How it Works

Overview

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Building upon existing relationships, or after identifying an international partner with the help of the COIL Coordinator and COIL networks, faculty at separate institutions (in other countries, or even other parts of the United States) create collaborative course projects that support mutual student learning outcomes and foster active learning, as issues are explored through diverse cultural perspectives/contexts. Courses may be taught in a common language, or if a common language is not possible translation tools can be utilized to allow students to participate using the language of course instruction.

COIL Chart

As the SUNY COIL Model indicates, projects:

  • Can be created in any discipline; interdisciplinary collaborations work really well
  • Encourage active student learning and teamwork
  • Include an emphasis on cross-cultural interactions and understanding
  • Can be 5-15 weeks long
  • Are a graded activity in each participating class
  • Can use any technology tools that serve the learning goals
  • Conclude with a post-project critical reflection that typically incorporates consideration of the global/cultural aspects of the activities

Progression of a COIL Module

  • Icebreakers; teambuilding; developing trust
  • Comparative discussion; organizing teams
  • Collaborative project work; problem-solving
  • Presentation; reflection; conclusion

The COIL model provides infrastructure, resources, and faculty development opportunities to support the development, design, facilitation, and assessment of curricular experiences, and supports related research, publications, presentations, and grant-writing. Our participation in COIL networks can streamline access to partner institutions throughout the world, and provide support to the development of new curricular collaborations. Central to this work is an emphasis on culturally engaged pedagogies, the implementation of teaching and learning practices that foster intercultural awareness and skills as students engage in content-related activities. Faculty remain in control over partnerships and course activities, but with support and resources to streamline the development of relationships, communication tools, responsibilities, etc.

Want to see some examples?

Since COIL is new to Stan State, we don’t yet have projects to share from our campus, but the following links offer examples of COIL collaborations that may inform and inspire you: