Entitled "Communication and Teaching Skills in Conservation and Science", this Summer School is organised by ICCROM - the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, in partnership with Saga University (Arita, Japan) and Athabasca University (Canada's Open Online University). It will be held in Arita between 9 and 20 September 2019.

Background

Successful interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for meaningful conservation actions. A shared understanding of core principles of the diverse fields involved is the basis on which such collaboration is built. In order to strengthen this crucial capacity in today’s and tomorrow’s heritage professionals, communication and teaching skills must be developed on a continual basis. Nevertheless, conservation education programmes and professional development activities are under pressure to deliver more content in less time. Now is the moment to rethink our way of teaching and to explore the potential of new didactic approaches, both face-to-face and virtual, to learn about conservation and science.

Structure of the course

Over two weeks the Summer School will explore innovative and effective modalities of learning and teaching core concepts of conservation and science, by working on issues identified by the participants and course team. It will also discuss new approaches and tools for designing educational programmes and training activities. This intensive teaching and learning experience will consist of highly interactive sessions at different didactic spaces of Saga University (Arita Campus), including the on-campus Digital Lab. Off campus activities will include field work, study visits/tours, and documenting the work of Living National Treasures in Arita, Saga city, and other relevant locations of the Kyushu region. An online environment for the course activities will be provided by Athabasca University. The working language will be English. The Summer School will take place shortly after the General Conference of ICOM in Kyoto, providing an opportunity for those interested to participate in both events.

Participants

Participants will be up to 16 heritage professionals, with at least three years of experience in teaching, either full-time (universities and conservation schools) or alongside another professional practice. The course team will consist of conservation, science and education specialists from the ICCROM network and beyond. The course fee is 600 euros. Participants will be responsible for their round trip travel costs to Arita, Japan and for their living costs, including accommodation. Living costs will amount to approximately 900 euros. A limited number of scholarships will be available.

Applications and further information

The deadline for applications is 15 February. For additional information, please visit https://www.iccrom.org/courses/communication-and-teaching-skills-conservation-and-science-2019