International Quality Gatekeeping as Service to the Field, and the Need for Epistemic Humility in Its Implementation

Y

7

College Faculty; Teacher Role; Higher Education; Consultants; Foreign Countries; International Cooperation; Foreign Workers; Specialists; Meetings; Cultural Awareness; Leadership Responsibility; Cultural Differences; Educational Quality

United States; Australia; Canada; United Kingdom; Pakistan; China; Bangladesh

10.1080/00091383.2023.2213592

0009-1383
1939-9146

Academics in Western universities, especially those in the United States, are frequently called on to serve as quality gatekeepers in other higher education systems. International opportunities for service to the profession can take many forms, ranging from program reviews to expert consultations, and they constitute a great opportunity to learn about a different higher education system and gain perspective about deeply held assumptions. These opportunities are fraught when not approached with intellectual humility and can result in negative outcomes, amplified by power asymmetry and the disproportional weight of the perspective of Western academics. Cultural sensitivity can be learned and, regardless of our area of specialization, we all can become better-quality gatekeepers and have a more positive impact in the world.

As Provided

2023

EJ1393403