Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4 Challenges IGERTs Face Lessons and Recommendations 1. Challenges of novel, interdisciplinary, international doctoral programs 2. The Case of the UW Urban Ecology 3. Lessons learned and Recommendations Vivek Shandas, Doctoral Candidate at UW , Urban Ecology IGERT and Urban Planning and Design Maresi Nerad, Associate Graduate Dean, UW The Graduate School Director, Center for Innovation and Research in Graduate Education (CIRGE) www.cirge.washington.edu
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Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Challenges IGERTs FaceLessons and Recommendations
1. Challenges of novel, interdisciplinary, international doctoral programs
2. The Case of the UW Urban Ecology
3. Lessons learned and Recommendations
Vivek Shandas, Doctoral Candidate at UW , Urban Ecology IGERT and Urban Planning and Design
Maresi Nerad, Associate Graduate Dean, UW The Graduate SchoolDirector, Center for Innovation and Research in Graduate Education
(CIRGE) www.cirge.washington.edu
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Key Challenges
1. National differences between the systems of higher education and structures of doctoral education
2. Differences between the disciplines in US universities (cultural differences)
3. Challenges of working in teams4. Language differences: disciplinary
languages, national languages
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Internal Organization of U.S. University: Example I
• Guidelines for Group Work– arrive on time– encourage creative exploration of idea– promote opportunities for ‘group think’– develop sacred dates calendar
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Challenges for Students– Lesson Learned
1. Balancing disciplinary departmental requirements with IGERT requirements – provide written transparent requirements
2. Utilizing the multidisciplinary information and applying it in thesis without “drowning”– dedicate extra time to students in the dissertation topic formation phase, make transparent (master piece –versus first scholarly work )
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Challenges for Students– Lesson Learned
3. Finding additional advisors, ( US doctoral programs require 3 members in dissertation committee) – make sure NON-IGERT department faculty know about the basic thrust of the program
4. Degree outcomes for additional work–certificate? joined PhD?
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Challenges for Professors –Lessons learned
1. Different motivations for participating in IGERTS- devote time to establish common goals
2. Trained in traditional disciplines – devote time to understanding the differences, accept other methods as equals
3. Limited time, IGERT work demands time, intensive preparation, - make sure that their department chair recognizes their extra work
4. Lack of project management and time management skills- invite consultant to teach these skills
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Challenges for Administrative Staff –lessons learned
1. Everybody underestimates time IGERT logistics require- need full-time staff
2. Constantly adjusting process, requires high degree of flexibility, however universities are highly bureaucratic and rigid organizations-get sanctions of top administrators for project
3. Torn between students’ view and faculty view, limited institutional power-systematically include their knowledge, observations into planning process
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Summary of Key Recommendations
1. Spend time to get to know each other, both faculty and studentsa. Expectations regarding the IGERTb. Motivations for participating/applyingc. Strength each person brings to the
processd. Working stylef. Cultural differences, believe system
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Recommendations
2. Be aware of the choice of language and its effectSpeaking English privileges some and disadvantages others, creates hierarchy both among and between faculty and students
3. Provide special language courses for students focusing on the topic and teaches simultaneously presentation and publishing skills in English
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Recommendations
4. Offer team building training earlyTeam building is a planned and structure process that includes listening skills, given professionally feedback, and conflict resolution skills
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Recommendations
5. Plan regular feedback sessions, once a term, particularly at transition periods in the program- among faculty, - among students- and between faculty and students.
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4
Recommendations
6. Create at a non-competitive learning environment - between disciplines (soft and hard sciences) which method is better- which country does it better ( resource imbalance)
7. Faculty/professors model behavior they expect students to demonstrate
Source: CIRGE, University of Washington, Multinational Collaborations in Challenges to the Environment, Friday Harbor, 9-13-4