and promote and accept interdependence in a process of convergence and integration (Altbach & Knight, 2007);
  • Internationalization is thus the response of higher education institutions to globalization, but it is not one-way, it is simultaneously a catalyzing force of globalization, just as it is an accelerating force of internationalization (Foskett & Maringe, 2010).

​

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

4 of 27

1. Introduction

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

4

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

  • Significant changes are visible in the panorama of the internationalization of higher education systems: the emergence of the formulation of national strategies in the intervention of policy makers and more strategic approaches by higher education institutions (Wit, Hunter, Howard, & Egron-Polak, 2015);
  • Most national strategies maintain the traditional mobility of students and academics, but add new focuses such as making a profit, attracting talent and increasing the reputation and international visibility of their higher education systems, and incorporate new activities such as the establishment of centers abroad, franchise courses or digital learning (Wit, Hunter, Howard, & Egron-Polak, 2015).

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

5 of 27

1.1. Aims

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

5

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

  • This report and its findings have been modelled to develop learning and teaching in partner countries, not to add more elements and burden the process. Project has presented activities and the results will surely benefit the students.
  • European opportunity to encourage and engage more teaching staff in teaching enhancement and best practices will form the inventory of tools and approaches applicable for the objectives of the project.
  • The study of best EU/UK EMI teaching methodologies will cover strategies, structures, projects, programs and curricular units that could be seen valuable to inform EMI and SCL methodologies as well the TE approaches across the project implementation.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

6 of 27

2. Context

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

6

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

2.1. The Internationalization of Higher Education

  • The process of integrating an international, intercultural or global dimension in the mission, functions and products of the higher education service, with the purpose of improving the quality of teaching and research for all students and academics, and making a significant contribution to society (Wit et al., 2015);
  • Teaching in English as an alternative to teaching in the mother tongue can have very negative effects that need to be taken care of, as it can lead to a progressive loss of cultural identity (Phillipson, 2006) and if the quality of English command by teachers and students is not guaranteed, it leads to a clear decline in the quality of teaching/learning (Coleman, 2006; Helm & Guarda, 2015).

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

7 of 27

2. Context

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

7

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

2.1. The Internationalization of Higher Education

  • International students tend to unite in groups rather than integrate into domestic student groups, thus not significantly engaging with the host country's culture (Harrison & Peacock, 2010);
  • The internationalization of higher education, in order to effectively improve the quality of education and respond to social needs, must take into account the importance of the local context and culture (Hénard, Diamond, & Roseveare, 2012; Knight, 2012).

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

8 of 27

2. Context

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

8

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

2.2. English as a Medium for Instruction

  • English Medium Instruction (EMI) refers to teaching academic subjects through English in non-English speaking countries (Ernesto Macaro, Akincioglu, & Dearden, 2016);
  • Phenomenon's existence in fifty-five countries. Among her main conclusions, the author points to a general trend of rapid expansion (Dearden, 2014);
  • Increasing adoption of EMI may be motivated by the fact that higher education institutions wish to become more attractive for international students (Finardi & Rojo, 2015; Guimarães, Finardi, & Casotti, 2019), in order to expand their revenue;

​

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

9 of 27

2. Context

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

9

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

2.2. English as a Medium for Instruction

  • EMI has been increasingly used in higher education contexts, since the establishment of the Bologna Process (BP) – an attempt to harmonize Higher Education in Europe (Dearden, 2014; Lanvers & Hultgren, 2018);
  • Some motivations to use EMI, are related to planning and actions used by universities to attract international students and staff, as well as a bid for membership among “elite” institutions (Dalton-Puffer, 2012);
  • However, with the adoption of EMI in higher education as an increasing concern, against the backdrop of plurilingual and multilingual policies in the European Union and the Council of Europe.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

10 of 27

2. Context

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

10

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

2.3. Student centered learning

  • The term ‘student–centred learning’ (SCL) has been widely used in the teaching and learning literature and is linked to a range of related perspectives such as flexible learning, experiential learning or self-regulated learning (O’Neill & McMahon, 2005);
  • SCL seems to be depicted in relation to two broad orientations in teaching: the teacher centred/content-oriented conception and the student centred/ learning oriented conceptions (O’Neill & McMahon, 2005);
  • Policy documents and quality assurance statements, SCL is often viewed as a solution to a range of problems (EU, 2016):
    • Important measures in achieving educational quality in the sector.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

11 of 27

2. Context

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

11

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

2.4. Teacher Enhancement

  • Teacher enhancement policies may vary not only from country to country, but even from university to university.
  • Teacher Enhancement practices employed by the faculties would very much depend on the specific character of study materials to be covered, ranging from pure engineering, social, arts and humanities studies to the extensively interdisciplinary curricula.
  • Approaches and/or teacher enhancement methods include:
    • Investment into the development of excellent presentation skills
    • Review of curriculum design practices and assessment of existing study courses
    • Applying hybrid teaching practices

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

12 of 27

3. Methodology

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

12

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

  • Templates developed by the EU/UK partners follow a qualitative approach based on the collection of data implemented by the four partners: LJMU, TDU, RTU and UCP.
  • The process of data collection concerning different levels of granularity
  • Wide range of practices of EMI teaching methodologies could be identified, including different SCL methodologies, and teaching enhancement practices.
  • The collected data was analysed looking to identify relevant practices across the information collected, that are exploited across different HEI in Europe Union;

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

13 of 27

4. Results and discussion

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

13

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

4.1. Internationalization Strategy and Action

  • TUD follow European Union education criteria embodied in Bologna Process signed by the Federal Republic of Germany in 1999 and the European Union’s growth and employment strategy, Europe 2020. TUD is compliant with the ECTS, Tuning, ESG and CEFR frameworks.
  • LJMU’s internationalisation strategy and values focus on free market principles such as innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, transformation and partnership. Some specific examples: Outstanding Student Experience, Research, Civic and Global Engagement.

​

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

14 of 27

4. Results and discussion

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

14

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

4.1. Internationalization Strategy and Action

  • RTU has joined the European system of Diploma supplement, credit transfer system and academic mobility programmes. Some of the other relevant reference documents: Latvian national development plan, Baltic Sea Region strategy, EU digitalization agenda.
  • UCP is committed to the development of global teaching, embracing the internationalization of research and knowledge transfers and always striving to ensure its quality stands alongside the highest international standards. Some Faculties or Departments followed specific international accreditations processes.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

15 of 27

4. Results and discussion

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

15

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

​

​

4.2. Inventory of Best Practices

4.2.1. EMI strategy

  • TUD there is a focus on individual faculty strategies on implementing EMI for staff where English language BA and MA degree programs exist. TUD is a German university so teaching in German, but certain degree programs are now taught in English
  • LJMU is a UK public institution, and all programs are taught through the medium of English, teaching through the English language is part of the routine of this institution, so it does not have a specific strategy for the adoption of an EMI strategy .

​

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

16 of 27

4. Results and discussion

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

16

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

​

​

4.2. Inventory of Best Practices

4.2.1. EMI strategy

  • For RTU there are general requirements to the teaching staff regarding English language knowledge: study courses are organized and the teaching staff is submitted to corresponding English tests. English training course offer is organized.
  • UCP actual Strategic Plan promotes the global training offer, namely in English, integrating courses of different types, through content innovation and strengthening international partnerships. Structures to support teachers and students toward innovation and internationalization of the learning process: i-Learning Lab, CADOS…

​

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

17 of 27

4. Results and discussion

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

17

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

  • Case Study
  • Computer assisted learning and Technology Enhancement Learning
  • Concept checks
  • Crossovers (mixing students into groups by letter/number allocations)
  • Debates
  • Field study
  • Flipped Classroom
  • Group works/ discussion
  • Mind mapping
  • Seminar method
  • Participation of Students in International Competitions/ challenges

​

​

4.2. Inventory of Best Practices

4.2.2. SCL methodologies

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

18 of 27

4. Results and discussion

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

18

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

  • Peer mentoring of other students
  • Portfolio development
  • Practical and laboratory work
  • Problem / Project based Learning
  • Pyramids/Snowballing
  • Reflective diaries, learning journals
  • Role play
  • Rounds
  • Self-check of assignments
  • Simulation games
  • Teaching by Research (writing papers, poster and oral presentations, project design and practical work)

4.2. Inventory of Best Practices

4.2.2. SCL methodologies

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

19 of 27

4. Results and discussion

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

19

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

4.2. Inventory of Best Practices

4.2.3.Teacher Enhancement

​

  • TUD: staff are offered free of charge training by the Centre of Applied Languages and Culture in association with the Centre for Continuing Education (ZfW). EMI is primarily focused on more senior German colleagues whose first foreign language was Russian or on foreign staff (keeping in mind that new entrants must demonstrate like new German staff competence in EMI).
  • LJMU: the Academic Framework is structured so that it enables each of the faculties, and Professional Service areas to deliver on the strategic approach of embedding a Student-Centered Learning approach to all of its courses.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

20 of 27

4. Results and discussion

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

20

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

4.2. Inventory of Best Practices

4.2.3.Teacher Enhancement

​

  • RTU: Methodical conferences are organized regularly (once a year, turning to twice a year mode), in which RTU lecturers share experience and disseminate the results of their research, which ensures the transfer of knowledge in practice-academic work. Faculties organize their methodological conferences, seminars, events regarding their specifics.
  • UCP: teacher enhancement support structures cover different content areas to support EMI strategies (English capacities, Pedagogical approaches, Learning Technologies,..), both in initial teacher training programs and also in the full range of the educational offer.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

21 of 27

4. Results and discussion

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

21

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

4.3. SMARTI Modules

  • Module 1. Communicative Approach (student-centered) and Blended/ICT/E-Learning strategies that are as opposed to the more common traditional teaching approaches used in all faculties.
  • Module 2. EMI Oral Teaching Skills Part 1 (including range for lectures, seminars, lab sessions).
  • Module 3. EMI Oral Teaching Skills Part 2 (Case Studies to support analytical thinking approach as specifically recommended by Armenian and Russian Lead partners).
  • Module 4. EMI Research & Writing Skills (relating to research, thesis writing, supervision, for MA/PhD Cycle. This also involves Information Literacy input.
  • Module 5. Pre-Module Curriculum Development ECTS and EU Tuning Framework Training.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

22 of 27

4. Results and discussion

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

22

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

4.3. SMARTI Modules

  • Module 6. EMI Module Curriculum Development and Instructional Design.
  • Module 7. EMI Student Assessment strategies (formal and alternative assessment).
  • Module 8. EMI QA Module Benchmarking and Validation in EMI environment. This includes a model of digital transformation of EMI implementation in academic sector, with focus on effectiveness assurance based on data analytics.
  • Module 9. ESP Pathway Program Module. This EMI English for Specific Purposes Training (terminology, soft skills, and key writing skills) package for PCs is based on an English Language Staff Audit.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

23 of 27

5. Conclusions

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

23

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

  • There is not a reference system being followed by each EU country but there are significant developments in terms of the Educational Offer based on EMI;
  • European policies offer some key methodologies, tools, and incentives that could be exploited as foundations to develop EMI strategies such are:
    • ECTS; Mobility Programs for Students, Teachers, Staff and Researchers; Joint or Double Degree Educational Programs; Educational Networks of HEI; Educational Projects, Policy Papers and Regulations.
  • Policies could offer framework, guidelines and incentive, that accommodate national priorities within the European frameworks.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

24 of 27

5. Conclusions

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

24

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

  • In some Countries, HEI or Schools, EMI has been a long-term strategy, sometimes measured in decades, looking forward to reach learning, organizational and social objectives.
  • Some key issues that contribute to the educational change associated to the EMI at HEI, such are:
    • the level of English competences developed along the Educational system; the Training of HEI Teachers (at PhD level, in international context, the pedagogical content,..); the HEI Teacher’s career and their criteria for progression; the existing support structure at the HEI; the need and urgency for change; between others.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

25 of 27

5. Conclusions

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

25

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

  • In terms of Best Practices, both at EMI, SCL and TE is certainly a richness as it could accommodate different starting points across the different countries and regions, and also accommodate different legal, social, cultural and economic contexts;
  • Each HEI, with their own autonomy and need to be competitive, sustainable and relevant, can choose different strategies and given different priorities to what concerns topics relevant for EMI;
  • EMI could also raise some resistances associated to the relevance of protecting the native languages, both when the native language has a limited expression but also in contexts where the native language has a potential to target international markets.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

26 of 27

References

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

26

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

Altbach, P. G., & Knight, J. (2007). The Internationalization of Higher Education: Motivations and Realities. Journal of Studies in International Education, 11(3-4), 290-305. doi:10.1177/1028315307303542

Dearden, J. (2014). English as a medium of instruction – a growing global phenomenon. Retrieved from https://www.britishcouncil.es/sites/default/files/british_council_english_as_a_medium_of_instruction.pdf

European Commission. (2013). Communication from the commission to the european parliament, the council, the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions - European higher education in the world - COM(2013) 499 final. Brussels: European Commission,.

European Commission. (2018). Erasmus+ goes virtual. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_18_1741

Foskett, N., & Maringe, F. (2010). Globalization and internationalization in higher education : theoretical, strategic and management perspectives. New York: Continuum International Pub. Group.

Guimarães, F., Finardi, K., & Casotti, J. (2019). Internationalization and Language Policies in Brazil: What is the Relationship? (Internacionalização e políticas linguísticas no Brasil: qual a relação?). Revista Brasileira de Linguística Aplicada, 19, 295-327. doi:10.1590/1984-6398201913553

Knight, J. (2004). Internationalization Remodeled: Definition, Approaches, and Rationales. Journal of Studies in International Education, 8(1), 5-31. doi:10.1177/1028315303260832

Lanvers, U., & Hultgren, A. (2018). The Englishization of European education: Foreword. European Journal of Language Policy, 10, 1-11. doi:10.3828/ejlp.2018.1

O’Neill, G., & McMahon, T. (2005). Student-centred learning: What does it mean for students and lecturers. In G. O’Neill, Moore, S., McMullin, B. (Ed.), Emerging Issues in the Practice of University Learning and Teaching. Dublin: AISHE.

Wit, H., Hunter, F., Howard, L., & Egron-Polak, E. (2015). Internationalisation of Higher Education.

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4

27 of 27

Thank you for your attention!

Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches and Tools for Teaching through the Medium of English in order to improve Educational Yield, Sustainability and Internationalization [SMARTI]

27

INVENTORY OF THE BEST PRACTICES

Erasmus+

DISSEMINATION & EXPLOITATION. WP 4