Sessions

Sessions can be attended by all participants and are designed to provide a quick, engaging forum for the exchange of ideas around a specific topic. The session Chair is tasked with briefly introducing the speakers and stimulating the discussion of different viewpoints among speakers and participants. Interactivity and creative session types are highly encouraged.  

Criteria

Session proposals are assessed based on the quality and relevance of the content, the proposed delivery, and their value within the context of the EAIE (eg diversity of subject matters, audience, Expert Community topics, conference theme, etc).

  • If a proposal is based on research, clear references must be given. Proposers are also encouraged to reference national agency data or other big-data sources to support the proposed content. 
  • Overall diversity of speakers and institutions represented in sessions at the conference is taken into account for the final selection of sessions, therefore it is recommended that the panel consists of speakers from different countries or institutions.   
  • It is important that session content refers to specific policy, implementation or implications at higher education institutions, especially when highlighting products or services 

One Chair is in charge of facilitating the session, and up to two speakers share their viewpoints and engage in a discussion. It is recommended that approximately one third of the session is dedicated to questions and answers, discussions or other formats that encourage audience participation.  

Format

Learning comes in different shapes and forms, so please take a moment to consider the best way to deliver your session content. The EAIE Conference Programme Committee invites all submitters to think creatively in order to deliver the most exciting, informative and engaging programme to date. 

Panel session

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A panel session is made up of short, thought-provoking and stimulating presentations from two experts in the field, followed by a discussion with the audience under the guidance of the Chair. The panel responds to audience questions.

World Café

World Cafe

Following an introduction to the topic by the Chair and speakers, the World Café format facilitates open discussion in structured conversation of predetermined topics. Participants will move between tables, where they are encouraged to leave notes on the tablecloth for the next person in order to build collective knowledge.

Fishbowl

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A distinct chair setup consisting of a circle of participants surrounding a ‘fishbowl’ of one chair and up-to-two speakers in the middle. Participants have the opportunity to join the conversation by taking a speaker’s seat in the ‘fishbowl’, as they are encouraged to share their own thoughts, experience and best practice on the content matter should they so wish.

Gallery walk

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In a gallery walk, following an introduction to the topic, flipcharts with a pre-determined statement or question are spread around the session room. Participants will visit each flipchart and add their thoughts. The resulting collage of collective opinion forms the basis for further discussion led by the session chair and speakers.