Learning Beyond Borders - How does IATL do it?
IATL is the nest for education innovation at Warwick and aims to advance the academic discourse on Learning Beyond Borders and to create models for its implementation.
Discover how IATL achieves this and explore practical examples that can benefit you and your Department:
Decolonising pedagogies
IATL’s Global Connections module takes a transdisciplinary approach to explore how the world is globally connected (or disconnected) through complex ‘wicked problems’ that require new ways of knowing, doing, and valuing.
Convened by Dr Heather Meyer, this module aims to innovate and experiment with decolonising pedagogies, emphasizing a transdisciplinary approach. It provides a dedicated space for critical inquiry that actively involves, values, and invites diverse voices from within and beyond the academic sphere. By integrating decolonising pedagogies, the module seeks to challenge traditional educational frameworks, promote inclusivity, and foster a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and knowledge systems. This approach encourages students to critically examine prevailing narratives, confront historical injustices, and explore alternative ways of thinking and learning.
Learning Beyond Campus Borders
IATL’s Science of Music module has been collaborating with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Link opens in a new windowsince January 2022 to offer students from both institutions a unique learning experience.
Conservatoire students engage in valuable work experience where they showcase their musical talents and skills through performances and demonstrations. Meanwhile, Warwick students participate in enriching field trips to the Conservatoire building. These trips provide them with first hand experiences exploring the intricacies of musical performance within various acoustic environments. This exchange encourages collaborative learning and cultural exchange between students from different educational backgrounds. Such initiatives not only enhance students' practical skills and knowledge but also broaden their perspectives.
International Learning Projects
IATL offers opportunities for Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)Link opens in a new window twice per year as a cross-institutional, transdisciplinary, co-curricular initiative to provide students from EUTOPIA partner universities an opportunity to learn about a globally-oriented theme. We welcome students from various academic levels, disciplines, and locations to participate in collaborative online learning sessions focused on complex global issues.
A notable case study Link opens in a new windowis the climate-related COIL project in March 2022, designed to enhance education for sustainable development. This initiative connected students from different institutions virtually, fostering discussions and projects addressing critical environmental challenges. By facilitating cross-border collaborations, the project promoted cultural exchange, interdisciplinary learning, and collective problem-solving skills. Such efforts exemplify our commitment to innovative, inclusive education that prepares students to tackle global issues collaboratively and responsibly.
Fostering an International Undergraduate Research Community
Each year, IATL organises The International Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR)Link opens in a new window. This is a two-day academic conference that showcases the best in undergraduate research from around the world. It provides undergraduate researchers with a unique opportunity to present their research in real-time, video-linked sessions from their home campus.
Participants benefit from a supportive forum to engage in international research dialogue. Attendance at ICUR provides material for your CV, extensive feedback, valuable networking opportunities, and an introduction to research as a potential career. Past presenters have described ICUR as a ‘unique experience that enables you to meet students from other countries and learn about issues important to them’, as ‘rewarding, insightful and exciting’ and as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’.
ICUR is student-centred and student-led, with a team of Student Directors from the University of Warwick.
Leading International Undergraduate Research Conferences Opportunities
IATL and the wider WorldCUR-BCUR team (including Student Directors) worked to organise the first ever joint World Congress of Undergraduate Research (WorldCUR) and the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR)Link opens in a new window in April 2023. Approximately 700 undergraduates from around the world came to Warwick to present their exciting research as one 'Global Classroom.' This event exemplified the power of collaborative academic efforts, bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of global community among young researchers.
The IATL Team's dedication to supporting undergraduate research on such an international scale was recognized with a Warwick Wonders and Wows (WOW) award. This accolade celebrates their incredible work in promoting academic excellence and creating opportunities for students to share their research on a prestigious platform. To learn more about this achievement and the impact of their efforts, read more here.Link opens in a new window
Creating Beyond Campus Spaces for Presenting Student Research
The Posters in ParliamentLink opens in a new window (PiP) initiative led by the University of Warwick via IATL offers significant benefits for students by providing a prestigious platform to present their research at the UK Houses of Parliament.
This initiative enables students to showcase their work to policymakers, academics, and fellow students, enhancing their communication skills and public engagement. Participating in PiP allows students to gain recognition for their research efforts, fostering a sense of achievement and confidence. Additionally, this opportunity promotes networking with influential figures, opening doors for future academic and career opportunities.
By presenting at such a high-profile event, students can influence policy discussions and contribute to societal advancements, highlighting the real-world impact of their academic pursuits. For more information on the benefits and how to participate, visit the Posters in Parliament page on the IATL website.
Exporting new ways of learning
IATL module Understanding WellbeingLink opens in a new window module, pioneering in its interdisciplinary approach to the topic of wellbeing,
was extended to Denmark in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen from the academic year 2022/2023.
This innovative initiative, led by Dr Elena Riva and Danish colleagues, was supported by funding from both institutions, and aims to enhance wellbeing literacy internationally. Danish colleagues visited IATL to observe and contribute to the module's delivery, emphasizing its adaptability across disciplines.
Additionally, the module's adoption by the Glasgow School of Arts, Salford University and Arden University underscores its growing recognition and impact beyond Warwick.
Read about this collaborationLink opens in a new window.