Photo: Fiona Aitchison, Liz King, Tiffany Dittman (Centennial College), Hannah Inglis, Gail Holmes.
Borders College is proud to announce its participation in a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Scottish Education Exchange Programme’s Test and Learn Project. This initiative strengthens international relationships and fosters collaboration between educational professionals in Scotland and Canada.
The project facilitates staff exchange of experience, knowledge, and best practices, enhancing professional development and promoting innovative teaching methodologies. By engaging in this initiative, educators will gain insights into alternative pedagogical approaches, diverse funding models, cultural awareness, and the unique experiences of indigenous populations.
Liz King, Fiona Aitchison, Gail Holmes and Hannah Inglis are all tutors/assessors in Canada.
Key objectives of the project include:
- Enhancing Cross-Border Collaboration: Encouraging open exchange of ideas between staff from Scotland and Canada to develop a shared understanding of effective teaching strategies and cultural perspectives.
- Promoting Innovation in Education: Inspiring educators to adopt new, proactive approaches to benefit students in their home institutions.
- Strengthening Cultural Awareness: Providing staff firsthand exposure to the challenges and opportunities in large urban areas, informing new approaches to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Expanding Research and Development: Increasing opportunities for collaborative research, project development, and the creation of online programs, forums, and communities of practice.
- Supporting Student Success: Enhancing strategies for widening participation, supporting social mobility, and equipping students with essential career-building skills to succeed in a globalised world.
This initiative aligns with Ambition 3 of Scotland’s International Education Strategy, which aims to deepen global relationships, build professional networks, and enhance knowledge exchange to drive positive economic and social outcomes.
Katharine Mathison Director of Enterprise and Business Innovation commented:
“I am delighted that Borders College has secured this funding and been able to provide staff with this opportunity. Our partnership with Centennial College continues to develop, and we are grateful for their continued help and support.”
By introducing staff to innovative educational practices and expanding student mobility opportunities, this project represents a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and globally connected learning community. Participants will experience significant professional and personal growth and contribute to shaping the future of international education.
Hannah Inglis said:
“So far on our trip, we have continued to strengthen the international relationships we first established three years ago by sharing experiences, knowledge, and best practices between staff from Centennial College and Borders College.
“We have had the opportunity to meet with students who completed Social Services placements, gaining insight into their work experiences, college life in Canada, and perspectives on equality and diversity.
“In addition, we have toured Progress Campus, exploring the diverse student spaces and learning how their new building integrates and honors Indigenous culture. Additionally, we had valuable discussions with Donna Hinds, Social Services Worker Diploma and Programme Coordinator, about her experiences in developing qualifications within Social Services as well as meeting with Tiffany Dittman, Early Childhood Educator Diploma and Programme Coordinator, who provided an in-depth look at the childcare system in Canada. She welcomed us into her classroom, where we observed her engaging lesson on Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, using a dynamic, kinaesthetic teaching style that encouraged students to move around the room, take notes, and interact with visuals.”