How can universities make their case to a new government?Three key considerations to convincingly showcase the value of universities to a new government inundated by competing prioritiesHamir PatelRussell Group
Regional place-makers: how to demonstrate the economic and societal value of higher educationHigher education institutions should build a strong regional presence, addressing local issues, then find innovative ways to demonstrate their impact to the public and policymakers, writes Anthony McClaranAnthony McClaranSt Mary’s University Twickenham , GuildHE
RIP assessment?How can educators make learning and human intelligence visible in the age of GenAI? Abby Osborne and Christopher Bonfield outline a model to rethink assessment and reward non-AI knowledge and understandingAbby Osborne , Christopher Bonfield University of Bath
The making of: turning a research project into a documentaryTo get your research findings into as many hands as possible, consider filming a documentary. James Layton, Paul Tucker and Bettina Talbot offer their adviceJames Layton, Paul Tucker, Bettina TalbotUniversity of the West of Scotland
Let’s play! Using games to teach statistics and economics Incorporating games into economics classes can enrich the learning experience. Here are some of the factors to consider when designing themJoshua FullardThe University of Warwick
Integrating ethics into course design is vital – here’s how to do itIntegrating philosophical enquiry into course design can enrich teaching practice and help our students act justly, writes Cara E. FurmanCara E. FurmanHunter College
Creating inclusive spaces for inclusive eventsInclusivity efforts must go beyond physical accessibility to include how events are advertised and who is consulted and invited to speak, write Meredith Wilkinson and Leanne de Main. Here they offer eight practical ways to make shared spaces welcoming for allMeredith Wilkinson, Leanne de MainDe Montfort University
To build resilience, we need to embrace failure in the classroom and beyondLet’s redefine failure by changing the way we teach, assess and support students and staff. Ibham Veza, Mhadi A. Ismael and Taib Iskandar Mohamad outline howIbham Veza, Mhadi A. Ismael , Taib Iskandar MohamadUniversiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
Get a head start in the first year of your PhDEven a marathon begins with first steps, and so it makes sense to master motivation, set healthy habits and get writing early to reap the reward of a polished dissertation at the end of the PhD journey, writes Andreï KostrykaAndreï V. KostyrkaUniversity of Luxembourg
Let’s give learners on all levels the skills for a green futureTo support the switch to a green economy, educators need to update sustainability education programmes to meet learners’ needs. Ethan Chong Yih Tng offers his tipsEthan Chong Yih Tng Singapore Institute of Technology
Tried and tested ways to teach your students soft skillsThe introduction of ChatGPT reignited the debate surrounding employability skills. Add two decades of intensifying international competition and a pandemic, and it is no wonder we’re fundamentally rethinking the modern workplace Kate PettiferThe University of Exeter
Where’s Hector? How a scavenger hunt helps first-year students explore the university campusA collaborative discovery activity has benefits that go beyond simply helping new students get to know the university grounds. It fosters belonging and fun – and even promotes physical well-being, writes Hector Viveros TapiaHector Viveros TapiaMacquarie University
It’s all in the presentation: how to engage international students during lecturesThe visual dimension of lectures and seminars can create additional challenges for international students, but simple strategies can help in creating useful presentations that support learningMark WhalleyUniversity of Chester
With AI at their fingertips, are students still learning?The ubiquity of artificial intelligence may be affecting students’ cognitive development. Gareth Morris and Bamidele Akinwolemiwa consider how to address thisGareth Morris, Bamidele AkinwolemiwaThe University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Buddy system: creating community through writingIs a writing group or partner an effective antidote to post-pandemic isolation during doctoral education? Lena Steveker and Laura Spadon explain how to put a forum for belonging in placeLena Steveker, Laura SpadonUniversity of Luxembourg
Master the art of online and in-person interviewing Interviewing experts is a key part of scientific research, so it’s important to hone your skills. Mahra Haitham Al Hosani and Mariam Shadan provide eight tips – and three things to avoidMahra Haitham Al Hosani, Mariam ShadanDubai Medical University
Building kindness into an institutional cultureAdvice on how to ground humanity in institutional practices, structures and policies to holistically support faculty and staffXueli WangUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison
How to structure your PhD thesisOrganising your PhD thesis in a logical order is one of the crucial stages of your writing process. Here is a list of the individual components to includeShama Prasada KabekkoduManipal Academy of Higher Education
Informal networking and how to meet people on campusBelonging 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 outside your comfort zone, writes Glenn FosbraeyGlenn Fosbraey University of Winchester
Mind your language: inclusive teaching for international studentsLearning about your international students and being mindful about how you use language in classes can have a profound impact on students’ experience and attainmentMark WhalleyUniversity of Chester
How to navigate the PhD thesisThe PhD thesis may be a mountain to climb, but you can take it one step at a time. Luis R Rojas-Solórzano offers his guidanceLuis R. Rojas-SolórzanoNazarbayev University
An inter-university and interdisciplinary approach to dental educationA degree course that blends engineering and dentistry prepares students for their future practice. Here, Szandra Kormendi and Peter Hermann explain how it worksPéter Hermann, Szandra KörmendiSemmelweis University
Tips on implementing a more agile and responsive assessment extensions processApplying for and managing of extensions for certain assessments within higher education can be time-consuming and stressful for students and staff. Read about how UEA has implemented a more agile process.Eloise Ellis, Kay Yeoman, Karin GoodbyThe University of East Anglia
Enhance GenAI collaboration for future-proof research supportEmbrace the possibilities of generative AI in research support with a strategic mindset. Ryan Henderson, Ayla Kruis and Tse-Hsiang Chen share their practical framework for successful human-AI collaborationRyan Henderson, Ayla Kruis, Tse-Hsiang Chen University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University
Seven structural changes to help bring Indigenous perspectives into curriculaImpermanence of resources, priorities and personnel makes curriculum reform a challenge. Here, Kirstie Smith and Simon Young offer strategies based on their experience in a regional law schoolKirstie Smith , Simon Young The University of Southern Queensland
Four ways to engage students in bloggingEnrich the conversational scholarship of blogging by including student voices. Anna D’Alton offers her tipsAnna D’AltonThe London School of Economics and Political Science
Transforming mental health in South African universities: the promise of AI chatbotsArtificial intelligence can offer promise for student mental health services in Africa. AI-driven chatbots can provide a nonjudgemental, readily available, cost-effective avenue for individuals to access information, support and guidance, writes Matete MadibaMatete Madiba University of the Western Cape
Recognising and dealing with bullying on college campuses It’s not realistic to expect all contempt to instantly vanish when you respond, but it will certainly persist if you don’t respond, writes Elizabeth K. Englander Elizabeth K. EnglanderBridgewater State University
In a precarious academy, how can migrant academics survive – and thrive?In this extract from their book, ‘Migrant Academics’ Narratives of Precarity and Resilience in Europe’, Olga Burlyuk and Ladan Rahbari explore the ways precarity presents itself in academiaOlga Burlyuk, Ladan RahbariUniversity of Amsterdam
How to write an abstract for a research paperRead about three elements to include in your research paper abstract and some tips for making yours stand outAnkitha ShettyManipal Academy of Higher Education
Fulfilling a mission and serving Indigenous studentsUniversities can do much to support Indigenous students, strengthening the institution’s community, increasing visibility and highlighting the needs of Native Nations students and faculty through deliberate action, writes Melissa Faircloth Melissa FairclothVirginia Tech
What does it take to encourage students to use their voice?The National Student Survey tells us students want their voices heard, but what if they don’t take up opportunities for feedback? Sam Perry looks at challenges of integrating student input (and wonders if chocolate is the answer)Sam Perry University of Southampton
Change in higher education is hard, but not impossibleTransformational change requires something closer to the culture of a start-up, which pilots and tests new ideas, takes risks and prizes creative disruption, writes Brian Rosenberg Brian RosenbergMacalester College
Artificial intelligence – friend or foe? It’s up to academiaHigher education will be instrumental in determining whether generative AI ends up as a friend or enemy. Ibiyemi Omeihe and Kingsley O. Omeihe outline what universities can do at this crucial tipping pointIbiyemi Omeihe , Kingsley OmeiheUniversity of the West of Scotland
What you can do today for a meaningful Pride MonthFear of being tokenistic, or feeling they don’t know enough to start, can stop many people from engaging with queer inclusion. Here, Brooke Szücs offers first steps towards allyship Brooke SzücsThe University of Queensland
Yes, and… Using improv to build students’ confidence in the classroomThrough exercises borrowed from improvisational theatre, students can use imaginative thinking and creative problem-solving, learn to think outside the box and embrace ambiguity, writes Joe Conto. Here, he offers ways to help the post-Covid generation reconnectJoe Conto Paul Smith’s College
Campus life is entering a new era, but don’t forget the human touchWith the acceleration of technology, the university experience is changing. As academics, it’s up to us to guide our students through this new normal of learning, navigating information and socialising, writes Nazlihasri Abdul RahmanNazlihasri Abdul Rahman Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
How can we train our students to be better communicators?Introducing small departmental communication programmes can help students improve writing and presentation skills without overburdening faculty or requiring massive curriculum changesCarl FollmerUniversity of Iowa
Non-verbal cues: learn how to use them effectively in teacher-student communicationIf the end goal is to get students interested in the learning process, these non-verbal cues used in teacher-student communication can enable you to build trust and enhance your impact as a teacher and a communicator, writes Shruthi V. Shetty Shruthi V ShettyManipal Academy of Higher Education
Emotionally challenging research and researcher well-beingResearchers who navigate emotionally challenging topics need support that includes well-being plans, advice on handling distress and risk assessment guidance, writes Tina Skinner. Her work has led to a series of resources for universitiesTina SkinnerUniversity of Bath
‘Augmenting’ the doctoral thesis in preparation for a vivaThe viva voce exam is the final hurdle for PhD students, but for most it is also a new and fear-inducing experience. Edward Mills offers one framework to help those preparing to discuss their completed thesis at lengthEdward Mills The University of Exeter
How do universities successfully recruit faculty and staff? Grounding hiring processes in the principle of “shared governance” is essential for successful recruitment outcomes, writes Norma Bouchard. Here, she offers 11 examples of best practice for hiring top candidates at a universityNorma BouchardChapman University
Four ways to cultivate an engaged social media community When it comes to social media, don’t forget the power of connection. Paul Shannon and Andrew Murray outline four ways to engage with your audience Paul Shannon, Andrew MurrayUniversity of the West of Scotland
Partner with your students to build belonging on campusBy actively fostering belonging through the strategies outlined in this resource, universities can cultivate a more holistic and supportive environment where all students can thrive, both academically and personallyTom Ritchie, Adam Alcock The University of Warwick
‘Creative writing can be as impactful as an academic paper’Grassroots initiatives can promote visibility of marginalised groups, self-expression and community, writes Emily Downes. Here are her key tips from running a creative writing competition to mark LGBTQ+ History MonthEmily DownesTeesside University
One thesis, two supports, three monthsCompleting a thesis within 12 weeks may seem impossible, but by combining AI and your supervisor’s expertise, it can be done. Mariam Shadan shows howMariam ShadanDubai Medical University
How to write a PhD thesis: a step-by-step guide A draft isn’t a perfect, finished product; it is your opportunity to start getting words down on paper, writes Kelly Louise PreeceKelly Louise PreeceThe University of Exeter
Talking to students about AISocio-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 and academic integrity until we all know what we’re talking about, writes John WeldonJohn WeldonVictoria University
Practical strategies for overcoming challenges in interdisciplinary project-based learningOvercome project-based learning challenges with strategies aimed at empowering students to develop interdisciplinary skill setsNa Li, Eng Gee Lim, Mark LeachXi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Hybrid learning through podcasts: a practical approachAdapting practice-based learning to a blend of synchronous and asynchronous delivery gives learners more control and creates opportunities for real-world learning of skills such as podcast production, writes Catherine ChambersCatherine ChambersKeele University
