Inclusivity and Quantum Mechanics?

I teach a core third year module on quantum mechanics – not surprisingly the majority of the time is spent developing the formalism, which is ‘beautiful’ mathematically – and conceptually challenging. The extraordinary physics breakthroughs we study were mostly achieved by (now dead) white men: till last summer I had just recognised these truly impressive … Continue reading “Inclusivity and Quantum Mechanics?”

Innovating Pedagogy 2019

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”

Do digital pre-lab resources improve students’ experience of lab work? – by Joseph Berry (HEFi)

As part of the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) project the University is investing in digital pre-lab resources. These resources will be in three main formats: instructional videos, virtual labs and 360-degree lab tours. Instructional videos aim to demonstrate either a specific technique or an entire practical procedure. Virtual labs are interactive resources, often two-dimensional simulations, … Continue reading “Do digital pre-lab resources improve students’ experience of lab work? – by Joseph Berry (HEFi)”

Supporting Learners’ Digital Needs: Content-led Pedagogy – by Dr Victoria Goodyear (School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences)

Digital technologies have been heralded as providing new opportunities to transform education, learning and teaching. For example, education can be delivered at mass scale, boosting recruitment, income generation and international reach; learning can be more mobile, accessible and personalised; autonomous and self-motivated forms of learning can be promoted; and digital and online learning are cost-effective … Continue reading “Supporting Learners’ Digital Needs: Content-led Pedagogy – by Dr Victoria Goodyear (School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences)”

Big ideas: radical ways to reshape UK engineering education. By Peter Finegold, Head of Education and Skills at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

The UK is not producing enough engineers or engineering technicians, and those it is producing are typically from a strikingly narrow stratum of society. Not only do we need more engineers, we require a greater diversity of people to become engineers. We also need to help the general public become confident enough to engage with … Continue reading “Big ideas: radical ways to reshape UK engineering education. By Peter Finegold, Head of Education and Skills at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers”

What will be the main differences between the way your subject is taught now and the way it is likely to be taught in the future? (Institute of Clinical Sciences led workshop: discussion responses)

In the future, for healthcare professional-oriented courses, there is likely to be much more of a need to teach students from different professions together in interprofessional groups. This might include a common initial curriculum that focuses on learning with patients, interpersonal skills, understanding information and presenting to others. It could extend to being a common … Continue reading “What will be the main differences between the way your subject is taught now and the way it is likely to be taught in the future? (Institute of Clinical Sciences led workshop: discussion responses)”

How will students want to learn (in your subject area)? (Institute of Clinical Sciences led workshop: discussion responses)

In health professions programmes, there is likely to be an increased demand for learning through simulation. Well-equipped and staffed simulation centres are attractive to students and can allow them to learn clinical skills in an environment that is safe for them and for patients. Use of simulation may extend to augmented reality and virtual reality … Continue reading “How will students want to learn (in your subject area)? (Institute of Clinical Sciences led workshop: discussion responses)”