Pre-Conference Workshops
2027 Pre-Conference Offerings
Advance registration required
Thursday, February 18
Workshop A) Facilitating Intercultural Development through Community-Based Global Learning and Fair-Trade Learning
Facilitators: Maureen Vandermaas-Peeler, Bill Burress and Mary McManamy, Elon University
What do students remember from a global learning program – places, experiences, or people? Perhaps more importantly, how does the host community remember the experience? Community-based global learning (CBGL) and fair-trade learning (FTL) provide frameworks for structured interactions with communities that can promote deep connection, reciprocity and intercultural learning. Drawing on the work of Hartman and colleagues, we understand FTL to be a set of ethical standards grounded in reciprocal, cross-cultural learning relationships which are at the heart of CBGL. This workshop explores CBGL and FTL standards in practice through a case study of a multi-stakeholder partnership in Lucignano, Italy. Together we will reflect critically on program design and evidence-based practices; explore research strategies and tools to study the impact of CBGL on students, educators and communities; and identify pathways for FTL advocacy in and beyond our own institutional contexts.
Workshop B) Supporting Intercultural Growth in Uncertain Moments: Becoming the Guide Students Need
Facilitators: Brendan O’Farrell, Christy Brady and Liz Combs, University of Kentucky
Most students who participate in study abroad or other intercultural experiences do so with some trepidation. Although they recognize that they are facing numerous challenges by stepping outside their comfort zones, students want challenges to be minimal, plus they may expect their institutions to mitigate their risks and discomfort. Given this mindset, it can be difficult for students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. According to Vygotsky’s “Zone of Proximal Development,” the greatest learning potential is realized when students move beyond their comfort zones with the help of a guide. Drawing on Vygotsky’s theory, this workshop will help participants reframe the challenges of education abroad as unique opportunities for their students’ intercultural dexterity both during and after college. Working in teams, participants will tackle a series of case studies and develop effective pedagogical and programmatic interventions that support student growth. As a result of this workshop, participants will be better prepared to facilitate intercultural learning and serve as the intercultural guides students need to successfully navigate today’s global workforce.
Schedule
WFU Brookstown campus
9:00am – 9:30am | Check-in
9:30am – 12 noon | Workshops
12 noon – 1:00pm | Lunch
1:00pm – 2:30pm | Workshops resume/conclude
Registration Information
Registration for Pre-Conference Workshops (and the general WISE Conference) will be available the October prior to WISE and remain open until two weeks before, or until capacity is reached. Advanced registration is required.
The registration fee includes coffee/light snacks and lunch. Participants are responsible for their own lodging and transportation.
Location
Pre-Conference Workshops will be held at the WFU Graduate School at Brookstown, located in the Historic Brookstown Inn (200 Brookstown Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27101). Specific instructions and parking directions will be sent to participants prior to Workshops.
Proposals
The summer prior to each WISE Conference, the Steering Committee announces an open call for proposals to facilitate WISE Workshops, four-hour intensive learning opportunities for participants to delve deeper into a specific topic related to intercultural learning.
Workshop topics may range from intercultural skill building techniques, research methods, innovative pedagogies, intercultural training topics, resources for faculty designing/enhancing study abroad programs, and/or emerging topics related to campus-based global programs.
The Call for Workshop Proposals will be announced on this website and through other avenues to reach educators. For planning purposes, the standard proposal form is provided below.