Everything you wanted to know about National Teaching Fellowships but were afraid to ask…
The UK’s National Teaching Fellowships were established to recognise excellence in teaching and student learning. Fellow James Derounian asks if the scheme fulfils its goals
Giving graduation a 21st-century makeover
Graduations can be stuffy affairs, writes James Derounian. He suggests that with technological wizardry, student voice and a little awe, universities could add …
How to survive the academic treadmill
When working hours are stretched to cover marking, induction and other tasks, what is a busy scholar to do? Here, James Derounian offers suggestions for taking…
Why get a PhD by publication (and other career tips)
Finding the ‘golden thread’ in your academic path can offer an opportunity to reflect and grow, writes James Derounian
I’m finally ready to admit that I’m an academic who suffers from depression
I’m opening up because those of us hounded by mental health issues should not have to add fear of job loss and stigmatisation to our list of concerns, says James…
It’s worth rethinking how we engage graduates – they can be teaching gold
National teaching fellow James Derounian highlights the potential for recycling graduate contributions back into university teaching
It’s crucial for universities to bridge the ‘town and gown’ divide
James Derounian considers how universities act as good neighbours to their host communities and recommends a simple exercise to break free of the…
Offering students a green gap year has multiple rewards
James Derounian makes the case for a gap year in which school-leavers can engage with university while tackling climate change and helping with community development
In the search for work-life balance, going part-time could provide an answer
James Derounian makes the case for part-time work, particularly as academics advance in their careers – and gives tips on how to begin the transition and make a …
How to negotiate the politics of mark agreement between tutors
James Derounian offers thoughts on how we can unravel the tangled and contested arena of mark negotiation between university tutors
Why we should be humans first and academics second
James Derounian argues for the spirit of kindness in all we do – and provides tips to improve your everyday collegiality
Is that overseas field trip you’re looking forward to really necessary?
However well-intentioned, outside interventions can have unintended consequences for local communities if carried out without rigorous research, says James Derounian
