Day Two of the Teaching and Learning conference saw new and returning delegates through the doors for another packed programme.
Excellence without inclusivity is not excellence
Keynote speaker Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, President of the University of Law Student Association, delivered an inspiring keynote raising the importance of an inclusive student experience through the student voice.
He argued that without a truly inclusive student experience, an institution cannot claim their teaching is excellent. Putting students at the heart of teaching excellence is the “best route to ensuring provision and for that all-inclusive experience.”
Highlighting the inherent benefits of an inclusive curriculum both to institutions and students, Joshua started with a warm and welcoming induction right through the student lifecycle to ensure a diverse range of students succeed. He said friendship is a key factor for students considering dropping out of university, so how can we help students to make friends? Freshers’ week is vital for students to form friendships and universities have a responsibility to ensure all students are included throughout their whole lifecycle.
Those without parental support and without the social capital required to survive must be supported. He said, “Inclusivity should permeate everything we do.” He highlighted how a black attainment gap of 24% can never be described as excellence, pointing out that results do not represent ability.
The keynote concluded with many questions from interested delegates keen to understand more from Joshua on inclusivity as a student voice.
Authentic learning
Dr Iain Cross, St Mary's University Twickenham and Dr Alina Congreve, Climate KIC presented a panel session and interactive workshop on Authenticity: From a popular buzzword to a meaningful concept.
Panellists discussed ideas from their own disciplinary perspective on embedding authentic real-life learning experiences.
Christopher Hull from the University of Winchester took a legal perspective. He said giving students a comprehensive, holistic and transformative experience are hallmarks of authenticity.
Suzanne Hardy from Newcastle University is developing more blended approaches
Katie Gray teaches experiential learning modules in the business school at Northumbria University and allocates students a real business with a real problem in the final year, placing them in real-world situations with facilitation.
Look out for a blog on the Advance HE website soon.
Principal Fellowship journey support
Professor Sally Bradley, a senior adviser at Advance HE, hosted a networking session to support Principal Fellows in their career path and Seniors who aspire to be Principals. A valuable learning journey that never ends, delegates discussed what difference Principal Fellowship makes and how they are treated and their achievement is recognised by their HEI.
Find out where you are in your own journey using our Fellowship Category Tool
Explore our writing retreats for Principal and Senior Fellowship
