University of Staffordshire

Students sitting in a business placement meeting

A good practice guide for student business placements

Advice for university educators on setting up projects in which students work directly with external partners such as local businesses, based on a pilot initiative

Marek Hornak

University of Staffordshire

A teacher shows a students how to code

A road map for advancing digital inclusion for your students, staff and community

A multi-departmental and collaborative approach to digital skills training has helped tackle digital exclusion at Staffordshire University. Raheel Nawaz explains the key initiatives

Raheel Nawaz

University of Staffordshire

A young female professor talking to students in class

Are we placing too much focus upon higher degrees for university lecturers?

There is growing pressure on university lecturers to achieve higher degrees. Fiona Cust and Jessica Runacres question if this is necessary for those teaching at undergraduate level, particularly in vocational or career-focused courses

Fiona Cust, Jessica Runacres

University of Staffordshire

Illustration of hands raised with hearts in the palms

Look after the intangibles and the metrics will look after themselves

Unmeasurable elements such as enthusiasm, belonging and motivation are valuable parts of the university experience. Sue Lee looks at ways to embrace these intangible assets

Sue Lee

University of Staffordshire

illustration-photo composite of people seated around jigsaw pieces

Phenomenon-based learning: what, why and how

Phenomenon-based learning empowers students to apply disciplinary knowledge to real-world situations. Here, Sue Lee and Kate Cuthbert outline the principles of PhBL and how it can be adopted in higher education

Sue Lee, Kate Cuthbert

University of Staffordshire

Peer mentoring in action

Peer mentoring to support staff well-being: lessons from a pilot

A peer mentoring scheme designed to support staff well-being is being piloted at Staffordshire University. Fiona Cust and Jessica Runacres share lessons on how the initiative has been developed

Fiona Cust, Jessica Runacres

University of Staffordshire

Image of someone using a chatbot for advice

Digital first: how to use AI to enhance customer service in universities

Seven points to consider when introducing artificial intelligence to provide front-line customer service support at your institution, by Paul Mahoney

Paul Mahoney

University of Staffordshire

Passing a note in class. The modern version might be sending an emoji to a friend, but these back channels of communication are crucial

We must encourage the art of passing (virtual) secret notes in class

Far from being unwanted classroom distractions, informal communications such as gifs, emojis and online chat can fulfil basic human needs, say Claire Kinsella and Linda Kaye

Claire Kinsella, Linda Kaye

University of Staffordshire, Edge Hill University