manual
Please read this manual before you start your Build@Home adventure. Five easy and logical steps lead you step by step to a shared mindset and conscious goals. Have a great journey!
Starting from the WHY is the red line all along Build@Home. Also in this manual, the purpose (WHY) of a step is always described first. Followed by a brief description of the HOW. At the end, an explanation is given of WHAT exactly needs to be done.
step 1: explore
A shared mindset and perception are a precondition for effectively embedding internationalisation in your educational programme. Therefore, start by calibrating your joint ‘internationalisation compass’.
In this first step, with the help of nine mindset-cards, you will…
- find a common understanding of several internationalisation terms;
- define the value of internationalisation for your students;
- identify what you are already doing regarding internationalisation and internationalisation at home;
- recognise (the added value) of intention-based approaches.
Each card begins with a key question, followed by an explanation of
- WHY the key question is relevant.
- HOW you can achieve a common answer/outcome.
- WHAT you can concretely do to achieve a common answer/outcome.
For each card, summarised results can be entered directly online. They automatically become visible on your screen. On each card you can see a time indication and an overview of recommended materials.
additional advice:
- we recommend a group size of up to 8 participants.
- divide the roles of moderator, note-taker and timekeeper in advance.
Do you prefer working offline? Then you can print the material.
step 2: define
Conscious internationalisation is one of the main goals of Build@Home. This means that before choosing an internationalisation at home activity, you should first be clear about what the intended goal is. In other words, you start at the WHY, at defining the actual intentions. From there, you search for roads HOW to make that possible.
In this second step you map out your further Build@Home route by considering:
- the profile and needs of the target group;
- the conditions in the working and learning environment;
- the international competences to be addressed;
- the possibilities within the curriculum.
You do this using 5 cards. Again, each card begins with a key question, followed by an explanation of
- WHY the key question is relevant.
- HOW you can achieve a common outcome.
- WHAT you can concretely do to achieve this common outcome.
For each card, summarised results can be entered directly online. They automatically become visible on your screen. On each card you see a time indication and an overview of recommended materials.
Do you prefer working offline? Then you can print the material.
step 3: choose
In step 2, you defined the goals for internationalisation for a specific target group formulated (WHY) and mapped out preconditions and curricular opportunities (HOW). You formulated a smart ambition stating how you will reach certain goals. Now it’s time to focus on the question of “WHAT exactly are we going to do?”. In the Build@Home database, you can search for inspiring examples and tools for @home teaching activities.
You can search within two main categories:
- educational activities: best practices of @home internationalisation activities and interventions posted in the database by international colleagues.
- teaching tools: tips on useful tools you can use for “internationalisation at home” education.
Realise your Internationalisation@Home Activity or develop one of your own, using a palette of tools. And remember: all activities that you experience will help you to internationalise more. Make them tailor fit, or create your own. That makes learning fun and valuable.
step 4: experience
Now it is time to implement, enjoy and evaluate the chosen or self-developed “internationalisation at home” activity.
- Define (independently and thus outside of this Build@Home website) the teaching plan in detail:
- what needs to be done?
- by who?
- when?
- where?
- Ultimately, enjoy the wonderful international experience together!
- Don’t forget to evaluate at the end.
Evaluating gives insight into results achieved and the perceptions of those involved. It shows what went well, but also what was disappointing or unsuccessful. Therefore, let all participants and stakeholders fill in a survey.
Each unique context is correlated with unique goals and needs. Therefore, create your own questionnaire that fits the situation you want to be assessed. Use the Build@Home survey form as a template.
You will use the results of the survey in the CHECK phase. Put the intended date for this in your diary to start your process.
step 5: check
Take time to secure your intentions and the quality of your internationalisation education.
You might think: The activity is over and evaluated. So WHY should we then still do this? Situations, circumstances and needs are constantly changing. The content and quality of our education should constantly change with them.
A continuous process with the aim to
- improve quality structural and cyclic;
- respond flexibly to changes;
- periodically find solutions to problems;
- make internationalisation accessible to all;
- embed internationalisation goals in the curriculum!
Inspired by the Quality Circle of Six Sigma Build@Home has developed a check-circle. The circle contains 5 process steps: recap:, review, revise, retain and recur.
Go to CHECK and go through the Build@Home circle step by step.
- First download the check worksheet.
- Ensure an intentional approach. Therefore always read the full information first. At each step it is explained
- WHY the step is important; for what purpose
- HOW to reach that goal
- WHAT exactly you need to do
- Work out each step using the key questions and tables the worksheet.
