AI over-personalisation can hinder learning
In the rush towards ever-greater personalisation, we must not lose sight of what makes learning meaningful, writes Kathy Charles. Here, she shares her insights on…
Is a ‘co-opetition’ model the way to safeguard higher education for future generations?
Shared support functions don’t mean the end of competition among institutions, writes Mark Thompson. Instead, collective thinking could focus effort on universities’…
What matters to students’ sense of belonging?
Using an intersectional and decolonial lens and fostering the formation of a discipline-specific identity are some of the ways to make belonging the cornerstone, rather than…
Assessment or measurement?
Authentic assessments and measurements serve distinct purposes in understanding student success in higher education. Here’s why equating the two can…
Universities must evolve from degree-granting hubs to social anchors
Higher education institutions can be incubators for ethical leadership, lifelong learning ecosystems and community partnerships, writes Rahim Somani
Online should not mean offline for business lecturers
When online courses are delivered more or less to a prescribed script, this leaves little space for an educator’s personalised contribution and autonomy, writes Anita…
The wintering of universities
The fallow moments of retreat are necessary to bring about spring. For universities, we must use this winter to think about what it is we do, writes Katie Normington
DeepSeek and shallow moats: what does it mean for higher education?
DeepSeek’s arrival may have spooked the markets, but what does it mean for the research and development of LLMs? Higher education should avoid putting all its eggs in one…
Voice, agency and style: what goes missing when AI chats back
We need to teach that imperfect but authentic writing is more valuable than sentences that are polished on the surface, argue three US academics. Here, they share…
Should universities meet all industry demands?
With higher education institutions adapting their programmes to prepare students for future jobs, they risk producing corporatised graduates to a detriment of…
White privilege doesn’t exist for working-class men in higher education
Consider social class a protected characteristic and remove financial barriers to make HE accessible to white, working-class men, writes Mark Butterick
‘Generative AI is making our students more creative than ever’
The real opportunity of AI isn’t automation, it’s the potential to democratise innovation, writes Ramona Pistol. And teaching practices need to catch up to this reality
Empty classrooms and disconnected students in the age of AI
Universities face an urgent need to accelerate change in how they teach – and think about teaching – to reconnect students’ digital lifestyles with the way they learn, write Nic…
The case for rewarding hard work in higher education
Taking a cue from copyright’s ‘sweat of the brow’, Ian Solway and Shan Wang argue that recognition of effort and resilience should not be lost in a rush to maximise learning…
How to humanise engineering education and why we must
Despite years of effort across the education sector, engineering sciences are still not gender equitable. Incorporating more social sciences into engineering…
Imagine an age-inclusive university sector
Age inclusion should be part of universities’ mission, as well as their day-to-day operations. To not support staff and students at all stages of their academic life is an opportunity missed
‘Students need to take responsibility for class participation’
Questions to encourage undergraduates to contribute to class content or in discussion help them develop skills for academia and the workplace. Mariano Carrera…
What Frankenstein’s monster can teach researchers about the dark side of ‘impact’
What can a 19th-century novelist tell academics about research ethics? Taking time to see the impact of research on ourselves is a good place to start measuring the social…
‘Uncertainty is part of co-production’
Flexibility and an open mindset can help health researchers work with healthcare professionals and patients to create better adapted services. Here, Gary Hickey…
Yes, empathy can be taught – here’s how
Find out how evidence-based methods can be used to provide empathy training, bringing huge potential benefits for healthcare outcomes and busting the…
‘Researchers have a responsibility to publish’
Without publication, advancements in knowledge will be stifled or even halted altogether, writes Walid Saad. Here he explains the many benefits to publishing for…
On climate change, are universities part of the problem or part of the solution?
As the effects of climate change become increasingly more extreme, fossil fuel interests are preventing transformative change. Where do universities stand?
‘Creativity is a practice, not an astonishing stroke of good luck’
Screenwriter and playwright Stephen Sewell shares practical insights into fostering students’ mental flexibility and resilience from research into unlocking creativity
‘What artists do is say the quiet bits out loud’
As teachers, we know our students will face the harsh demands of creativity and problem-solving in their daily professional lives – and we need to help them tap into…
Truth is necessary for reconciliation
Good intentions and generalisations can harm reconciliation in the classroom and academy, writes Daniel Sims
Productive disagreement is our best hope of tackling the climate crisis
As complex communities with a social purpose, universities are ideal places to foster and model difficult discussions around prioritising investment and effort towards net zero…
We need to dismantle the promotion patriarchy in academia from the inside
Women in academia are promoted at far lower rates than their male peers and are under-represented in senior positions. To fix this, universities will need to…
It’s time to turn the tide on our clean energy ambitions
Universities have a pivotal role to play in inspiring the next generation to find sustainable energy solutions, from uniting researchers with business to translating innovation into…
Reimagining the role of higher education in a world of intersecting revolutions
To remain relevant, universities must shift from reactive funding requests to proactive transformation, writes Rahim Somani
Neurodiversity-affirming education is key to supporting students into the creative industries
More needs to be done to support neurodivergent people seeking careers in the creative industries. Here are some strategies
Creating flexible learning pathways for business students
Digital transformation isn’t about technology – it’s about people, writes Steve Hill. Learning experiences must fit into students’ lives rather than forcing them to fit their lives…
Income should not determine outcomes for young musicians
If we accept the view that music education is only for the rich, it makes us complicit in stifling the life choices of talented artists, writes Jennie Henley
Greening your university is not optional; it’s urgent
Investing in greening your institution will result in huge savings in the long run. Here are some strategies that have worked for CETYS University
Black students are succeeding in spite of academia, rather than because of it – we need a…
The narrative that widening participation is enough is creating isolation and disillusionment among Black PhD students. How can universities move beyond it …
Should academics embrace ambidextrous leadership to future-proof their career?
Ambidexterity requires investing time in training that can provide the skills needed to operate in a dynamic environment but also in the future
Embracing linguistic diversity and equity in global academic publishing
English operates as a gatekeeper in academia, determining who can access and contribute to the most prestigious platforms of knowledge production. We…
Philosophy graduates are extremely employable – but they need degree programmes that show…
Many students interested in studying philosophy at university will be concerned about its job prospects, so they require courses that demonstrate how to …
How university leaders can hold firm on the glass cliff
In her book ‘Leading from the Margins’, Mary Dana Hinton considers the challenges facing the next generation of women and people of colour in leadership positions
Open dialogue about AI in HE is the way forward
The assumption that instructors hold negative views on the use of any generative AI means that important conversations aren’t being had
Decolonising sustainability: expanding understandings of the SDGs
Educators must create more collective and deliberative opportunities for themselves and their students to grapple with sustainability concepts together, writes Sean Porter.…
Donors want to see real-world impact. What does that mean for higher education in the sciences?
Amid academia’s challenges related to talent retention and fundraising, universities can use translational research programmes to enhance scientific edge and real-…
International collaboration is a legal education opportunity
Cross-cultural understanding can enrich the ways in which educators in law integrate comparative legal analysis into their teaching, writes Petra Butler
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
Academics can (and should) be idiots
The comedy stage can be a place for academics to be silly and let it all hang out. Chris Pahlow explores why humour is effective for scholars and the people they’re trying to…
Is it worth paying for GenAI?
How useful is artificial intelligence for syllabus design? A law lecturer compared the free and subscription versions of three generative AI platforms, with…
Five strategies to cultivate university reputation
The reputational crisis of many universities is a crisis of identity, writes Santiago Fernández-Gubieda. Here, he explains that reputation starts within the organisation, and…
Supporting parent academics through staff networks
The power of a combined voice can make working life easier for university faculty and staff with children. Here, Judith Lock lays out the challenges of mixing…
Why I ban AI use for writing assignments
Students may see handwriting essays in class as a needlessly time-consuming approach to assignments, but I want them to learn how to engage with arguments, develop their …
We must acknowledge our positionality to inclusively engage the community
The work that can lead to change involves building relationships and understanding, and developing and sharing knowledge in partnership with our…
What does it mean for students to be AI-ready?
Not everyone wants to be a computer scientist, a software engineer or a machine learning developer. We owe it to our students to prepare them with a full range of AI…
Infertility is a private struggle that requires open and supportive solutions
With infertility on the rise, is it time for universities to consider how they support staff struggling with fertility? Devon Oakley-Hogg shares a first-hand account of her …
Australian universities need to do more than pay lip service to multilingualism
How can we train Australian schoolteachers in cultural and linguistic diversity if our universities are English-only zones? Embed translanguaging practices in…
Higher education needs a united approach to AI
If universities’ response to AI and education is as fractured as the sector’s adoption of blended learning, we may well find ourselves in a similar position in 20 years’ time …
Why visible senior leadership in sustainability matters
Successful or sustainable? Is this the biggest challenge that universities face when striving to reduce their carbon footprint? Jan Evans-Freeman explains where leadership …
Informal networking and how to meet people on campus
Belonging is not just a result of being in a place – nor it is the sole preserve of students. For university faculty, it comes from chance encounters, small gestures and stepping…
Talking to students about AI
Socio-economic, cultural, geographic and other factors mean that some students know more about AI than others, and we can’t have an effective discussion about AI…
The (AI) sky isn’t falling
Students using generative AI to write their essays is a problem, but it isn’t a crisis, writes Christopher Hallenbrook. We have the tools to tackle the issue of…
Why I invite a creationist to my evolutionary biology class
The encounter gives students a chance to apply newly gained knowledge to a real-world situation and, perhaps more importantly, it models productive discussion among…
AI did not disturb assessment – it just made our mistakes visible
If educators don’t understand the learning processes, they also miss the reasons why students cheat, writes Margault Sacré. Here, she offers an approach to…
In an artificially intelligent age, frame higher education around a new kind of thinking
One of the helpful by-products emerging from the advent of AI is that we are beginning to reflect more critically on the way we think, writes David Holland
Is it time to turn off AI detectors?
In this extract from their new book, ‘Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning’, José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson discuss the reliability…
AI can help fix student evaluations
With large language models to provide reports and analysis, educators can make use of generative AI to improve the process of student evaluations, writes Adnan Ajšić
Real-world experiences can help your creative arts students create real-world change
Integrating real-world experiences into creative industries programmes can create truly meaningful results – for both the students and the wider community. Clare …
Harnessing the humanities for transformative tech leadership
Amid a growing awareness that humanities students and faculty need data literacy, Rishi Jaitly, a longstanding champion of the humanities in technology, explains why …
How authentic stories can empower the ‘unheard voices’
Storytelling can be a powerful change agent. When proposing change – such as the digital transformation in universities – leadership needs to communicate in ways that…
Collaboration requires more than not stepping on toes
To get things done in universities, do we need to embrace conflict or find new ways to work together? Here, three digital adopters explain why collaboration isn’t the…
Why the ‘machine says no’: how asking for less can get you more…
Under-investment and lack of future proofing of core digital systems have left many universities with creaking legacy infrastructure that cannot support increasing…
Humans develop humans
Even small interactions with lecturers, tutors and peers offer opportunities for students to develop interpersonal skills, so it’s important we recognise and…
Steps to adapt engineering education to changing skills demands
Context-based learning, teamwork and creativity are all elements that could help engineering training respond more effectively to the needs of complex workplaces, …
Pledges and charters in medical schools: catalysts for change or performative promises?
Pledges demonstrating support in addressing issues such as racism and misogyny will often garner interest and may even attract pockets of funding. But they also risk…
Get real about hiring people with disabilities
For too long ‘lived experience’ has been an inadequate requirement for jobs that make decisions for people with disabilities, and recruitment practices need to change,…
What underpins effective patient and public involvement in health and social care research?
Is it rules or values? The two key ways to approach the art of PPI in healthcare research should come together in process, procedures and culture, writes Gary Hickey
Pluralistic campuses will foster the bridge-builders our divided nations need
Students with the skills to treat diverse viewpoints with curiosity and respect will be prepared to navigate the complexities of the real world, say Eboo Patel and Rebecca…
Changing campus protests from disruptions to learning opportunities
Higher education leaders should use student activism to develop leadership and negotiation skills, argue Blair Glaser and Richard Nodell
The climate crisis heralds an imperative for sustainable accountancy practices
Finance and accounting educators have a moral obligation to embed the principles of the SDGs into their courses. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to do, write…
Empowering women leaders in fighting climate change: a call to action
Achieving gender balance goes beyond mere representation, writes Tahseen Jafry. Tackling the climate crisis necessitates a profound shift among the next generation …
Could Athenian democracy improve the quality of science?
What if universities were governed according to the open culture that drives scientific research itself? Zoltan Dienes and Jörg Huber look at an ancient model for…
Celebrate Black History Year and tackle racial inequality all year long
Instead of consigning the recognition of Black histories to one single month, Deborah Husbands, Stephen Bunbury and Dibyesh Anand advocate for a Black History Year
Believe it or not, you can use conspiracy theories as tools for teaching
When misinformation is a global risk, critical thinking skills are more vital than ever, writes Malcolm Schofield. Here, he offers techniques from parapsychology and…
The language of inclusivity is not inclusive
Terms such as equity, diversity and inclusion give the impression that they are dealing with what is present. In fact, EDI work deals with what is absent, writes Pascal…
Why press releases are a waste of your comms team’s time
Most universities will track press release output as part of overall communications metrics – but, asks Kylie Ahern, have you considered other ways to generate …
Don’t just chat(GPT): turn on critical interrogation
Critical thinking is often seen as the antidote to generative AI. But what if educators took it one step further back and aimed to encourage students’ curiosity? Giuseppe …
In-person events are still necessary
Should academics be travelling to events that could be done virtually? Drawing on her experiences at COP28, Denise Baden shares tips on how to make the most of…
Students see the benefits of AI-generated learning content
Students might already show a preference for AI-generated online learning content, so academic colleagues and institutions need to capitalise on this to improve resource…
It can be different: managing time, tasks and well-being in academia
Academic careers are often associated with long hours, overwhelming workload and burnout – but it doesn’t have to be that way. Understanding the nature of knowledge …
How can universities increase diversity in spin-out founders?
Ensuring that all talented researchers can participate in spin-out leadership is core to translating world-leading discoveries into innovative and impactful businesses, writes…
Approach with caution: why education faculty should engage public intellectualism
The public debate on intellectualism is failing to consider education experts. Ali and Davin Carr-Chellman find the ways to reclaim the narrative
What will it take to ensure that international students are treated fairly?
Treatment of international students needs to shift to a social justice approach, and the interim report from Australia’s Universities Accord Panel doesn’t go far enough.…
Learning the machine: shaping the future of creative education
Educators should engage with artificial intelligence and other technologies not just as users but as influencers, write Ed D’Souza and Sunil Manghani
Interdisciplinarity is a core part of AI’s heritage and is entwined with its future
To train students to engage responsibly with artificial intelligence, a genuinely interdisciplinary perspective – from the language used to recognising that human and…
Using primary sources to tell queer histories
Public records and private lives? In uncovering LGBTQ+ stories in personal archives and impersonal documents, historians should ask questions about how each source…
Will ChatGPT change our definitions of cheating?
We can’t yet know if we have a full taxonomy of ChatGPT-enhanced mischief, or whether certain uses should be classed as mischief at all, writes Tom Muir
Lots of talk about diversity in corporations, but what about universities?
Why real progress won’t be made unless universities solve three persistent issues: access to networks, unconscious bias and insider culture, writes Blane Ruschak
What about lifelong learning for international students?
International students might not be comfortable with the student-centred mindset that underpins continuous, self-directed learning. We must prepare them for lifelong…
The problem with equity, diversity and inclusion in a multiracist world
EDI initiatives are commonplace in Western higher education. They pay little or no attention to the global diversity of racism. But should they, asks Alastair…
Breaking academic barriers: large language models and the future of search
The true potential of generative AI and large language models remains underexplored in academia. These technologies may offer more than just answers.…
Diversity efforts in academia are leading us towards ‘the oppression Olympics’
EDI campaigns and scholarships keep failing ethnic minority students because they are tailored to the needs of white people, writes Andrea E.L. Attipoe
Higher apprenticeships reimagined for lifelong learners
If Australia is serious about addressing pressing skills shortages and rapidly changing technology and labour markets, lifelong learning must become a…
Why hybrid learning needs hybrid faculties
Online courses should be integrated into everyday faculty functions to improve remote and in-person classes as well as the overall student experience
We need to bang the drum for music degrees
Music degrees aren’t as valued as they should be. Universities can do much more to make them attractive to students and parents, argues Sam Walton
Making space for emotions in learning
The trick is to design courses so cognitive and affective learning balance each other in a way that promotes empathy and deeper understanding of the content, writes Carol…
Respectful provocation: the university skill for our times?
Challenging students about their assumptions and values makes them better equipped to engage with the challenges of living in a diverse society, writes Mathew Guest
An academic’s advice for navigating risk
From publication to grant applications, the rites of academia come with unfavourable odds. Yet researchers are rarely taught how to deal with uncertainty.…
Universities, AI and the common good
Higher education must find paths for meaningful engagement with artificial intelligence, to leverage its potential, explain the problems and mitigate the hazards,…
How can universities disrupt the gender investment gap?
Engaging with stakeholders beyond higher education and debunking myths around women and innovation can open spin-out opportunities to more women, writes…
How can generative AI intersect with Bloom’s taxonomy?
Like in a video game, AI allows us to jump multiple levels, but that doesn’t mean the much-used framework becomes obsolete – we might just need a new approach
Collaborating with artificial intelligence? Use your metacognitive skills
Metacognition in humans holds the key to ‘collaborative intelligence’ – making the most effective use of the complementary strengths of human and artificial…
It’s time to change the narrative on affirmative action
Public institutions are doing the heavy lifting of levelling the playing field, writes Jonathan Koppell, so let’s amplify access-oriented institutions as instruments of…
Universities need to show – not just tell – students what they stand for
Modern institutions must adjust their recruitment approaches from data-driven to values-driven and realise the importance of putting people, not spreadsheets, …
The scramble to push students towards internships is troubling
With employability at all costs now dominating HE, we seem to be ignoring the very real problems of a system built on free labour and work placements, says Anne Hewitt
With the right support, students with ADHD can thrive in digital learning environments
Don’t generalise about digital learning being problematic for students with ADHD. Rather, find the digital tools that develop their unique talents, argues Dustin Hosseini
Universities and academics need to make space for ‘useless’ research
The academic race for short-term results and practical applications must be balanced with research that can, in due time, become incredibly useful, writes James Derounian
A month of highs and lows: the impact of menstruation on HE
Universities need to better accommodate the challenges faced by menstruating students to promote educational equity, write Mays Imad and Kerri Maron
Shifting landscapes of social media data for research
What can researchers do in light of changes to social media platforms’ APIs that reduce and monetise access to data? In this uncharted territory, aspects to watch…
Offer students a personal touch through peer support
As universities expand, they will need to take more of a personal approach to higher education – despite the huge cohorts – but how? Emma Norman suggests looking to…
Is open access tarnished?
As open access terms have split into colour-coded brands, not all allow totally unrestricted access and reuse. Among these, “bronze OA” stands out as a potentially…
Digital accessibility is real and tangible
A workshop using real-life examples and first-hand experience of how assistive technology works can result in a deeper understanding of accessibility needs
What distinguishes a university from a knowledge enterprise?
In this extract, David Staley and Dominic Endicott offer 12 features that characterise institutions committed to attracting talent to their region for economic growth and …
Open access is inevitable – only the ‘how’ remains up for discussion
Scholarly knowledge is produced mainly at taxpayers’ expense. Why they should have to pay again to read it remains a mystery, writes Peter Baldwin
The dark side of AI’s promised efficiencies
Artificial intelligence can use data and algorithms in a way that prioritises rationality over values such as fairness and quality of education, writes Vern Glaser
It’s time to radicalise the writing proficiency exam
Written exams should generate writing that vibrates with personality, exploration of ideas and an urge to communicate, says Tyler Thier
Why students and faculty alike need mental health first-aid training
Basic knowledge and skills could empower university communities to promote and destigmatise mental health issues and empower individuals to recognise risks…
How a school exchange with my daughter led me to question the role of universities
Giving a class at my daughter’s school and having her visit my university gave rise to serious questions about childcare, education and how our universities fit into …
Teaching originality: an essential skill in the age of ChatGPT
Academic originality is not about chance, genius or magic. It is about engagement and a clear sense of scholarly contribution. And it can be taught, writes Alastair Bonnett
A bridge between academics and communications staff
Science communication in a post-Covid world calls for a new way to span the gap between researchers and university comms teams – and a new skill set, as Michael…
I’d tell my younger self that my chequered past would be my strength
With the benefit of hindsight, Anson Mackay re-examines their career path to see lessons in self-compassion and being their authentic self in collaboration and the…
ADHD in higher education: is digital learning making it worse?
Hopping between multiple apps and platforms can easily overwhelm students with ADHD – we must be alert to the effects of too much digital multitasking, says Adrian J.…
Is critical thinking the answer to generative AI?
Designing assessment that tests critical thinking has value and practicality, so the challenge is figuring out questions that flummox the AI without creating wildly …
Quality assurance of online transnational higher education
Online and hybrid degrees are booming, but work needs to be done to maintain the reputation of Australian online university degrees in the transnational education …
Ever wished lectures could be more flexible? Introducing the ‘flecture’
Does the design of lecture theatres actually hinder knowledge dissemination? Richard Layzell discusses his experiments in shifting the norms of education delivery
How to find personal fulfilment after being a scientist
Academia encourages experimentation and innovative thinking. Why not apply these skills to finding a more satisfying job? Greta Faccio explains how she hit …
How knowledge-sharing is making Baja’s wine industry the ‘next Napa’
Diana Celaya Tentori discusses the huge benefits of knowledge-sharing in wine research that can be applied to every academic discipline
We need systemic change to tackle EDI in education
Tackling discrimination in business and society requires us to change the ways we deal with ‘difference’ in education, writes Sankalp Chaturvedi
How universities can help rebuild trust in science
The crisis of confidence in science has deep origins. The answer to regaining traction is compelling stories and the skills to tell them beyond the academy, writes Bartłomiej…
The confidence trick: impostor syndrome and PhDs in the non-academic world
Researchers have a great deal to offer the world beyond academia. But, as John Miles writes, knowing where and when to deploy these skills is crucial
A translation exercise to improve students’ creative writing
Literary translation and writing have a cyclical, reciprocal relationship, as novelist Maithreyi Karnoor explains with a task to tap into students’ feel for language
Poetry is a door into many disciplines, not just a literary one
A poem can act as a memory aid, ground facts in individual experience and prompt questions about policy, power and generational impact, says Pádraig Ó Tuama
One thing at a time: tips for making decisions
Academic life is rife with everyday choices that can sap your bandwidth. Here’s why this is exhausting and how to ease the load
HE has its head in the sand on long Covid, and it could prove costly
Long Covid is far more common than most people let on, so institutions must be ready to support its students, staff and faculty – here’s how
Re-evaluating natural intelligence in the face of ChatGPT
Generative AI tools mean that our pedagogy, understanding of specialisation and how we value human abilities such as empathy, compassion and critical thinking must change
Is it time to rethink social mobility discourse and the meaning of ‘success’?
We must remember that while social mobility is a valuable goal, it’s not one with which all students are willing or able to conform, say Louise Ashley and William Monteith
We need an integrated approach to inclusion in higher education
Carol Evans makes the case for an Integrated Inclusion Framework, which would harmonise competing but overlapping EDI agendas to create aligned change that…
How the idea of ‘excellence’ can be misleading in higher education
A new approach to achievement could see a focus on As give way to a suite of mastery that meets students’ needs – and helps faculty balance expectations, writes…
How to advance equity-informed leadership in universities
Increasing diversity at universities requires more than raising aspirations and enrolment among Indigenous and other under-represented students. Braden Hill offers…
A holistic blueprint for sustainability
Instead of compartmentalising decisions about infrastructure or resource allocation, universities need a whole-system approach to sustainability that shifts…
A vision for graduate supervision
Supervising graduate students is a responsibility and skill that goes far beyond the mere transmission of knowledge, as Daniel Jutras explains
Narrating failure in academia: how to turn trash into treasure
Instead of hiding from failure in shame and despair, and on the way to normalising it, we should learn how to better narrate it, says Lucas Lixinski
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…
What happens when we can’t help a student when they need us most?
The job of university personal tutor is not nine-to-five, and academics in support roles are fallible and don’t always get it right. Catherine Lee shares advice for those times from…
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…
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…
The four-day week in higher education: can we make it work?
With a culture of overwork eroding well-being among UK university staff, could a four-day working week be part of the solution? Rushana Khusainova looks at whether…
You’re not alone: tips to help academics avoid social isolation
Connections with colleagues matter – without them, support during periods of reappointment, promotion or tenure can feel tenuous. And those unwritten expectations…
Want students back in the classroom? Don’t give everything away online
Empty classrooms are an unfortunate reality of post-pandemic universities. To stop this, we need to explain the fundamentals of learning and tempt students back
What LGBTQ+ allyship means in academia
Being a queer person who very much appreciates allyship and who tries to be a good ally to others has taught me a few things, says Lucas Lixinski
Towards 2035: a future view of university education
What will higher education be like by 2035? Four early-career academics at Australian universities, from different discipline areas, offer a vision of how universities might…
Transformative change is needed to deliver Earth-centred education
The time for incrementalism is over. As responsible humans and academic professionals we must radically rethink the purposes and processes of education and development
Universities must think smarter when devising edtech strategies for the future
The ideal vision is one where AI and faculty work together to deliver the best outcomes, rather than a two-tier system where the less privileged are left with a low-cost, …
Creating ‘third spaces’ will revolutionise your campus
Informal communal spaces bring multiple benefits, from encouraging interdisciplinarity to helping with net zero targets, says Jerry Tate
Why is self-reflection core to decolonisation and anti-racism in the academy?
To move beyond rhetoric, hollow commitments and well-intentioned one-time efforts, we must hold ourselves accountable, says a team from Simon Fraser University
Seven strategies to turn academic libraries into social organisations
For libraries to secure their future on higher education campuses, they must embrace a model that prioritises partnerships and collaboration, says Sheila…
When is a percentage not a percentage? The problem with HE marking practices
When an assessor awards a percentage to an essay, report or similar piece of work, this is a subjective mark rather than a genuine percentage – and this is deeply problematic
Those of us with dyspraxia are frequently affected by academic ableism
The actions, inertia and discretion of individual academics can be a key driver of ableism – here’s what you and your institution can do to help, says John Macklin
Being elitist about sci-comms damages science
Scientists, if you communicate only with people at your own level of expertise, how will you recruit the best and brightest, engage the public and change the world? Kylie Ahern takes…
I’m a disabled student – this is what I worry about when applying to your university
Phoebe Allen, an A-level student with cerebral palsy and full-time wheelchair user, outlines how universities can better accommodate disabled students
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
Where’s our Black bereavement leave?
Higher education routinely ignores the emotional needs of Black faculty and staff, particularly after traumatic events, and it’s time for that to change, says Angel Jones
What’s next for university admissions?
With the impact of AI on applications as yet unknown and affirmative action in the US at risk, Rick Clark speculates on the future of college admissions. His hope…
What does a 21st-century research and science system look like?
Jim Metson explores what is needed from universities and government to create a transformative research, science and innovation sector in New Zealand
What’s your scholarly ‘next big thing’, and how should you choose it?
For those who want to be setting the agenda in their field, a big project is one of the clearest ways of doing it. Lucas Lixinski ruminates on what that could look like
How LGBTQ leaders navigate a predominantly non-LGBTQ world
Looking at LGBTQ leadership style as a reaction to the power structures that dominate our culture is essential to finding a common thread through a diverse…
The changes to the National Student Survey could prove disastrous
The removal of well-being-centric questions and the ability to compare with previous years will impede universities’ ability to offer adequate support
How to tell if your university is making a genuine effort to increase diversity
There is zero doubt that bias pervades the HE system. Universities need to show they are taking it as seriously as they take publication and other key performance areas
Challenges and opportunities of the 60-year curriculum
Lifelong learning for a post-digital-transformation, post-Covid world will need a degree of intention, design and flexibility universities do not yet offer, writes Jeff Grabill
Business school recruitment: disrupt to diversify
A genuine commitment to championing greater equity, diversity and inclusion in business education demands a paradigm shift, says Arnold Longboy
New views on the block: schedule or philosophy?
Colorado College founded its Block Plan in the heady, revolutionary late 1960s. What can a look back over 50 years teach us about the future of compressed and modular…
It’s time to end the negative narratives surrounding foundation students
Foundation students are often seen as somehow lacking, but we can challenge the stereotypes around their knowledge and backgrounds to force positive change
Leadership and the intersectionality of being queer and living with HIV
Coming out as gay was a first step, but it was being open about living with HIV that showed Raymond Crossman how his whole self shaped his role as president. Here, he…
The history versus fiction debate revisited (again) thanks to ‘The Crown’
In the wake of the notorious television series it feels more crucial than ever that faculty reiterate to students the difference between historical fact and fiction
ChatGPT and AI writers: a threat to student agency and free will?
If we resign ourselves to thinking that resistance is futile and allow AI to replace students’ voices, we are surely guilty of abandoning our responsibilities as educators
ChatGPT has arrived – and nothing has changed
ChatGPT may make it a little easier for students to cheat, but the best ways of thwarting cheating have never been focused on policing and enforcement, says Danny…
If I redesigned UK higher education, I would…
Pay-as-you-go modules? Choose-your-own first year? Glenn Fosbraey looks to the blue sky for (sometimes radical) ideas for improving the HE experience
Don’t jettison traditional academic writing just yet
Academic writing is transforming – into comics, podcasts, installations – but that doesn’t mean bog-standard peer-reviewed papers are less key to…
Intersectionality is the only way to nurture academics of colour
Finding the blind spots in EDI efforts will more effectively support academics sitting at the intersection of minority identities. Here are three places to start
Embracing inclusivity with ‘y’all’: why this pronoun deserves a fresh look
In a recent online meeting, a colleague told me that using that word made me sound uneducated. So I set out to see if it is really sending a bad message
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…
Should we be worried? An educators’ introduction to the metaverse
What is it and what might it mean for the future of education?
Eliminating harmful digital technologies in universities: a guide
Modern institutions are rife with tech that disenfranchises, dehumanises, excludes and even bullies students and teachers. It’s high time for a rethink, says Andy Farnell
In the rush to meet labour market needs, universities can’t forget the human element
Understanding that students are people first, with lived experiences that influence their choice of college and career, will help position graduates for success
Will online education lead to the death of conversation?
Students who can critique ideas and generate sound, reasoned arguments in real time will be better prepared to find success after they graduate, says Rebekah Wanic
Hacking their hack: how embracing online summaries revolutionised my classes
With students struggling to focus on and comprehend assignments, summaries can take some of the leg work out of learning and allow students to come to class ready to…
Students are disengaged – and it’s due to how higher ed is structured
Academic structures, such as disciplines, too often silo and limit possibilities for engagement and connection, says JT Torres
Should we be aiming for student happiness or student satisfaction?
Happiness and satisfaction are two sides of the same coin, but crucial differences exist between them – and one serves our students far better, says Doug Specht
I know first-hand that adult learners need a variety of supports to succeed
From flexible class schedules to a friendly smile, colleges that focus on individual needs are best positioned to help learners thrive at school and in life
Why there isn’t one ‘right way’ to practise ungrading
Extricating ourselves from A-F grading scales requires an inclusive, big tent approach in which we de-emphasise grades in a way that best fits our individual contexts
Good teachers need to be good learners
Patrick Bailey draws on four decades of university experience to identify the three things he thinks have the biggest impact on successful teaching and learning
Universities must acknowledge the value of students in recovery
University throws up many temptations, but if we offer the right support for addiction we are often rewarded with strong, tenacious students and staff
Modern higher education leaders must blend business and educational knowledge
Clearly articulated values, structures that support accountability and metrics that align with strategic goals are the new leadership competencies, says Angela…
Does the UK need an observatory for university engagement with policymakers?
Any such project would need to guard against numerous pitfalls, but the benefits in terms of bringing together various initiatives and engendering new skills could…
How can we help academia produce more women entrepreneurs?
The key change required to help female academics found spin-out companies is rebalancing the gender diversity of the investment community, but universities…
You can have it all, just not all at once
It might just be possible to achieve a good work-life balance in academia, but it requires focusing on certain areas of your life and career at certain times, says Lucas…
No one agrees on what research leadership is, let alone how to do it well
The academy has no common idea of what research leadership really is, why it’s important or what good practice looks like. That needs to change, says Matthew…
Looking for a tenured teaching job? I’ve got one piece of advice: get lucky
By reinforcing the myth of meritocracy, we perpetuate a system grounded in cruelty and false promises. It needs to stop, says David Webster
Universities must stop policing and surveilling international PGRs
From controlling travel to failing to provide adequate support, universities’ treatment of international postgrads is harming the research community and the…
Transformative not transmissive education for sustainability
The teaching of sustainability and the SDGs needs to equip graduates with the skills to bring about transformative change for a better future. Jen Dollin, Brittany Hardiman …
What I learned from spending three years researching TikTok
Far from being an attention span wasteland, the popular social media platform has great instructional potential for engaged and experimental academics, says Elizabeth…
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 …
To improve research culture, we must change the way we measure performance
Jo Cresswell explains how universities can support more collaborative cultures by changing the way academics are reviewed, assessed and rewarded
It’s high time we rethought policy impact
The frameworks currently in use for rewarding policy impact are peppered with problems and pitfalls – here’s how to fix them, says Christina Boswell
To offset or not to offset – that is the question
Carbon offsetting is a hotly debated issue, with critics positing that it distracts from real efforts to reduce emissions. David Duncan explains why a compromise…
To block or not to block? How time affects learning in higher education
From intensive block plans to open-ended study programmes, the ideal length for a unit of study is under interrogation. Jason M. Lodge considers the evidence
AI in higher education: dystopia, utopia or something in between?
To understand how HE can incorporate AI successfully, we need to think about how humans will interact with the technology and change their behaviour, says Ben Swift
Why higher education must serve students as the customer and the product
An effective university programme should continually adapt in order to add value for and to the students so that they can meet future workplace demands, Haksin…
What I learned from nearly getting cancelled
Being the subject of student complaints was a very difficult experience for all involved – one that I am trying to learn from
Flipping the university admissions process on its head
Why should it always be students who seek out their ‘best fit’ campus? It’s time for universities to rethink how they manage traditional admissions – and boost…
Building emotional resilience is not creating a generation of ‘snowflakes’
Many students arrive at university adept at navigating challenging situations. Julia Downes explains how to leverage and add to these skills for positive and …
Digital exclusion hits students hardest at the start of their journey
VLEs, intranets, sports and social apps – the digital ecosystem at university is vast. We must induct students into it quickly and carefully to prevent them falling behind
Breaking barriers for women: closing the gender health gap in academia
In the final part of their ‘breaking barriers for women’ series, eight female academics propose ways to tackle the stigma and career deficits caused by women’s…
Bad news, kids (and academics): the magical motivation fairy doesn’t exist
Motivation for tricky tasks doesn’t just appear magically, but with these psychological tricks you can get yourself and your career moving, says Hugh Kearns
As a black, female student, I wish I’d had a peer-mentoring scheme
Asking more experienced students to volunteer to help first-years navigate their university journey can make all the difference in terms of belonging and confidence
Failure can feel hot and shameful, but we must normalise it
Failure is essential in research, so we need to reframe it into an opportunity for learning, says Emma Williams
For the common good: why we need ecological universities
Higher education has become too aligned to specific economic interests and needs to be redirected to focus on regenerative values for the common good, argue …
What does ‘strengthen research capacity’ actually mean, and how can we do it?
Leaders of research consortia face a difficult task in carrying out research and improving research capacity, but embedding a specialist team to make recommendations…
Considering a university merger? Here’s how to do it well
Assessing a merger’s viability, as well as prioritising trust, openness and maintaining organisational cultures are key to success, says Kayla Vasilko
Covid should have taught us that campus needs to be a treasured space
If we’re to tempt stay-away students back to the physical campus, we must recognise that place and places matter following disasters, say Gemma Ahearne and Treasa…
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
Zoom fatigue and other exhaustions of international academic life
For many scholars, a sustainable career means moving countries to follow jobs and opportunities. Here, Clare Griffin talks about the financial, mental and social…
Linguistic racism can take a high toll on international students
Even seemingly innocuous comments on the way that students use dominant local languages can have severe effects on mental health, says Sender Dovchin
Why my hobbies make me a better scholar
Non-academic skills, both motor and cognitive, can enrich research capabilities in unexpected and often unexamined ways, writes Stephen W. Harmon
Why higher education should take an EDI lesson from Kendrick Lamar
The Pulitzer-winning rapper’s disdain for performative activism contains lessons for universities who espouse their good intentions rather than enact change
Virtual reality has failed education, so what should we do with it?
Getting VR right at a sophisticated level requires a hefty mix of hardware, pricey developers, rock-solid internet and suitable pedagogy – but there is a way forward
Introducing ‘translanguaging’ – and other ways to promote multilingualism
If universities are serious about internationalisation, they must confront the hegemony of English-medium instruction – here’s how, says Dylan Williams
We must remove technology worries from the student cost-of-living crisis
Students and parents cannot be left to make up the shortfall when it comes to financing their studies and tech needs – they need help from universities and government
Breaking barriers for women: enough talking, time for action
In the second part of their ‘breaking barriers for women’ series, seven female academics outline key changes to help remodel a fairer HE system from the…
Safeguarding conferences are becoming the land that change forgot
The lack of a firm steer from the universities regulator means a sector left in limbo when it comes to tackling sexual misconduct – and events covering the same…
You said, we did – now what? Why student voice initiatives need a rethink
‘Student voice’ initiatives tend towards changes that can be easily packaged and publicised rather than those that demand time, resources and deeper consideration
Sea of sameness: why universities have trouble with branding
Universities need to better embrace commercial opportunities and stop trying to be all things to all people, says Paul Baines
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
We need our collegiality reserves replenished post-Covid – here’s how
While collegiality rests mostly with the people, institutions cannot just sit back and wait for it to spring on its own, says Lucas Lixinski
Is it possible to decolonise the business curriculum?
Untangling business studies from the discipline’s imperial origins might seem an insurmountable task, but it’s up to university leaders to take the lead on this complex…
Engineering schools are riddled with issues – reinvention is required
From increasing diversity to embracing flexibility, engineering schools must enter a period of self-reflection if they are to remain viable
Rejecting hybrid conferences as the new norm reeks of ableism
Failure to offer a virtual component for conferences makes organisers complicit in a system that excludes particular academics, says William E. Donald
Why online learning must remain part of the education toolkit
Critics of online learning often blame the medium itself rather than ineffective instruction, when the focus should be on how to deliver the best teaching possible…
Inclusion of thought v inclusion of feelings: a showdown
In the pursuit of inclusivity, should we adjust what we teach to include students’ sensitivities or expose them to the full range of serious ideas? asks Arif Ahmed
The promotion process needs bigger, better data if we’re to make it fairer
Enough of the tiny sample sizes at institutional level – if we want to identify the issues that hold back careers, we need sector-wide figures and cooperation
It is time to bring back peace studies
Recent world events point towards the need for a commitment to peace at every level of society, writes Annelise Riles, as she explains how universities can …
Beware the pitfalls of making lectures ‘interesting’ and focus on curiosity instead
Conflating ‘interesting’ with ‘entertaining’ and getting caught in a never-ending loop of shinier and shinier edutainment should be shunned in favour of…
Next level? The pros and cons of game-based learning
Using gamification in the classroom can work wonders for engagement, but does it come at too great a cost to deep thinking, asks Frederik van Dam
It may be time to rethink the ‘edtech adoption curve’
A new survey of higher ed faculty reveals more early adopters of edtech than previously thought, says Nicole Barbaro
The rise and rise of the lecture-tainer
Falling class attendance and shorter student attention spans present challenges for university teachers. Sandi Mann offers advice for tackling the boredom conundrum
Being inclusive also means remembering not everyone has rhino-thick skin
The way we give feedback, from the undergraduate essay right through to peer review, provides opportunities to unconsciously exclude people, says Hugh Kearns
Yes, online learning can teach you to think
The idea that online learning ‘doesn’t teach people to think’, which was suggested by one of our peers recently, is short-sighted and false
Russia’s intellectual isolation presents opportunities for Central Asian HE
Major universities in this region are now uniquely positioned to build new international partnerships with academic institutions that have lost access to Russia
The US should admit Ukrainian medical students to help them rebuild their country
A caveat for recipients of such aid would be committing to moving back to Ukraine to practise after they have completed their studies
How leaders can and must work together to address inequity
Leading by example and striking the right balance between competition and collaboration are crucial points for those hoping to lead HE to a more equitable future
Business schools must play their part in supporting those fleeing Ukraine
As providers of education that sits at the interface of industry and academia, the onus is on business schools to step up during times of crisis
Original essays written in seconds: how ‘transformers’ will change assessment
Artificial intelligence that generates original text will be both empowering and disruptive for students and higher education at large, say Mike Sharples and Rafael…
The summer life of a teacher can be a boon for creativity in the classroom
For me, what makes a teacher interesting in the classroom is proportional to what interests them outside it, says Zachary Michael Jack
Running a diverse team is harder work – but the rewards are immense
John Womersley managed more than 50 nationalities on a €3 billion science project. Here, he reflects on the experience and gives tips on getting the most out of a…
Managers are so far from the front line; how can they advance EDI?
Authentic leadership involves being clear about one’s values but taking a step back to allow others the space to develop the scope of projects, says Harriet Dunbar-Morris
Playing to our strengths: how HE can benefit from shared edtech
Too many inter-institutional collaborations are derailed due to a false belief that institutions’ tech infrastructures are too dissimilar, says John Miles
Practical ways to develop a comprehensive university ‘sanctuary’ programme
Seven practical steps to developing a comprehensive sanctuary programme that can support the immediate needs of displaced students and academics while …
The metaverse is much more than a virtual copy of your campus
Most universities are not yet in the metaverse space, nor clear about what is really involved – and we can’t afford to remain in this position, says Andy Miah
I’m a Columbia student, and I don’t want my grade inflated
Normalising failure could improve students’ mental health, give them the freedom to learn more effectively and make them more resilient all at once, says Jacob Clay
The sector’s role in addressing climate change is crucial – and varied
From researching microalgae to evaluating and contributing to climate policy, universities have a significant job to do, says Lucy Meredith
For students’ sake, we shouldn’t be too proud to seek collaboration
It’s difficult to admit as an institution where you aren’t delivering for students, but we must be self-aware enough to seek help when needed
How to enhance your chances of serendipitous research discoveries
Five approaches that will help researchers prepare for and make the most of serendipitous opportunities
We started a commercial software company at our university – and you should too
Staffed by students, epiGenesys provides profits for the university and allows students to work in a lively, supportive and successful business environment
Western universities need to look further afield or risk alienation
So many institutions have their heads in the sand, but if they create true international partnerships, they can reap great rewards, says Hugh Martin
Breaking barriers for women: how to build effective parental leave
Seven academics who recently navigated the topsy-turvy world of maternity leave make six recommendations for ensuring motherhood is compatible with academia
Could 2022 be the year of partnership models, and should you get involved?
Universities must consider the positives and negatives before jumping into a student support partnership or signing up with an online programme manager
Despite positive steps, much remains to be done on sexual misconduct
A year on from the OfS’ statement of expectations, it’s time to implement effective, evidence-based approaches to address harassment and sexual violence
Chasing unicorns: can universities shape the edtech space to their advantage?
Staying abreast of developments outside the big players in the fast-moving world of edtech can benefit institutions while also ensuring a healthy marketplace
Teaching your students proofreading skills brings them huge benefits
Being able to produce error-free written communication helps students project competence in class and beyond, says Stone Meredith
Three big ideas to ensure research helps shape the future of business
High-quality scientific research and the values it encapsulates, such as a focus on empirical evidence over opinion, must be used to help business for years to come
Does decolonisation in the West do anything for the developing world?
Expanded reading lists do little for the student whose visa is denied because there’s not enough money in their parents’ bank account, says Farish A Noor
We need to create a tutoring army to level up education
Getting student volunteers to tutor less-privileged children would boost fundamental education for those who need it most and provide a national social mobility service, says…
How to attract and support non-traditional students in higher education
Hurdles and obstacles are created from the outset and then vice-chancellors wonder why their student population is not diverse, says Dilshad Sheikh
How I plan to get through REF results day
If the results don’t deliver what we think we’ve earned, it will be a blow, but it won’t change the fact that what we do matters, says John McKendrick
We won’t get anywhere without placing the SDGs in local contexts
Applying the SDGs looks vastly different in a Western city from how it does in a rural Asian village. Su Li Chong explains how universities can help us get past a one-size…
The good, the bad and the way forward: how UK universities should respond to REF results
How should UK universities respond if their REF results are good, bad or offer a mixed picture? New pro vice-chancellor for research Heather Widdows shares her…
Diversity statements: the good, the bad and the ugly
Diversity statements can be created with good intentions but still manage to perpetuate inequality. Henrika McCoy and Madeline Lee detail what to look out for and suggested…
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
Don’t let the REF tail wag the academic dog
Institutions should resist the temptation to use the REF as a tool for competition and self-promotion and, instead, approach the results in ways that support sector-wide…
Can there ever be a neat history of colonialism?
People today seem to want their history to be linear and totalising, but it is only by addressing the messiness of the past that we can understand the present
Is your teaching and learning ‘not supported’?
Are you Google or Microsoft? WhatsApp or Signal? The incompatibility driven by Big Tech obstructs research and teaching, so Europe’s mooted Digital Markets Act may be…
Academics must resist the creeping degradation of academic freedom
Unless an academic is exceptionally bloody-minded, they will eventually take the path of least resistance, which is subtle erosion in action, says Arif Ahmed
Educational gag orders could destroy the structure of higher education
Universities and programmes could lose their accreditation and students could lose their financial aid if governors continue signing these legislative restrictions
Everything you need to know about cyberattacks (but were afraid to ask)
From communication to recovery times, Patrick Bailey provides an insider’s guide to dealing with the havoc wrought by cyberattacks, based on first-hand…
The cruel optimism of research careers: how to support contract workers
The conversation needs to switch from academic careers being the responsibility of individual researchers to what employers can do to support those in precarious roles
Universities must follow business and place ‘purpose’ front and centre
More and more businesses are shifting from the short-term myopia of financial self-interest to enduring, aspirational reasons to exist. Universities need to do the…
Naming students is even more crucial in online classes
Naming learners fosters a community in which the teacher is clearly all in and focused on individual members in the unique, shared space of the online…
In-person teaching now needs to be justified
If we take the same critical lens to in-person learning as we once did to online, rationalising our need for the former, how much better could we make our teaching?
Lifelong learning needs a reboot – here’s how to do it
Instead of untangling a miscellany of education products, lifelong learners should find the structure and purpose of their degree continues into their…
Students are different, so why are you still teaching them all the same way?
We know that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t really work. Adriana Plata-Marroquin and Leticia Castaño offer tips on implementing differentiated instruction
Why you should write feedback to your students before they’ve submitted
Starting at the end seems counterintuitive, but anticipating student strengths and weaknesses and automating your responses comes into its own for large…
It’s time for teachers to assert their professional opinions on learning delivery
Isn’t it odd that teachers are often just passive users of whatever tech product is selected for them rather than designers of and collaborators in edtech adoption?
Don’t forget that the ‘academic’ and the ‘vocational’ are deeply intertwined
It’s not enough to focus solely on academic mission, but neither is it enough to think of universities as little more than training schools, says Sir Chris Husbands
Do our students need to be book smart or street smart? They need to be both
Employers want talent to jump right in and fulfil new tasks without a lot of coaching. Project-based learning will help prepare students for this new way of thinking and…
The sector must come together when talk turns to promoting economic success
What could be more important than preparing our students for jobs in the local economy and supporting graduates to become the entrepreneurs of the future? asks Sir David Bell
Does seeing others’ success on LinkedIn make you unhappy?
LinkedIn can help you find a job and promote yourself, but it may also leave you questioning your own career trajectory – here’s how to combat the social media blues
Why I choose not to teach with social media
If social media is eventually revealed as a grave threat to public health, the academy’s unquestioning adoption of it could make scholars complicit
LinkedIn is quickly becoming academia’s key tool for career progression
For students and academics alike, it’s becoming hard to ignore LinkedIn’s combination of networking and self-promotional opportunities
The 10 commandments of academic Twitter
Lucas Lixinski offers tips on how to engage positively with the social media platform, from ‘honour thy hashtags’ to ‘thou shalt live-tweet at events’
How to use social media analytics to effectively expand your network
Digging deeper into social media, through stats and data, is the key to understanding audience and carving out your niche, says Michael Skiba
Want your research to have an impact on policy? Know your audience
Politicians are novices by design, so tailoring your communications with them gives you the best chance of cutting through, says David R. Garcia
What can universities do to protect Russian and Ukrainian academics fighting for truth?
Academics’ struggle is a stirring reminder that the freedom of scholars and students to speak, teach and publish is neither inviolable nor dispensable, says Ron Daniels
Failing fast: what universities need to consider when adopting edtech
An edtech company might offer an outstanding technology that fits with the ethos and strategic direction of an institution, but that is just the start, says John Miles
Fake news and disinformation abounds, but what can universities do?
Few universities offer courses on countering propaganda, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brings this weakness of provision into sharp relief, says Paul Baines
Students aren’t giving up social media, so teach them how to question it
Whatever our own opinions on social media, we must educate our students about locating bias and reading their preferred platforms critically, says Stone Meredith
Four key strategies for higher education leaders to advance democracy
University leaders must use their positions to develop citizens and communities that combat tyranny and facilitate democracy – hard work that is done on and off campus
Social media can help new students make friends – but we must regulate it
There’s much to like about employing social media to help nervous students make connections before being dumped on campus, but universities must not …
Universities must take a more holistic approach to social mobility
Financial support is only part of the equation – human and social capital are also crucial for helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds, says Andrew Burke
Universities must promote pluralism to ward off threats to democracy
Once the moral basis of anyone who disagrees with us is rejected, then democracy inevitably implodes, says Matthew Flinders
Universities aren’t walking the walk on sustainability – not even close
While HEIs continue to take tens of millions of pounds from oil companies, their integrity and commitment to the SDGs looks shaky at best, says James Derounian
Health workers need tech training – for themselves and their patients
There are huge risks involved if current and future healthcare professionals have to take up new forms of practice such as video consultations without …
How to stop unconsciously discriminating against international students
Using enquiry-based learning gives overseas students agency and helps them decide for themselves how they want to be included in the learning process, says Dylan Williams
Want students to exercise more? Make it part of their course
The body hears everything the mind says, so it is said. That is certainly true when teachers offer extra academic credits in return for physical activity, says Roberto Villaseñor-Roldán
Thinking about quitting your PhD? Maybe that’s the right decision
Sometimes not completing a PhD is the rational choice, and having open conversations around it helps stop people feeling isolated and uncertain, says Katherine Firth
We’ve forgotten how to communicate science to the public at a crucial time
As we try to tackle climate change, it feels like the pandemic has pushed us back decades to the bad old mode of scientists lecturing the public, says John Womersley
Fostering student collaboration rather than competition using peer review
When students are involved in peer review, they can more easily see the “problems” with classmates’ writing – and this creates opportunities in their own work, too
We must end the ‘us and them’ standoff between libraries and publishers
University libraries and publishers remain at a damaging impasse over digital textbooks – the solution requires communication, collaboration and openness …
If we truly want a level playing field, we must focus on social capital
For minoritised students to really benefit from HE, they need support to understand the world of work, build connections and activate networks
Immediacy cues are a great starting point for fostering inclusive classes
Both verbal and non-verbal cues, such as pronouncing names correctly, smiling and making eye contact signal to students that they are welcome, respected and…
Sessional academics: how to balance the demands of teaching and research
Teaching and research are the pillars of academia, yet these two roles often end up in opposition to one another, says Tara East
How to become a dean
Paul Baines talks through the pros and cons of being a dean, plus the skills you’ll need to display during the recruitment process to get there
What Wordle teaches us about the power of success
Offering more mastery experiences will greatly reduce the mental and emotional fatigue that permeates so many post-Covid university classrooms
Are STEM admissions processes hindering our diversity efforts?
The requirement for potential STEM students to have studied traditionally related subjects such as maths and physics seems outdated and unnecessary, says Judy Raper
The academic library requires digital evolution
As we face our post-Covid reality, library services need a new vision, becoming ubiquitous and available no matter the challenges of time and space
Slowing down earlier in the pandemic went well – so why speed back up?
The online tools adopted in the past two years do have positives, but they’ve also created a new kind of pressure – the pressure to be everywhere at once
Meritocracy in the academy isn’t fit for purpose – but we can fix it
Institutions need to think about who they’re picking and foster both literacy and competence around minority issues as the first steps to a true meritocracy
‘Making it’ in the US: education and employment for Afghan refugees
With war and displacement atop most news agendas right now, higher education has a huge part to play in the US’ national response
Urgent steps to prevent the pandemic stalling women’s academic careers
The pandemic put a disproportionate strain on female academics, research suggests, so now universities need to take robust action to ensure these women do not…
How to support women of all ages in post-secondary science education
Mature female students face barriers to success in STEM subjects, but steps can be taken to address this. Liette Vasseur explains what needs to be done
Enrolment throws up issues to be balanced, not problems to be solved
Enrolment managers must realise an increasingly complex landscape doesn’t need a quick fix to a short-term challenge but rather a reasonable strategy for…
International partnerships drive SDG progress – how do we support them?
Diverse partnerships encompassing various sectors and organisations help mobilise resources and encourage collaboration that can address societal…
Fool’s gold: career advice for young, Black academics
Freshly minted professor Jason Arday provides tips for aspiring Black and ethnic minority academics on how to safeguard themselves on the hazardous journey to the top
How do we get more women into coding? Fix how it’s taught and used
It’s time women said to the tech industry: ‘It’s not me, it’s you.’ And universities can help by not confusing the art of computer programming with rather dull ‘careers in coding’
Is the ‘sunk cost fallacy’ sinking your career?
Making the decision to move away from research can be daunting, but a big dose of rational thinking can help you make the right choice, says Emma Williams
The case for using universal design for learning at your institution
Universal design for learning can be the answer when searching for true equity in our universities. Jacqui Whittle and Caroline Pike outline the how and why
Gatekeepers or greeters? We must demystify university for first-gen students
Stone Meredith gives advice on using positive introductory phrases and how this can help first-generation students navigate university
How to start an academic YouTube channel: tips from a psychology YouTuber
YouTube is a wide-open opportunity for university teachers and researchers to share their knowledge with a broader audience, says Dennis Relojo-Howell
Boosting female representation in STEM is crucial to global innovation
Addressing the gender disparity in STEM isn’t just a question of striving for a fairer society, it’s also fundamental to solving the complex challenges that affect us all
We must confront the assumptions that have held back HE for centuries
A transformed system of HE would cast off these outdated assumptions about learning and base educational practices on the best research, says Nobel winner…
We can help students with intellectual disabilities shatter glass ceilings
With the right approach and a strong institutional commitment, students with intellectual disabilities can thrive at university and in the workplace
Let’s not allow tradition to stifle innovation in higher education
The UK education secretary has said there are ‘no excuses’ for online learning at universities – but there are many reasons to persevere, says Lil…
Professors who ‘practise what they preach’ help humanise research management
There is a need in academia for professors to match teaching and research with professional practice – and be fairly compensated for it
The metaverse will change everything – including academic research
We must push XR research boundaries if we’re to understand and shape our future reality – here’s how, says Neil McDonnell
Conversations around stress must move beyond ‘I’m fine, how are you?’
Sara Metz offers practical advice on adopting the ‘stress continuum’ – a shared language and system to help staff and students reflect upon and discuss their well-being
We need to move beyond the synchronous versus asynchronous debate
Academics are agonising over the wrong elements of online education. They should be thinking about active versus passive learning, says Simon Chesterman
Focused freewriting is the cure for students’ writer’s block
Freewriting for five minutes warms up the brain and begins to fill students’ blank screens with material that gets their writing going. Anne Carlisle talks through the process
New rules on lecture transcripts give academics an impossible choice
Higher education leaders must engage on new transcription requirements post-pandemic to ensure academics don’t have to choose between inclusion or increased…
I ran the BBC World Service – it showed me how universities can be truly global
Forget our universities’ Brit-centric approach – developing an authentically global experience needs to be at the core of higher education’s digital future
External engagement in academia: lessons from the business world
Many academics see external engagement as a chore. Others are just unable to appreciate industry perspectives. Both are stifling the contribution of universities
Why interdisciplinarity is just like a fantasy role-playing game
Who’s the barbarian? Which one’s the wizard? Lorena Quilantán García offers practical advice on embarking upon your very own interdisciplinary hero quest
Are you a researcher who’s ready to move away from the bench? Here’s how
Deciphering job titles, utilising your network and coming to problems with ‘fresh eyes’ are all crucial for those moving from the lab to an admin role
Graduate programmes have a lot to teach HE about enrolment
Steady increases in graduate enrolments have been one of the precious few bright spots during perhaps the most volatile period for higher education in recent memory
We must rethink PhDs to smash barriers and ensure bioscience success
Redesigning PhD training will help develop commercially savvy researchers, address skills gaps in UK bioscience and bolster innovation, say Simon Cook and Derek Jones
Has government investment in higher education equity been worth it?
Evaluating the success of sector-wide initiatives is fraught, but there are some universal truths that should be considered, say Steven Howard and colleagues
Academic snobs can’t afford to ignore LinkedIn any longer
Considering a career move? When asking for a favour, such as info or an introduction, it helps to build a chain of trust. Which is where LinkedIn comes in, says Emma Williams
I took an alternative route to academic success – and I’m happier than ever
I ignored senior management and marketing departments and experimented with making my work more accessible and interesting – it paid off, says Jonathan Wilson
Why interactive and game-based instruction beats lecturing every time
Going through the motions is easy for experienced lecturers, but we should all go the extra mile to make our classes interactive, challenging and fun, says Nancy Boury
IPEDS and the trouble with student metrics in the US
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System surveys hold great weight in the higher education system, but they are not inclusive enough and thus no longer …
Let’s harness students’ desire for interaction to define the future of learning
We know that students want to learn together. That information should underpin how we allocate resources to best serve their needs, say Derfel Owen and Ant Bagshaw
Universities must help their communities preserve heritage languages
Language loss is a real danger among even second-generation migrants – here’s how to help, say Sender Dovchin and Rhonda Oliver
Complaining that the leadership talent pool is running dry? Here’s how to fill it
Abandoning traditional hierarchies and allowing mid- and early-career staff to experience leadership creates a thriving, diverse talent pool, say Jo Cresswell and Peter…
Research time disappearing before your eyes? Try student collaborations
Working alongside students can help academics to both protect their research time and boost student employability, say Dean Fido and Louise Wallace
My Christmas wish? Wider recognition that blended is different from online
Following two years of disruption and jumping between modes of delivery, many students and staff seem to be – incorrectly – conflating blended with online, says…
Collecting data on our students is the only way forward
Ubiquitous data collection will give rise to large datasets, which can help improve outcomes for all students – especially those most in need, says Daphne Koller
Cybersecurity in the HE sector – getting the basics right
Managing security updates, vulnerability reviews, password policies and multi-factor authentication are staple university needs, says Clive Madders
Why do we expect students to work well in groups if we don’t teach them how?
If we’re going to assign team projects, and if we really believe working well in a group is important, we must teach effective group processes, says Todd Zakrajsek
Is your curriculum design limiting students’ learning potential?
All too often, insufficient emphasis is placed on development of the self-regulatory skill sets that students need most in order to do well, says Carol Evans
Ten useful tips for teaching a hybrid course for the first time
Laura Patricia Zepeda Orantes shares recommendations for delivering hybrid courses, especially for teachers who are new to this way of working
If universities push staff towards social media, they must protect them, too
At the very least, there should be training on managing online discourse, blocking tools and recognising when ‘robust debate’ becomes abuse or libel, says Andy Phippen
It’s time to tackle perfectionism head-on in the classroom
Perfectionism has long been the norm in academia. To combat it, we must offer help before it has to be asked for, say Laura March and Maggie Melo
Researchers are too critical – we need to give ourselves (and others) a break
It doesn’t have to be like this. Critical thinking means looking for the evidence – that is evidence both for and against, says Hugh Kearns
How to ensure your university’s branding isn’t as bland as blancmange
Universities’ promo materials and slogans play it safe to the point of indolence, says Jonathan Wilson. He explains how to take a leaf from the global brand playbook
What can universities learn from Amazon?
From putting the customer first to the buzzword that is ‘fulfilment’, there’s much to be gleaned from the way Amazon and its ilk embraced digital technology, says Peter Vervest
Education and grades are often in direct conflict – it’s time for a messy divorce
Universities don’t do a very good job of credentialing, and the process actively harms students and their learning, so why do we persist? asks Danny Oppenheimer
Let’s all slow down before banishing invigilated exams forever
Despite the detractors, there still aren’t many better ways to ensure academic integrity and test knowledge and understanding, say Andy Grayson and Richard Trigg
The government needs to square its rhetoric on creative courses
Undervaluing the creative sector is nothing new, but the government also says it’s part of a ‘rich mix’ needed to deliver its ambitions. So which one is it, asks Paul Thompson
Classes need less focus on employability and more on profound learning
Classes are sometimes the least transformative elements of what students experience at university. We need to change that, say Davin Carr-Chellman, Ali Carr-Chellman and …
Dragon’s zen: how to handle the jump from HE to a commercial venture
The learning curve is steep when leaving academia for an entrepreneurial adventure. John Miles outlines what to expect and says the skills you learned as a researcher can…
Lessons learned from supervising more than 150 researchers
The transition from PhD candidate to ECR is when the relationship between researcher and supervisor comes to the fore, say Tara Moore and Louise Robertson
Universities need to prepare for the mature student onslaught
Higher ed is notoriously bad at attracting and accommodating mature students. Given the workforce shifts spawned by the pandemic, this needs to change, says Dilshad Sheikh
Don’t believe the hype: being an ECR needn’t be a lonely existence
Finding ‘PhD pals’ in the same boat, but also learning to communicate your work effectively outside the research bubble, is crucial for ECRs, says Rebekah Ackroyd
Can universities maintain their cultural identity in a blended world?
A university’s identity cannot be neatly packaged. It changes over time and has different meanings to the diverse groups that make up that institution, says Nic Beech
Now could be a smart time to move into environmental research
Against a backdrop of increased funding and publishing output, aligning yourself with the green economy early could be a shrewd move, says Tim Smith
Bullying by supervisors is alive and well – now is the time to tackle it
The arrangements that trap PhD students in toxic relationships with abusive supervisors must be reformed – here’s how, says Timothy Ijoyemi
So you don’t think microaggressions have an impact?
Microaggressions are often shrugged off by perpetrators because of a supposed lack of intent. But intent and impact are very different indeed, says rashné limki
Cybersecurity remains a critical issue that universities must face
Statistics show that universities are getting better at defending against and preparing for cyberattacks, but much more needs to be done, says Heidi Fraser-Krauss
Do EDI kitemarks help protect female researchers from online abuse?
While they allow institutions to claim commitment to gender equality, kitemarks do little to challenge them on their actual policies, say Andy Phippen and Emma Bond
In praise of the ‘watch party’ – an update to the flipped learning model
Many new students struggle with the amount of self-directed learning at university. Perhaps it’s time to introduce watch parties, say Emily Nordmann and Carolina…
How to make campuses and courses more compassionate
Telling students that you’ve considered their well-being in organisational culture and curriculum design can in itself bolster confidence, says Louise Lawrence
Should we do away with hierarchy in higher education?
I’ve found myself questioning whether a holacratic system, in which there are no managers or leaders, would work in universities, says Aspasia Eleni Paltoglou
Three big mental health questions that academia must talk about
A reckoning with how we handle mental health in higher education is long overdue, says June Gruber
Returning to on-campus classrooms – are they fit for purpose?
Gunter Saunders explains why classroom design must take technology into account in facilitating active, student-centred learning
Fear the zombie student apocalypse
Andy Farnell argues that non-assessed courses could free universities, and the academic undead, from increasing spiritual depletion and a lifeless pursuit of certificates
How I stopped worrying and learned to embrace pre-prepared courses
I was shocked when first told I had to teach a ‘shell’ prepared by a colleague a few years ago, but I’m actually growing from the experience, says George Justice
Researchers: fight back against your struggle with self-promotion
Postdoc or professor, the self-promotion struggle is real. So, how can we promote ourselves without sounding too ‘sales-y’? Emma Williams has the answers
I’ve successfully climbed the academic career ladder − now what?
Having spent my entire career trying to get to where I am now, I’m working out how to slow down and seize the opportunities ahead, says Lucas Lixinski
Re-engaging adult learners is key to a sustainable HE recovery
Winning back those who left college without a degree will be key in reversing the declines of the past year, say Kai Drekmeier and Amanda Winters
It’s past time for a serious appraisal of mindfulness education
True mindfulness education goes beyond pedagogy and improving learning outcomes – it is a holistic approach for developing students and staff, says Christine Rivers
Students demand action on the climate crisis now – not later
COP26 is the world’s best – and perhaps last – chance to get runaway climate change under control, and to reach net zero HE needs to act swiftly, says Manveer Gill
Fellow vice-chancellors, we must lead the charge on equality
It’s incumbent on us all to ensure our universities offer inclusive and diverse settings in which anyone, regardless of their background, can flourish, says Craig Mahoney
Prepare for student sustainability demands to go through the roof
Students will be the driving force behind universities finally being held accountable and made to practise what they preach on climate change, says Andreas Kaplan
Competing hierarchies of oppression: why is race a lower priority?
Gender is often given priority in HE because it’s seen as a universal concern that affects all women, but this ignores racism within gender equality work, says Kalwant Bhopal
Don’t forget that international students need careers support too
Just 2 per cent of international students find jobs through UK universities’ careers services – a big failure given their economic input, says Alexis Brown
So you want a novel way to support untapped research talent?
There’s great scope for the sector to offer research development opportunities to taught postgraduate students, says John McKendrick
Community colleges are the front line for workforce innovation
As bachelor’s-granting institutions grow ever more focused on employability, there’s much they can learn from community colleges, say Vicki Karolewics and Bharani…
Now is the time to design a system in which all learning counts
Our conventional, top-down approach fails to recognise that working adults often already possess many critical work skills, say Lisa McIntyre-Hite and Mackenzie Jackson
If peer feedback was good enough for the Brontë sisters, it’s good enough for us
The shift online provides new ways to harness the power of peer feedback to improve writing skills, say Sherry Wynn Perdue, Pam Bromley, Mark Limbach and Jonathan Olshock
Forget the tech – in the new normal, let’s focus on human beings
The key to making learning effective, now and in the post-pandemic world, is focusing on motivation, says Grace McCarthy
UK universities have their heads in the sand on student addiction
Isolation and shame pose big risks to recovery from addiction problems, yet on-campus support programmes are rare in the UK, say Suzi Gage and Shahroo Izadi
Equal research partnerships are a myth – but we can change that
The movement for decolonising universities should also be applied to research ‘partnerships’ and their unequal balance of power, say Faith Mkwananzi…
Want to get on in research? You need to manage people effectively
From supervisors to friends and family, the key to success is organising the people around you, says Ellie King
How higher education can do better at developing skills for the workplace
Universities must do more to nurture enduring skills that can be transferred across different contexts such as critical thinking, problem-solving and communication,…
Obliterating the academic calendar is the easy part
More money for US community colleges and new thinking on semester lengths must be accompanied by cohesive pathways to degrees, say Karen A. Stout and Tom…
There are so many reasons why EDI is not the answer
If we wish to transform our institutions, we must see EDI not as an end but as a tool to start recognising the power that feeds oppressive structures, says Manvir Grewal
Authentic leadership isn’t new – but we need it more than ever in HE
For leadership to be effective, we need to understand our own limitations and listen to others to learn how to overcome them, say Sarah Jones and Alasdair Blair
We can make research more ethical without compromising its quality
The debate on the ethics of randomised control trials isn’t getting us anywhere – it’s time for solutions, says Stefano Caria
It’s our duty to teach more inclusively − online, in person or hybrid
Students want to be seen, heard and valued, and there are many ways to include them while fostering equitable learning outcomes, says Flower Darby
Online CPD is one pandemic innovation worth fighting for
Let’s not waste this opportunity to make development broader and more inclusive using the lessons of the past 18 months, says Chris Headleand
The shift online could set digital learning back by years
The digital tools used during the pandemic may help address access and scale, but they do little to help students actually learn, says Tom Adams
HE needs to follow tech companies’ lead and go ‘agile’
Universities need shorter cycles of learning and credentialing, such as eight-week academic terms and quick, stackable certificates, says Tom Monahan
Broccoli and birdsong: the shifty discourse of ‘staff well-being’
When institutions put responsibility for wellness onto individuals, they also deflect their role in staff burnout and mental ill health, writes Madeleine Davies
How to ensure your mentorship programme isn’t one of the (many) bad ones
Structured mentorship programmes offer a non-judgemental setting in which to ask those pesky questions whose answers shape careers, says Lia Paola Zambetti
Want to tear students from their phones? Learn their names
Holding students’ attention in a world of digital distractions is tough, but James Lang explains why remembering and using their names can make the task less herculean
Displaced workers deserve more than short-termism from universities
Institutions must stop and think before helping reshape the career trajectories of millions of workers, says Gangaram Singh
Leaders: how to build community and trust during a crisis
Charles Egbu, vice-chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, reflects on five key lessons he learned while taking the helm during the pandemic
The UK must act now to preserve its reputation internationally
The figures show that the UK is slowly losing its appeal to overseas students, but what can be done about it? asks Vivienne Stern
Leaks and holes: beyond the pipeline versus process debate on diversity
A pipeline does exist in higher ed, but process and structural violence in education writ large keep puncturing the pipe, says Pardis Mahdavi
If we want non-traditional results, we need non-traditional approaches
We must listen to − and respect − the needs and aspirations of learners as they are, not as we wish them to be, say Gregory Fowler and Kate Smith
University leaders need to demonstrate an adaptive mindset
With huge change ahead, leaders must be brave and accept that the right decisions may not always deliver the best spreadsheet results, say Alasdair Blair and Sarah Jones
What is the purpose of a university lecture?
We must continue to question the true role of the lecture and how lecture recordings fit in to the effective delivery of higher education, says Jill MacKay
Targeted advice and guidance is crucial for widening participation
Especially post-Covid, pupils need a strong foundation that prepares them for future post-18 decisions
Ready, player one? How video games can help engage students
Engaging, rewarding and a great way to encourage active participation, games are a brilliant addition to a teaching and learning environment, says Chris Headleand
Do we need equity or equality to make things ‘fair’? Actually, we need both
Fair, to some people, means everyone getting the same thing. But that’s only fair if everyone begins at the same place and needs the same things to succeed, says Todd…
Follow the (learning) science and put problem solving at the centre of teaching
Rather than a digital transformation, universities should undergo a learning transformation that supports effective technology and evidence-based teaching,…
Early career researchers can say no, too
Coming up with a series of questions for ECRs about each ‘opportunity’ as it arises can help them decide what is worthy of their time, says Lucas Lixinski
We must dismantle the invisible career barriers in HE
Despite surface appearances, universities’ recruitment and selection practices still present hidden obstacles to under-represented groups
We need to help students overcome their textbook troubles
As institutions re-examine the costs of attending university, the affordability of course materials is again moving to the centre of the conversation, writes Raj Kaji
Self-directed learning is becoming the forgotten ingredient in HE
In the heady rush to extol the virtues of asynchronous learning, we are watering down the main element of students’ learning experience, says Linda Kaye
How can we solve Japan’s student mobility issues?
Japan struggles with multiculturalism as a concept, let alone a reality, and overseas students can suffer. But online education could offer help, says Haruko Satoh
Let’s embrace flexible learning as much as we have flexible working
Much like working from home, remote teaching and learning come with a range of benefits to learners if we just make room for them
Blended learning is so bland − we need to punk things up
Just like musicians on tour, we must focus more on delivery and start holding ourselves to the same standards as any broadcaster or media company, says Jonathan…
Making grading in university courses more reliable
Inconsistent or inaccurate grading can have serious real-world consequences for students. Paige Tsai and Danny Oppenheimer offer tips on how to recognise and fix the…
We must help our students make this a ‘summer of self-love’
It would be wise to keep an eye on our students over the coming months, as the period after lockdown typically brings intense emotional responses, says Bertus Jeronimus
Want to be a better teacher? My daughter showed me we need to play more
Testing silly ideas and pushing boundaries are crucial − and liberating − but universities must provide digital spaces where we can do so freely, says Andy Farnell
Choppy digital waters lie ahead for many storied institutions
Traditional universities are too often led by the interests of lecturers rather than the employment needs of students or recruitment needs of businesses, says Dilshad…
Is blended learning just a pipe dream for Indian HE?
It’s unlikely we are ready for a seismic shift while simultaneously trying to improve the quality of university education in general, say Gunjan Rajput…
The foundational steps needed to advance online higher education post-Covid
The will to evolve is essential, followed by a technology-led approach to pedagogy, student engagement and interactivity, says Steve Davies
A low-touch approach to high-touch online teaching
A little strategising can go a long way in increasing contact points with students without sacrificing work-life balance, says Sarah Rose Cavanagh
Blended learning should be embraced for the benefit of all
By using online capabilities, higher education could be transformed from a privilege into a basic human right for anyone who wants it, says Sir Tim O’Shea
We shouldn’t confuse online engagement with logging in
When assessing the all-important ‘engagement’ metric, the sector often defaults to the crude measurement of attendance − which is clearly flawed, says…
Funny memes and other ways to encourage students to keep their cameras on
Frank R. Castelli offers advice from his evidenced-based strategy to get students to use their cameras without requiring it
This is how administrators can support faculty to develop their online teaching
Faculty are poised to take their online teaching to the next level, but they’ll need time to reflect as well as appropriate resources and professional incentives
Is it possible to think big thoughts virtually?
When discussing complex problems online, without the ability to read the room, the focus often shifts to what can be achieved rather than taking risks, says Donna Murray
Government needs to step up in the student retention battle
The higher education sector needs the resources to get better at spotting students at risk of falling behind or dropping out altogether, says John Couperthwaite
My first post-Covid conference showed me we need to prep for the campus return
At this conference, faculty were like the walking wounded, but we can and should learn from it because our students deserve our best selves, says Flower Darby
It’s time for the media to work with universities, not against us
The next school year is going to be challenging enough as it is without the skewed and absolutist coverage we’ve seen in the media lately, says Harriet Dunbar-Morris
Chinese universities face a tricky route to the top
China’s institutions are undoubtedly on the up, but they need to smash their glass ceiling to truly register on the world stage, says James Chin
Why miss out on revenue when universities can take more blended learning in-house?
Institutions are embracing the opportunity to create and deliver their own online programmes, but they’re realising that means more to think about, says Elliot Felix
Don’t be fooled – community outreach can be even better online
Covid and the move online made audiences even larger for our student-led social media workshops aimed at local businesses, say Dennis Olsen and Kristin Brewe
Dead rank? Non-native speakers losing out on local dialects online
Let’s face it, the virtual classroom isn’t the best environment for international students to get to grips with linguistic diversity, says Andrew Mackenzie
Don’t forget that not all internet access is created equal
Broadband quality, and thus suitability for online tuition, varies greatly depending on where students come from, say Darragh Flannery, Dónal Palcic and John Cullinan
This is our chance to create the classroom of the future
We know what works best for learning, and most of it is easier to implement in the online world, says Daphne Koller
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…
Distance learners deserve better than HE’s latest bait and switch
Remote learning is the latest scapegoat being used to justify returning to the ‘normal’ of rising tuition costs and sky-high student debt, says Zachary Michael Jack
Don’t downplay the role of community colleges in healing a nation
At a time of rampant disinformation, these two-year institutions can be the engines of enquiry and purpose that enable the next generation to rebuild our democracy, says…
A student mental health crisis awaits. Here’s how we avoid a bad fall
Extra funding should be requested now to staff up wellness centres, counselling centres and campus ministries, says Todd Zakrajsek
Returning to ‘normal’ is really a return to ignorance
Covid revealed that students need flexible and inclusive learning opportunities − something that should have been obvious well before the pandemic, says Torrey Trust
The digital shift will have many (positive) side-effects
In the not-so-distant future, we’ll realise the digital transformation has changed higher education for the better, in ways we never expected, say Rick …
How leaders can seize higher ed’s ‘catalytic moment for change’
Those that lead by example, reward innovative faculty and increase campus-wide buy-in will determine the future of higher education, says Jon McNaughtan
Are online exams better for student mental health?
Traditional exams under tightly invigilated conditions are highly stressful for students, but online alternatives bring their own issues, says Michael Priestley
The joy of text in a world of tech zealotry
Why do we fetishise high-tech teaching while denigrating reading as a second-rate learning style? asks Andy Farnell
Socialising is hugely important, but virtual campuses help learning, too
The social elements of university help students succeed academically, so we must start transplanting them online, says Elizabeth Lehfeldt
Professors, stop pretending that you never cheat
Academics should drop the holier-than-thou attitude and look at cheating from a student’s perspective if we want to understand and eradicate it, says Hamish…
Let’s stop confusing what just happened with true online learning
During the pandemic, decades of research and practice were tossed aside in a matter of days, says Ali Carr-Chellman
How do we rescue the reputation of blended learning?
To convince students and stakeholders that blended learning is worth the full tuition fee, we need to tell them exactly how it will work, says Russell Crawford
Never forget: your course is not only yours
Too much of our instructional design undershoots the potential of higher education to improve not only individual lives but also the public good, says Robin DeRosa
Recognition of academia’s ‘invisible labour’ is long overdue
We must ensure that academic citizenship becomes a key part of our job descriptions, on par with teaching, research and management, say Shari…
After the gold rush: how to respond to the Chinese student downswing
As the country’s outbound study trend cools, student recruitment strategies must evolve – and there is no ‘next China’ to fall back on, says Matt Durnin
What does the rise of Asia mean for global higher education?
Many hurdles remain, from racism to presumed Western superiority, but equal dialogues and collaborations will foster the global common good, says Xin Xu
Moving online could signal the death of pedagogy
Shifting to andragogical learning models is the ideal way to prepare students for independent study, research and the world of work, says Steve Davies
Flexibility is key if we want students to connect with their studies
Universal design for learning not only embraces diversity, it also uses it as the basis for providing choice in how students learn – and succeed, says Lillian Nave
What is student engagement?
The move online compounded matters, but even before that, nobody could agree on what student engagement was – and that needs to change, says Chris Headleand
Should lecturers be trained to deal with shortening attention spans?
Would my life be easier if I had received explicit guidance in how to deliver content in TikTok-length pieces? asks Katie Davis
This model is the future of diversity in higher education
Coming together for support is the only way forward – and the Council of Coalitions is the model for inter-group organising we desperately need, says Pardis Mahdavi
The trials of teaching a ‘new’ script in a virtual world
Teaching non-Roman scripts online throws up great challenges, but we must preserve the world’s linguistic resources, say Rana Raddawi, Jingjing Ji and Ronit Alexander
The sector’s mental health workers need help too
More assistance must be offered to help students survive, let alone thrive – and the same goes for student crisis interventionists like me, says Lula Torres
Beware the futility of higher education’s wellness theatre
Surface-level emphasis on self-care without discussing systemic problems in HE runs the risk of gaslighting students who face very real barriers, says Fiona Rawle
Digital resources now rank alongside housing, healthcare and education
Universities, government, business and local communities must come together and provide strategic action to tackle digital poverty effectively, says Julian Thomas
Moving student competitions online has made them better than ever
Virtual competitions have flourished and resulted in greater international collaboration, says Gayle DeBruyn
Short online courses can grease the wheels of student employability
The degree has transitioned from differentiating factor to basic benchmark. Online microcredentials can help graduates stand out from their rivals, says Madina Tash
Covid-19 has reinforced China’s role as global leader in ed-tech
The country’s giant companies benefit from an ecosystem that supports online learning and a cultural propensity to prioritise education, says Tom C. Varghese
The educational ‘metaverse’ is coming
The universities best equipped with digital infrastructure and savvy human resources will emerge as the new leaders − no matter where they are, says Kwang Hyung Lee
Digital-first thinking is needed to address youth employability
Younger people are geared towards digital channels, so they’re more likely to engage with innovative, online training as part of their studies, says Harminder Matharu
Cybersecurity is not just for the geeks in the IT department
Our first-year university students might have received no education on cybersecurity since the age of 13, say Andy Phippen and Emma Bond
Zoom meetings don’t have to be quite so painful
Simple actions can help avoid common pitfalls in the design and execution of online team meetings, say Rob Angell and Ben Marder
Forget everything you think you know about online engagement
There’s much interest in how many times students access the virtual learning environment or complete online tasks, but that only provides part of the picture,…
Online micro-learning can transform the teaching of sensitive topics
Non-linear course design means that emotive and uncomfortable content can be paused or skipped and returned to another time, says Gemma Ahearne
The sector should come together to welcome students back to campus
Universities wasted a lot of time developing individual online transition resources last year. Let’s not make the same mistake again, says Donna Murray
Teaching students to think for themselves is not enough
The critical thinking ideal is too individualistic and self-focused − students must learn to help others think well, too, says T. Ryan Byerly
Rethinking remote labs to deliver during Covid and beyond
Our faculty has devised truly innovative methods to replace the in-person lab experience, says Maria Klawe
A bit of creativity can go a long way when teaching online
It’s crucial to shake things up to stop online delivery from homogenising even the most disparate teaching styles, says Constanza Pacher
Only a digital drive will allow us to capture the boom in STEM interest
We certainly don’t want to turn away thousands of enthusiastic STEM students due to a lack of capacity, says Steve Davies
AI has been trumpeted as our saviour, but it’s complicated
Time saved by lecturers on marking assignments could indeed be used to enrich teaching, but unfortunately many silver linings have a cloud, says Harin Sellahewa
Social sciences, humanities and arts are critical for sustainability
The neglect of social sciences, humanities and arts is at the heart of why the shift to sustainability has been slow − and why it may eventually fail, say Eric Neumayer and…
Impostor syndrome can strike even in virtual internships
It’s worrying that students who do internships online underestimate their contributions when employers rate them as valuable, say Chloe Severn and Katie Stote
Covid proved that HE can change quickly and effectively after all
Much discussion has focused on what to do better, but we should also recognise strengths that had not been seen prior to the crisis, say Jon McNaughtan and Hugo García
The campus is dead, long live the campus
Potential post-Covid changes to campus design will slide along a spectrum from optimising space to rethinking academic structures, says Jay Deshmukh
Virtual international exchange needs a sharpening of practice
For committed international educators, there is a need to clarify the purpose of virtual exchange before the trend takes hold, says Benjamin Tak Yuen Chan
Lessons learned teaching online, from wi-fi woes to war zones
Human issues, particularly willingness to contribute to discussions, were more significant than tech issues when teaching across borders to diverse audiences, says…
Biden’s next big deal must include expanded broadband access
The pandemic helped expose an insidious digital divide that imperils efforts to reduce inequality and promote social mobility, says Jem Spectar
Co-creation does not need to stop because we’ve moved online
Co-creation is far more about mindset than suitability for a particular setting, and the evidence demonstrating its benefits is growing, says Catherine Bovill
Virtual learning environments mustn’t lead to module silos
We must ensure modules complement one another by establishing consistency in their form and functioning, says Maurice Kinsella
Grades are dehumanising, but ‘ungrading’ is no simple solution
There is nothing ideologically neutral about grades, and nothing ideologically neutral about the idea we can neatly and tidily do away with them, says Jesse Stommel
It’s time for the sector to embrace online work placements
Placement capacity has been shaken to its core by the Covid-19 pandemic, creating a huge backlog. We must look for sustainable alternative solutions, says Gilly Salmon
Teaching in the hall of mirrors: should faculty ever mention appearance?
Educators must pay attention to why young people are using platforms that allow social interaction without visual scrutiny, says Elizabeth Losh
Life beyond Zoom and Teams: students are ready for next gen online spaces
Virtual spaces can create a sense of community and connect students across disciplines – provided they are designed well, say Yvonne Rogers, Paola Lettieri and …
.jpg%3Fh%3Db680f547%26itok%3DAZ3Il0uQ&w=3840&q=75)
