Dr Nickos Paltalidis
TNE Education Model Working Group was established in January 2023 with the purpose of contributing to the Transnational Education (TNE) sector. The aim is to identify and analyse relevant factors and variables that fall under the term “education model”, with a key priority of delivering a great learning experience for students. Mainly, the team has set the following objectives:
a) to evaluate the existing models used within QMUL JP/JEI
b) to explore innovative teaching models and approaches to learning
c) to pursue opportunities of digitalisation in teaching and learning
The team has focused on defining a set of strategic priorities for a future education model:
Innovation can be the foundation for differentiation. Scientific research has shown that innovative teaching methods and approaches can significantly enhance students' learning process. The team aims to practice the most relevant new teaching methods and strategies, explore good practices, and identify relevant challenges.
A class environment with interactive teaching can be the foundation for creativity and critical thinking. The aim is to explain knowledge via practice where actual class time is dedicated to discussions, hands-on problem-solving, co-creation, workshops, labs and coaching. In addition, smaller class sizes promote interactive teaching works by enabling lecturers to respond in real-time to their students, building an effective relationship.
To enhance the learning experience, the classroom should be a place of active exploration where students are allowed to actively participate, explore, and present their findings to their peers and lecturers for feedback. Tasks and assessments should encourage students to collaborate on the creation of their own knowledge and skills practice.
Embedding entrepreneurship and employability with education enables students to make a successful transition to the future work environment. By providing opportunities for industry experience and helping students to generate and apply new ideas, students grow and become qualified graduates of tomorrow. The team aims to explore industry experience opportunities, including activities like visits to companies, labs, museums, other universities, and international organisations.
Digital has a role to play in education. It is already clear that the COVID-19 pandemic created a permanent shift towards online and hybrid learning. Digital tools are complements, not substitutes, for the intimacy and immediacy of face-to-face learning. Digital education has been recognized as core to every school's plan for institutional resilience and academic continuity. The team aims to assess opportunities for digital technology enablement that could enhance the education model.