It’s all about the assessment: In 2026 we should have separated formative and summative assessment. In breaking the covalent bond between these two unequal twins we allow each to do it’s proper job, unencumbered by the other. I recently asked my students why they were not engaging with all the wonderful and innovative formative assessment … Continue reading “Separating Formative and Summative assessment into module and programme level.”
Facebook is like friends re-united
Digital technologies have largely changed the way students interact and learn. For example, the chalk board is in the past and we have said bye bye to 3-ring binders. Yet the pace of technological change is unprecedented and the expectations for institutions and staff to learn, change and adapt, and be more dynamic are enormous. … Continue reading “Facebook is like friends re-united”
Developing a “Research-Active” Curriculum
It is clear that a research-intensive university should be structured and organised around a strong emphasis on developing a “research-active” curriculum that socialises students into inquiry-based learning from day one. By 2026, students’ successful transition from university to professional life will require the ability to resolve problems in an analytic manner, to evaluate evidence and … Continue reading “Developing a “Research-Active” Curriculum”
RIT 2026: the interplay between research and teaching
Birmingham University is a Research Intensive Institution and will be in 2026. We do research from atoms to the atmosphere, from sharks to Shakespeare. Research permeates all our teaching and students are engaged in research and research related activities at all levels. Our research success and our investment in research directly and explicitly benefits our … Continue reading “RIT 2026: the interplay between research and teaching”
Computer says no: Automatic assessments for rapid feedback?
In 2026 I hope that the routine feedback we give students has been computerised, so increasing students’ access and speed of feedback. If you are marking 100 essays how many times are you correcting the basic errors of incorrect referencing, use of the first persons, incorrect grammar, and inappropriate subheadings … the list goes on. … Continue reading “Computer says no: Automatic assessments for rapid feedback?”
Anyone want to offer a few thoughts on these ‘big’ questions?
The Futures Concept Theme (this is your chance to engage in some pioneering blue-skies thinking) Looking ahead to 2026: What kinds of futures can you imagine for universities and what will be different compared to today? How will research-intensive universities of the future need to be structured and organised?
Teaching, Assessment and Learning Outcomes (LOs): Put these in the right order!
What do I think education should look like at Birmingham in 2026? I would be very happy if the words in the title were rearranged into the order: 1) Learning outcomes 2) Assessments 3) Teaching. I would be even happier if we had a situation where the students define their own learning outcomes. After their … Continue reading “Teaching, Assessment and Learning Outcomes (LOs): Put these in the right order!”
Squared Online
I just wanted to share a link to an innovative way of teaching. It is a digital marketing qualification from Google. I did the real world version of this a few years ago and it was excellent but they now do an online version delivered through Google Hangouts. It teaches in a practical, hands on … Continue reading “Squared Online”
Online and eLearning platforms
Post received from Roohi… I recently saw my 11-year-old nephew (Year 7) whilst visiting relatives. When I walked into the living room, he was on his mobile phone, had his laptop open, and also had an iPad next to the laptop. I said to him “your Daddy told me that you are supposed to be … Continue reading “Online and eLearning platforms”
All you need to know about the Big Conversation and how to engage
Take a few minutes to read this posting to find out more about the Big Conversation including aims, participants, opening questions, how to engage, and details of an exciting student competition with big prizes on offer. Universities are all about ‘futures’. Through their missions and core activities of education and research, universities aim to … Continue reading “All you need to know about the Big Conversation and how to engage”