Visiting scholar Dr Galyna Dubova, University of Tampere

We were delighted to welcome Dr Galyna Dubova from the University of Tampere in Finland to LINCS as a visiting scholar. Galyna spent a week in LINCS teaching a series of courses and delivering a research seminar to staff and students. Here’s an account of her experience working with us:

My name is Dr. Galyna Dubova and I am a teacher at Tampere University Language Centre in Finland. I have been teaching English Academic Professional Communication courses, Academic Writing and Intercultural Communication courses to diverse groups of students of varied levels and majors. I have always had a passion for language learning and have become proficient in both English and Finnish, the languages I have acquired as non-native. My linguistic background has led to a unique identity that combines my Ukrainian roots with my Finnish and English influences. This blend has always inspired me in living and working in these diverse environments. 

As an educator, I was fortunate enough to participate in a teacher exchange program that took me to Heriot-Watt University. The programme was an amazing opportunity to not only learn about teaching practices in a new environment but also to share my knowledge with colleagues from a different cultural and linguistic background. During my time at Heriot-Watt, I taught classes related to Global English and the International Workplace, Business Communication and Global Communication in English. The students were receptive to my teaching style and were eager to engage in discussions. 

Dr Dubova teaching an MSc class in Business Communication

One of the most valuable aspects of the exchange programme was the opportunity to collaborate with such great colleagues as Dr. Katerina Strani, Jane Bell, Prof Joanna Drugan, Dr Yvonne McLaren-Hankin and John Cleary. I was able to learn about their teaching methods and gain insights into the cultural nuances that influence their approach to education. It was an eye-opening experience that broadened my perspective on teaching and learning. 

Dr Dubova with Dr Yvonne McLaren-Hankin, Programme Director for the MSc in Intercultural Business Communication

One of the highlights of my time at Heriot-Watt was the opportunity to give a talk on Translanguaging, which refers to the use of multiple languages to facilitate communication and learning of students. The talk was open to all university staff and students and was well-received by the attendees. I shared my experiences of implementing Translanguaging strategies in my classroom and discussed the benefits of adopting a Translanguaging approach in language education.  

Dr Dubova at her open lecture to staff and students, with Dr Katerina Strani (L), who coordinated the visit, and Prof Jo Drugan (R ), LINCS Head of Department.

Overall, I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend time at Heriot-Watt and to learn from all the teachers and students I have collaborated with. I am also happy to admit that our collaboration will continue beyond this visit and there will be more exciting projects to come. Thank you all who have made this partnership happen!