Teaching in Higher Education in an International Classroom (THEIC)

This course brings the Dutch Basiskwalificatie Didactische Bekwaamheid (BDB) to life in an international classroom setting. Instead of abstract theory, you step into real teaching moments: guiding a multicultural group through a lively tutorial, navigating questions in a lecture hall filled with diverse perspectives, or coaching students one-on-one as they approach a project from unexpected angles.

Each session revolves around a central theme you immediately recognize from your own practice. While working on course design, for instance, you sharpen learning objectives until they truly steer your teaching, and craft assignments that motivate students from different backgrounds to dive in. Cultural nuances aren’t an add-on; they shape the choices you make.

When we turn to assessment, you compare grading systems from around the world, explore how varying academic traditions influence expectations, and practice giving feedback that resonates across cultures. Bit by bit, you build an assessment approach that is both fair and globally aware.

By the end, you haven’t just completed a qualification, you’ve expanded your teaching repertoire for an international stage.

After completing this programme, you’ll notice a shift in the way you step into your classroom. You’ll be able to look at your own teaching with a trained eye:

• spotting where students hesitate,
• recognising moments where language turns into a barrier,
• and adjusting your approach so international and non-native English-speaking students can follow, engage and thrive.

When you design or revise a course, you won’t start from a template, but you’ll build it with intention. Clear learning objectives guide you, active learning shapes your lessons, and assignments fall into place as purposeful steps. Throughout, you weave in the cultural dynamics that shape how students participate, interpret instructions and demonstrate their learning.

You’ll also learn to turn reflection into a routine rather than an afterthought. By examining your knowledge, skills and attitudes, you chart your own professional growth and develop a sharper sense of cultural awareness. The kind that subtly changes how you teach, connect and respond.

Participants who attend all sessions and demonstrate the required competencies in their portfolio receive the Teaching Qualification in Higher Education for the International Classroom (TQHE-IC, Dutch: BDB). Those who want to deepen their expertise in assessment can combine this course with Teaching Qualification Assessment and Examination in an International Classroom (TQA-IC), leading to the official qualification in assessment and examination for universities of applied sciences (Dutch: BKE).

This course is designed for Dutch and international teachers at Universities of Applied Sciences (in Dutch: HBO) who teach in an international classroom

We also provide this course incompany, and customized if desired. Are you curious about the possibilities? Please contact us. We are happy to think along with you.

There are seven course days focusing on the following topics:

• Session 1: Making the connection (introduction/intercultural competences)
• Session 2: Lectures and activating students
• Session 3: Motivation, self-regulation and feedback for learning
• Session 4: Designing engaging lessons
• Session 5: Coaching individual students
• Session 6: Dealing with inclusion, teaching philosophy statements
• Session 7: Assessment and grading in an international classroom (what are the challenges)

If there is sufficient interest, we will organize a new series starting in January. Are you interested in participating or would you like to stay informed? Please let us know.

The lecturers who provide professional education at Utrecht University are experts in their field and actively engaged in relevant, up-to-date research. They combine academic depth with a keen understanding of professional practice, allowing them to connect closely with the experiences and realities of participants.

Their excellent didactic skills are tailored to how professionals learn: practical, interactive and immediately applicable. They also place great value on collaboration, creating a learning environment where dialogue, knowledge exchange and co-creation are central.

We’re glad you’re interested in this programme. You can let us know your interested so we can let you know when a new group starts.

Do you have any questions or are you curious about in-company and customisation options? Feel free to reach out to us.

You can contact us via: onderwijsadviesentraining@uu.nl or 030 253 2261.

Educational Development & Training translates academic insights into the daily practice of teaching. As a teaching professional you can come to us throughout the course of your career for training, advice and solutions tailored to your specific teaching-related needs.

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