Proposal for Internationalizing the College of Education

Submitted by the COE International Advisory Committee (4/08/08): Rayma Beal, Lars Bjork, Sharon Brennan (interim chair), Beth Goldstein, Pam Remer, and Xin Ma

This semester the International Advisory Committee met with faculty in all departments to discuss ways to strengthen our international efforts. The purpose was to think with our colleagues about the ingredients that might go into a strategic plan to internationalize the College. The ideas for direction that came out of these discussions clustered around three points: increasing faculty engagement in international initiatives; improving student understanding of global issues and diverse perspectives outside the United States; and improving communication about international activities.

The committee has organized these ideas into three goals for faculty consideration. These goals are listed below together with points made during discussions. It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list; we apologize for any omissions. In addition to listing the goals, we have suggested strategies for implementation. This is a short term plan which can be used as a first step in strengthening our effort. We believe the next step should be to develop a more robust, coherent strategic plan for the College with long term implications.

Goal 1:  Increase faculty engagement in international initiatives.

• Provide resources for faculty to pursue focused international initiatives.
• Establish a mechanism for faculty to share outcomes of international work.
• Establish a mentoring program for faculty interested in international pursuits and identify faculty to serve as mentors.
• Provide a mechanism for recognizing and rewarding faculty engaged in international initiatives.
• Encourage faculty to apply for Fulbright Grants and support those who receive awards.
• Promote international research and teaching exchange programs.

Strategy: Provide funding for targeted international travel grants for faculty to investigate ways to add an international dimension to their research and/or teaching that will further their work and benefit the College. Have grant recipients share what they learned at colloquia when they return.

Goal 2:  Incorporate clear, specific goals for learning outcomes in all programs to help students examine diverse perspectives and values that extend beyond the borders of the United States.

• Connect globally focused aspects of curriculum in the COE with the compatible initiatives at the university level (e.g., Global Awareness Program).
• Encourage graduate students to pursue international-level research.
• Embed an international certificate program within graduate programs.
• Increase participation of student teachers in the COST program.
• Design courses that are offered partially or entirely at international sites with targeted goals for learning outcomes.
• Increase the number of international students in COE programs.
• Encourage Departments to collaborate with international universities in convening international symposiums and conferences.
• Develop electronic linkages with students studying abroad to monitor their learning.

Strategy: Have each program preparing education professionals establish goals, activities and assessments designed to help students become more globally aware and engaged.

Goal 3:  Develop a multifaceted mechanism for disseminating information about international initiatives underway.

• Identify and highlight faculty members who attend international conferences and are involved in international professional organizations.
• Advertise Fulbright and other funding outlets for international initiatives.
• Establish clearinghouse for community resources and partnership possibilities.

Strategy: Appoint a person within the College to serve as communication coordinator and liaison with the university efforts to improve communication and collaboration among colleges and programs.