Innovating Pedagogy 2019, is the latest in a series of annual reports by the Open University, which attempt to explore novel approaches to education which have the potential to transform learning and teaching. You can find a MicroCPD on this topic, here. And you can add your own thoughts on the report below. Previous editions … Continue reading “Innovating Pedagogy 2019”
Category: Curriculum
The Big Conversation 2019
Research-intensive learning, teaching and curriculum at the University of Birmingham: Designing a model fit for the future The Big Conversation 2019 is a platform for staff, students, alumni and guests to share practices and debate ideas. More importantly, we need to settle on some principles and actions that will define our education offer for the … Continue reading “The Big Conversation 2019”
Let’s talk about inequalities, inclusion and belonging – by Prof. Kathy Armour, PVC Education
In order to open the Big Conversation 2019, I thought it would be helpful to consider the issue of inequalities. While it is difficult to prioritise any one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the challenge to reduce inequalities is particularly pertinent. In our University, we can see inequalities in action because we have … Continue reading “Let’s talk about inequalities, inclusion and belonging – by Prof. Kathy Armour, PVC Education”
Fostering inclusion in the curriculum and the classroom: Reflections from the School of Government and Society – by Jonathan Fisher (School of Government and Society)
In November 2018, around 40 School of Government and Society staff from across all three departments, professional services and our PGR cohort took part in an Away Day focused on sharing ideas, frustrations and challenges around diversifying the curriculum and fostering inclusive learning environments. The afternoon’s discussions and activities, part of a wider set of … Continue reading “Fostering inclusion in the curriculum and the classroom: Reflections from the School of Government and Society – by Jonathan Fisher (School of Government and Society)”
Consistently consistent design of digital resources: the science of same old, same old – by Adam Matthews (External Relations)
By ensuring that all of your digital learning resources have a consistency of structure and approach, you can help learners to easily find content, but more importantly, be able to understand and get to grips with key with key concepts and ideas of your discipline. ‘Same old, same old’ and ‘samey’ are not words that … Continue reading “Consistently consistent design of digital resources: the science of same old, same old – by Adam Matthews (External Relations)”
Envisaging the Law School of the Future – by Linden Thomas (Birmingham Law School)
Birmingham Law School’s Centre for Professional Legal Education and Research (CEPLER) encompasses activities within the Law School that focus on legal education and the legal profession. As well as conducting research in these areas, the Centre has a substantial student-facing offering, largely aimed at preparing students for graduate employment. Its portfolio includes a busy careers … Continue reading “Envisaging the Law School of the Future – by Linden Thomas (Birmingham Law School)”
What is an inclusive approach to the development of academic literacy? By Gale Dawson (Learning Enhancement Team, Library Services)
The Library’s Learning Enhancement Team is currently discussing what constitutes an inclusive approach to the development of academic literacy. Wingate (2015) describes academic literacy as ‘the ability to communicate competently in an academic discourse community.’ So, how do our students learn what constitutes good academic practice? Is this something we can leave students to learn … Continue reading “What is an inclusive approach to the development of academic literacy? By Gale Dawson (Learning Enhancement Team, Library Services)”
Accessible equations – by Dave Smith, School of Mathematics
There is a divide in the academic world between those for whom equations and mathematical expressions are their primary tools, and everyone else! Pure and applied mathematicians, computer scientists, physicists and many computational biologists (for the purposes of this blog post I will refer to all of us as mathematicians for short) typically find that … Continue reading “Accessible equations – by Dave Smith, School of Mathematics”
Beyond good intentions: sensitivity to students’ diverse backgrounds in the hard sciences – by Dave Smith (School of Mathematics)
The importance of cultural and racial sensitivity in subjects such as English, History, Politics, Law, and Fine Art seems obvious – they have culture and human life at their centre. But what about in the cold, hard world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)? When preparing, delivering and assessing our courses can we simply … Continue reading “Beyond good intentions: sensitivity to students’ diverse backgrounds in the hard sciences – by Dave Smith (School of Mathematics)”
Engaging the curriculum through research – Petia Petrova
Engaging the curriculum through research Inspired by our 2017 T&L Conference, I thought about the organising principles behind all the outstanding work that currently take place at Birmingham in relation to research intensive teaching. I was reminded of some of my past thinking on this topic, and considered – whether I may find there some … Continue reading “Engaging the curriculum through research – Petia Petrova”