18 Step 2: Debrief & reflect on the experience
After the Virtual Exchange is completed, it would be worthwhile to have a formal conversation and debrief with your partner about what went well and what could be improved. Reviewing student feedback may be helpful as part of this process. Once the debrief and reflections are completed, you will need to ask yourself the difficult question of whether the partnership was worthwhile. Some questions that might assist you through this process include:
1. Did students find the Virtual Exchange a meaningful experience?
2. To what extent were the learning outcomes and objectives met?
3. To what extent did both partners align in their teaching and pedagogical philosophy?
4. Were both partners committed to the Virtual Exchange?
5. Did both partners adhere to the timelines and expectations set at the beginning of the year?
6. Did both partners showcase flexibility (when required)?
7. Was the workload distributed equitably?
Although there may be reasons for starting a new partnership, we have found continuing our partnership a worthwhile experience for several reasons:
1. Reduces planning and decision-making time
2. Allows us to more directly refine and improve the Virtual Exchange experience based on student feedback and our experiences.
3. Familiarity with each other’s way of working
4. Enables us to work on educational scholarship that is directly related to our partnership (e.g., reflective essays, this handbook, formal evaluation of the Virtual Exchange)
5. Most importantly, develop a friendship!
