ELI-Incubator
The ELI Inkubator project will take place at Brandenburg Univeristy of Applied Sciences (THB) in 2024 and 2025 and is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as part of the UAS.International programme.
The project's primary objective is to significantly enhance the internationalisation of existing degree programmes, thereby making them more appealing to international (exchange) students. Additionally, it aims to equip THB students with not only subject-specific knowledge but also English-language and intercultural skills. As part of the expansion of the English-language teaching programme, the efficacy of various didactic models, cooperative teaching formats with international university partners and digital processes will be evaluated and integrated. In the long term, the quality and scope of the English-language teaching programme should be enhanced to the extent that it will be internationally and regionally competitive, thereby facilitating further development steps.
In order to extend the scope of English-language instruction, English-language teaching increments (ELIs) are being developed. ELIs are self-contained, readily deployable teaching modules of varying scope, which contribute to the internationalisation of the university curriculum as a whole. The development of ELIs will occur in stages.
- ELI Basic: English-language components in German-language courses
- ELI Classic: courses taught in English
- ELI Digital Exchange: ELI Classic, in conjunction with virtual collaboration with an overseas partner university.
- ELI Mobility: The ELI Digital Exchange is to be combined with a physical exchange with an international partner university.
The selection of ELIs to be developed is carried out in accordance with a systematic, transparent and criteria-based voting process. Faculty members are invited to submit proposals for ELIs. The selection decision is made in close consultation with the heads of the departments and takes the following criteria into account: The relevance of the ELI for students, the selection processes for students and skills development, the availability of resources, the integration into existing degree programmes, the practical relevance and applicability, the innovation potential, the sustainability, and the involvement of international partner universities are all taken into account.
The implementation of selected ELIs will be supported by
- Didactic and operational support for faculty and teaching staff
- Establishment of digital processes in internationalisation
- Networking and communication with international partner universities
- Exchange with the practice network of the THB
The ELI-Inkubator project is designed to enhance the internationalisation of course offerings at our university through three primary initiatives:
- Strategic Alignment and Development: The project aims to align the development of English-language courses with the university's strategic goals. This approach ensures that internationalisation efforts are not only integrated into the university’s framework but are also pursued in a coordinated and strategic manner.
- Criteria-Based Selection Process: A criteria-based selection process for English Language Initiatives (ELIs) is being introduced to foster a university-wide, coordinated process for the sustainable advancement of international education. This process aims to embed internationalisation as a core, long-term objective. It serves not only to increase the number of English-language courses but also to strengthen the institutional foundation for internationalisation.
- Expansion and Innovation in Teaching: The development of English-language courses within the ELI-Inkubator allows for increased course offerings and explores new teaching methods. This initiative systematically promotes English as a teaching language, thereby enhancing the university’s appeal as an international partner. The incubator setting provides a controlled environment to test innovative didactic concepts and develop frameworks for potential English-language degree programs.
Additionally, the project emphasizes sustainable and efficient internationalisation through the promotion of digital teaching formats and the establishment of digital processes. The integration of digital components and virtual cooperation with international partners aims to make internationalisation ecologically and financially sustainable, while also enhancing the SW50ZXJuYXRpb25hbGlzYXRpb25ASG9tZQ== experience for students. These digital advancements provide faculty and staff with the tools necessary for the effective design and implementation of ELIs.
For further information on the project, please contact the project team:
Anika Kettelhake
Project Coordinator & Internationalisation Coordinator Department of Business and Management
T +49 3381 355-816
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Dr. Carmen Winkel
Digital Internationalization Teaching Assistant & Internationalisation Coordinator Department of Engineering
T +49 3381 355-863
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Sebastián López Castellanos
Internationalisation Coordinator Department of Computer Science and Media
T +49 3381 355-817
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