Teaching & Learning Strategy
McMaster’s Partnered in Teaching and Learning Strategy
This guide will provide a framework for a course-embedded Virtual Exchange that is geared towards the principles of teaching and learning at McMaster University. In the development of this guide, we carefully considered McMaster’s Partnered in Teaching & Learning Strategy.
- Partnered and Interdisciplinary Learning: Virtual Exchanges provide opportunities for students to engage in inter-cultural and interdisciplinary learning. By working with individuals from different parts of the world, students are exposed to diverse and expansive ways of knowing and global issues. Virtual Exchanges thus create opportunities for students to become better global citizens.
- Holistic and Personalized Student Experience: Although there are many ways in which Virtual Exchanges can be conducted, in this guide, we will encourage instructors to incorporate a student-centered approach that is based on the principles of inquiry- and problem-based learning (PBL). These pedagogies promote students as self-directed learners, which enable them to bring into the educational space their interests, beliefs, and perspectives. This dynamic approach encourages a culturally co-created space that is conducive to student belonging and inclusion.
- Inclusive Excellence and Scholarly Teaching: Virtual Exchanges deviate from traditional pedagogical approaches, which naturally encourages innovative practices both in the way a course or lesson is taught and ways in which students are assessed. The focus on intercultural competency and collaboration that is typical in Virtual Exchanges also encourages assessments that are meaningful, authentic, and collaborative and promotes a skillset that is valued in the modern workforce.
- Active and Flexible Learning Spaces: By using innovative technology to connect students from around the world, Virtual Exchanges encourage active, inclusive, and flexible digital learning spaces. With consideration of McMaster’s Digital Learning Strategic Framework, this guide will provide suggestions and considerations for technologies, applications and digital literacy.