A: IoC stands for Internationalization of the Curriculum. It involves integrating international, intercultural, and global dimensions into the content and delivery of education. This is crucial for sustainability education as it broadens students’ perspectives, helping them understand and address global sustainability challenges with a culturally sensitive approach in the increasingly interconnected world. Regardless of the discipline, students benefit from enhancement of their employability, cultural awareness, and ability to contribute to global and local communities.
A: You can start by including international case studies, inviting guest lecturers from different countries, encouraging collaborative projects with international students, and integrating global perspectives into your course content and assessments.
For more information, please visit Guidance > Common Practice of IoC Integration , or you may also refer to the demonstration on Micro Module 5 and Micro Module 6 provided by our centre.
A: IoC can be implemented in all disciplines, though the approach may vary. While some fields like international relations or global studies naturally lend themselves to IoC, other fields can also benefit by incorporating relevant global perspectives, case studies, and intercultural skills. The key is to tailor IoC strategies to fit the specific context and needs of each discipline. You may also refer to our centre’s suggested framework of IoC if you would like to implement the curriculum to courses other than sustainability education.
A: You can measure the impact by assessing students’ global competency through their ability to understand and analyze sustainability issues from multiple perspectives. Surveys, reflective essays, and evaluations of collaborative projects can provide insights into their learning outcomes.
A: Common challenges include:
  • Lack of Understanding: Ambiguity around the definition and goals of IoC.
  • Resource Constraints: Limited funding, time, and administrative support.
  • Resistance to Change: Teachers and students may be resistant to new approaches.
  • Skill Gaps: More trainings may be needed to effectively implement IoC.
A: Strategies to address these challenges include:
  • Enhance Understanding:
    • Conduct workshops and seminars to clarify IoC’s goals and benefits.
    • Share success stories and case studies.
  • Address Resource Constraints:
    • Seek external funding and partnerships.
    • Prioritize IoC initiatives within existing budgets.
  • Manage Resistance to Change:
    • Involve teachers and students in the planning process to foster buy-in.
    • Highlight the personal and professional benefits of IoC.
  • Bridge Skill Gaps:
    • Provide targeted training and professional development opportunities.
    • Encourage peer learning and mentorship programs.
    • A: Assessing the impact involves:
    • Setting Clear Objectives: Define specific learning outcomes related to international and intercultural competencies.
    • Using Diverse Assessment Methods:Employ a variety of assessments such as reflective essays, case study analyses, and group projects with international components.
    • Gathering Feedback: Collect feedback from students on their learning experiences and perceptions of IoC.
    • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and refine IoC initiatives based on assessment results and feedback.
    A: Engaging students involves:
    • Interactive Learning: Use interactive and experiential learning activities such as simulations, role-playing, and virtual exchanges.
    • Real-World Connections:Employ a variety of assessments such as reflective essays, case study analyses, and group projects with international components.
    • Student Participation: Encourage student participation in international projects, study abroad programs, and intercultural events.
    • Reflective Practice: Foster reflective practice by having students reflect on their learning experiences and intercultural interactions.
    A: You might refer to Our Services for detailed support our centre offers.
    • Workshops: Our centre organizes workshops on IoC for SE strategies and best practices.
    • Funding Opportunities: The University also offers different teaching and learning grants for facilitating IoC initiatives and activities, such as the Teaching Development and Language Enhancement Grant (TDLEG).
    • Curriculum Development Support: Connect with us for individualised support, or arrange a ZOOM or face-to-face meeting for further discussion on your plan. You may fill in our enquiry form or contact us at clear.le@cuhk.edu.hk.
    • Online Resources: Access our 6 micro-modules on teachers’ guidelines on Panopto