Concepts & Definitions

Internationalisation of the curriculum is concerned with preparing graduates to live and work effectively and ethically in an increasingly interconnected world.

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All students need an internationalised curriculum

Universities have a responsibility to prepare all graduates to live as well as work in a global society – a complex interlocking world where the local and the global are increasingly connected (Nussbaum 2002). An internationalised curriculum will recognise that as graduates, all students will have social and cultural as well as economic roles and responsibilities. Wherever they are their lives and their work will be influenced by the global environment. International and intercultural skills and knowledge, an awareness of and commitment to connecting positively with cultural others, and the ability to think ‘locally, nationally and globally’ (Rizvi & Lingard 2010, p. 201) will be important in this world.

As a process, internationalisation of the curriculum is an important part of the periodic, critical review of the curriculum. It should include reflection on the impact and outcomes of teaching and assessment practices on student learning and a review of content and pedagogy. In this process it is important to recognise past successes as well as imagining new possibilities and striving to improve the curriculum. The latter is critical given the rapid rate at which the world around us is changing.

 

This website brings together Australian and international resources relating to all aspects of this process.

Internationalisation of the curriculum in action: A guide

Author: Leask, B. (2011)

This guide includes a conceptual framework of internationalisation of the curriculum and a practical guide to the process.

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Internationalisation of Teaching and Learning at The University of Queensland

Authors: Wendy Green, Patricie Mertova

The Internationalisation of Teaching and Learning at The University of Queensland report investigates a number of critically important questions regarding the future of internationalisation at The University of Queensland. The report focuses on and makes recommendations on two vital components of a comprehensive internationalisation plan: internationalisation of teaching and learning and outbound mobility.

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Internationalisation of the curriculum: Comparison and evaluation of definitions

Author: David Hall

Internationalisation of the curriculum is an umbrella term for varying activities and ideas. This short paper looks at the evolution of the term and provides some alternative working definitions.

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People behind the research

Professor
Betty Leask

Pro Vice Chancellor Teaching and Learning

La Trobe University

ALTC National Teaching Fellow: ‘Internationalisation of the Curriculum in Action’, awarded by the Australian Government 2010

T: +61 3 94796052
E: b.leask@latrobe.edu.au

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Journal of Studies in International Education
HONORARY VISITING FELLOW: Centre for Higher Education Internationalisation (CHEI) Università Cattolica del Sacre Cuore, Milan
WINNER: IEAA 2015 Excellence Award for Distinguished Contribution to International Education
WINNER: EAIE 2016 Tony Adams Award for Excellence in Research
LA TROBE: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/ltlt/about/staff-profiles/profile?uname=BLeask