On January 1st 2017 around 2:45 in the morning I began to establish a series of New Year’s Resolutions knowing that I would achieve very few of them. Of course, most of them were incredibly generic: be more positive, be better with money (both of which I have already failed). I then chose the golden … Continue reading “Want to make good teachers? Make them run 10K”
Academic failure is necessary – why penalise it? Matt Bridge
A couple of weeks ago I listened to a podcast from the BBC which amongst others featured the university’s Prof Alice Roberts. The topic being discussed was ‘Science’s Epic Fails’ and covered experiments that went wrong and publication bias of positive results amongst other things. The broad discussion around science being a series of failures … Continue reading “Academic failure is necessary – why penalise it? Matt Bridge”
Multidisciplinary Teaching is an Absolute Must. Will Tattersdill
It seems unlikely that the student choice agenda will go anywhere in the next decade, but our students also increasingly recognise that the world they enter upon graduation will reward adaptability, flexible intellect, and a willingness to see beyond the traditionally-conceived boundaries of their subjects. The divided academy, in which the majority of students and … Continue reading “Multidisciplinary Teaching is an Absolute Must. Will Tattersdill”
What is the way forward? David Leppinen
We do not know what is going to happen in the future. How is technology going to affect how students study? How is Brexit going to affect the ability of the University to attract non-UK students? The University of Birmingham is extensively investing in the Physical Infrastructure of the Edgbaston Campus (i.e. the new … Continue reading “What is the way forward? David Leppinen”
Discussions in progress
Physics Maths Groups of Students and Staff have had some lively discussions in EPS. Blogs are in progress.
You are a Birmingham student, so what are you? (by Dan Ghica)
You are a Birmingham student, so what are you? As the status of British universities transmogrifies from cherished and revered quasi-national institutions to mere providers of educational and knowledge-transfer services, and as the vagaries of government subsidies are replaced by the even more erratic capriciousness of the markets, it could be informative to glance across … Continue reading “You are a Birmingham student, so what are you? (by Dan Ghica)”
A Brave New World of Timetabling
I went to a meeting about timetabling the other day with a heavy heart, thinking that it would be a wasted two hours. However, I was wrong; once you get away for the idea that timetabling is not about room booking and all about delivering the curriculum, then enhancement and innovation are on the agenda. … Continue reading “A Brave New World of Timetabling”
Calling all University of Birmingham Students…
Join our Big Conversation about building exciting Futures for your University. How will today’s 8 year olds want to study in 2026 and what will they want to learn? How can we prepare for different futures to ensure we retain our position as a leading Global University? How can you join the Big Futures Conversation? … Continue reading “Calling all University of Birmingham Students…”
Who will we be at UOB in 2026? Tom Lockwood
In her earlier post to the Big Conversation, Nicola Gale writes excitingly of how we at the University of Birmingham might think now about our future diversity and inclusion – both for the expectations future students may have of us, and of the expectations we might have of ourselves, across a rainbow of identities. If … Continue reading “Who will we be at UOB in 2026? Tom Lockwood”
In tech we trust: A teacher’s perspective on INLOGOV’s e-learning (r)evolution. Dr Abena F. Dadze-Arthur (INLOGOV)
INLOGOV’s first online Masters It was a historic moment for INLOGOV – even by the standards of the Institute’s long and eventful history. For the first time ever, INLOGOV was to design and deliver an online International Masters in Public Administration (MPA). The new MPA was to be delivered wholly online with students doing all … Continue reading “In tech we trust: A teacher’s perspective on INLOGOV’s e-learning (r)evolution. Dr Abena F. Dadze-Arthur (INLOGOV)”