The University of Montana Western and IBILTA Announce Virtual International Conference on Innovative Learning and Teaching

The University of Montana Western, in partnership with the International Block and Intensive Learning and Teaching Association (IBILTA), is pleased to invite attendees and presenters from around the world to the IBILTA 2026 International Conference, a fully virtual event bringing together educators, researchers, and practitioners to explore innovative approaches to learning and teaching. The conference will take place September 29–30, 2026.

The conference theme, “Sharing Practice, Sharing Stories, and Looking Forward,” emphasizes collaboration, reflection, and innovation during a period of significant transformation in higher education. Through case studies, research presentations, and practitioner-led discussions, participants will examine how block, intensive, and experiential learning models are shaping the future of teaching and student engagement.

About the Host Institution

The University of Montana Western is a dynamic, innovative undergraduate university located in Dillon, Montana, in the scenic Rocky Mountains. With more than 65 full-time faculty and approximately 1,200 students, Montana Western has earned numerous national rankings for delivering high-quality, affordable education.

Montana Western is the only public four-year institution in the United States offering Experience One (X1)—experiential learning delivered entirely through a block schedule. Students take one course at a time for three hours a day over 18 days before moving on to the next course. This structure supports immersive learning experiences such as fieldwork, labs, undergraduate research, study abroad, and interdisciplinary teaching. Faculty at Montana Western are deeply committed to mentoring students and supporting their transition from university life to professional careers.

About IBILTA

The International Block and Intensive Learning and Teaching Association (IBILTA) is a membership-based organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and practice of block-based, intensive, and immersive approaches to learning and teaching. IBILTA supports a global community of educators through initiatives such as the Journal of Block and Intensive Learning and Teaching (JBILT), international conferences, thought leader series, and regional chapters. More information is available at https://ibilta.org/. 

Conference Purpose and Themes

The IBILTA 2026 Conference aims to:

• Share case studies and lived experiences from diverse educational contexts

• Build global community through storytelling and reflective dialogue

• Innovate teaching and learning practice during times of change

Conference sub-themes include:

Innovation and Research

• Fostering innovation in an increasingly competitive educational landscape

• Preparing learners for diverse career pathways through research training

• Engaging students as active collaborators in research

• Advancing the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)

• Applying educational theory during disruption and transformation

Professional Development and Professional Practice

• Continuous learning and skill enhancement

• Collaboration and professional learning communities

• Reflective practice and self-evaluation

Curriculum, Assessment, and Feedback

• Curriculum adaptation for emerging trends

• Stakeholder engagement, including students and industry partners

• Regulation, metrics, and measurement

Enhancing Learning, Teaching, and Student Experience

• Teaching approaches, learning environments, and technology

• Engagement, collaboration, and real-world learning

• Comprehensive, student-centered learning experiences

Conference Leadership

Conference Co-Chairs

• Matt Raffety, University of Montana Western — matt.raffety@umwestern.edu

• Pushpa Sinnayah, Victoria University (Australia) — puspha.sinnayah@vu.edu.au

• Christian Gilde, University of Montana Western — christian.gilde@umwestern.edu

Conference Committee Members

• Leslie Johnson, University of Montana Western

• Goodson Dzenga, University of Montana Western

• Tyler Seacrest, University of Montana Western

• Thomas Yeager, Victoria University (Australia)

• Askil Mostafa Alvi, Victoria University

Participation and Engagement

Details regarding the Call for Proposals, Registration, Program Schedule, and Sponsorship Opportunities are available on the IBILTA website. The conference will actively engage IBILTA Regional Committees across Australia and Asia, Europe and Africa, and the Americas, encouraging broad international participation.

For updates and additional information about the IBILTA 2026 Conference, visit https://ibilta.org/.