Monthly Archives: March 2017

Drawing-in-the-air for teaching and learning

Graduation: swirling graduates’ gowns gather in the grounds of a cathedral. A student presented me to her mother saying she remembered everything I had taught her. I gently teased her, at which point she flung her arms out wide and waggled her fingers gently, repeating words I said two years previously: “I AM A UTERUS!! Here… Read more » about Drawing-in-the-air for teaching and learning

New NCRM Explore App

The National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) has recently announced the launch of its ‘Explore’ App. This application “allows you to receive personalised research methods’ content which best matches your research interests. It includes all up to date research methods’ publications, videos, podcasts and training courses in a searchable and customisable interface. It also contains… Read more » about New NCRM Explore App

HE policy blog w/e 10th March 2017

Budget: There was very little about HE in the budget this time, as expected, apart from the announcement of the outcomes of the consultations on PG doctoral loans and part-time maintenance loans (see below). The announcement of a £300m fund for brightest and best research talent, including for 1,000 new PhD places and fellowships focused… Read more » about HE policy blog w/e 10th March 2017

What next for the Teaching Excellence Framework?

Those of you watching progress of the Higher Education and Research Bill through the Lords – and not distracted by the Article 50 Bill – will have seen the amendments this week which have the potential to transform the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – if they survive the next stages. Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Vinney… Read more » about What next for the Teaching Excellence Framework?

‘Students as researchers’ pedagogy at BU

In the higher education context, the ‘students as researchers’pedagogical approach supports “students in their engagement with undergraduate research within and/or beyond the formal curriculum with the aim of furthering their own knowledge and understanding, and in some cases contributing to, the broader knowledge base of their discipline” (Walkington, 2015: 5). At BU, research underpins our… Read more » about ‘Students as researchers’ pedagogy at BU

Using a student-centred approach to develop innovative employability tools for psychology undergraduates

By Sarah Muir CEL Innovation Awards, Project Update During a psychology degree, students gain psychological knowledge that can be used in everyday situations e.g. in relationships, the workplace or in the community. Psychology courses also equip students with skills (e.g. through assignments) that are beneficial in the workplace. Some of these include: problem-solving, team work,… Read more » about Using a student-centred approach to develop innovative employability tools for psychology undergraduates

Applying for HEA Fellowship

One of BU’s key performance indicators in BU2018 is that every academic has either Fellowship (or higher) of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) or a teaching qualification. These introductory ‘Applying for HEA Fellowship’ sessions have been designed to support colleagues with their HEA applications through TeachBU. These sessions will be run by Faculty Mentors who… Read more » about Applying for HEA Fellowship

Beyond OER: The Promises, Pitfalls, and Potential of Open Education

Colleagues, this international webinar may be of interest to some..   ====apologies for cross posting==== Hi all, The event below will take place at Langara College, Vancouver, BC on March 21 12.30-13.30 p.m. Pacific Time (GMT-8). It will be live streamed so if you would like to attend remotely please sign up using the URL below…. Read more » about Beyond OER: The Promises, Pitfalls, and Potential of Open Education

First results out for ‘Synergies for Europe’s Research Infrastructures in the Social Sciences’ (SERISS)

Apologies for cross posting, may be of interest to some:   The first results of a project to support the European Union (EU) tackle socio-economic challenges across Europe are now available. Synergies for Europe’s Research Infrastructures in the Social Sciences (SERISS) is a four-year project (2015-2019) funded as part of the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. The project… Read more » about First results out for ‘Synergies for Europe’s Research Infrastructures in the Social Sciences’ (SERISS)

CEL research dialogue session on Fair Access

On 23 February, CEL held a research dialogue session about Fair Access and Widening Participation. Maggie Hutchings, HSS, presented findings and the overall methodology being followed by the BU Fair Access Research Project. Jacqueline Priego, CEL, presented the findings of her project ‘Students who bounce back’ and recommendations for practice. We will follow up on… Read more » about CEL research dialogue session on Fair Access