A situational analysis of the current level of lecturers’ engagement with internationalisation of the curriculum in Ireland’s first Technological University

Abstract

The educational value of internationalisation in higher education is of critical importance for both domestic and international students. While national and institutional policies globally are increasingly prioritising internationalisation, the resultant consequences for the teaching and learning context are not adequately being explored. Understanding engagement with Internationalisation of the Curriculum from the lecturers’ perspective allows for a greater insight into the inherent implementation gap between the theory and practice of the process. This knowledge may then help inform strategies to address the gap. The present study details the current level of engagement between lecturers and Internationalisation of the Curriculum in Ireland’s first Technological University. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to all lecturers across the university to ascertain statistical evidence in an attempt to quantify the prevailing situation in the Irish higher education context. While there was an awareness and appreciation of the educational value of internationalisation, the findings demonstrate that those surveyed are at the early stages of the internationalisation process in their teaching and learning practice. The questionnaire findings are detailed here along with the implications of the findings for both internationalisation and educational policies and practice, which is of relevance to both national and international audiences.

Keywords:

• internationalisation of higher education
• internationalisation of the curriculum
• situational analysis
• lecturers’ engagement
• policy and practice

Notes on contributors

Deirdre Ryan has been working in international higher education for the past thirteen years following the completion of her BSc in Computer Systems in 2002 and her Masters in English Language Teaching in 2005 in the University of Limerick, Ireland. She is Coordinator of the International Pathway Programmes in Technological University Dublin. Previously she taught TEFL and was Director of Studies in Monash University English Language Centre in Melbourne for eight years. She is currently pursuing her PhD research in the field of Internationalisation of the Curriculum and lecturer’s engagement with the process.

Fiona Faulkner is a mathematics lecturer on a foundation programme for adult and international students in Technological University Dublin. She is a qualified secondary school mathematics and Physical Education teacher (BSc 2004–2008) with a PhD in mathematics education (2008-2012) both from the University of Limerick, Ireland. While completing her doctoral studies she lectured on adult education mathematics and statistics programmes as well as mathematics undergraduate modules. She has worked as the Academic Co-ordinator and a lecturer on the Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching (2012-2014) in the University of Limerick. She is also a research associate of the EPI-STEM (National Centre for STEM education in Ireland) which is also based in the University of Limerick. Her current research interests lie in the areas of mathematics diagnostic testing, out of field teaching, mathematics education for access and international students and teaching mathematics for understanding.

Dominic Dillane is Head of School of Hospitality, Management & Tourism in Technological University Dublin. He has a BSc Degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Kent, Canterbury, an MSc in Statistics from University College Dublin (UCD) and a PhD in Statistics from Trinity College Dublin (TCD). His current research interests include mathematical statistics, tourism market research techniques and higher education

Robert Flood is Head of International Affairs in Technological University Dublin. He holds a BSc and PhD in Chemistry from University College Dublin, an MPhil in Physical Chemistry from the University of Edinburgh and a DBS from the Irish Management Institute. He has worked for over a decade in international education in his current role. He is a Ministerial appointee to the High Level Group on International Education and is a co-author on two government strategies for international education in Ireland. He is also a member of the Dublin City Council International Advisory Board providing guidance and advice in particular on education. His research interest in the field of education include Internationalisation of the Curriculum and the economic impact of international education on cities and regions.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.