Talking Learning and Teaching

In his 2005 book, Taking an Intelligent Look at Emotional Intelligence, Guy Claxton stated that “learning cannot happen without emotion”. The process of learning is a deeply emotional one, and emotions often sit at the heart of learning experiences. For example, because learning is underpinned by the potential for both achievement and failure, the propensity for heightened feelings and subsequent emotions is augmented. Adjectives such as “frustrated”, “disappointed”, “exhilarated”,” thrilled”, and “excited” may all be associated with learning at given times, and possibly represent states experienced by anyone that has ever engaged in a learning experience. As such, we can all recognise the emotional component of learning.

In this webinar teaser Dr Kevin Merry addresses the role emotion plays in learning, focusing on the critical role emotions play in supporting learner metacognition, enabling learners to develop the learning expertise characteristic of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) .

The webinar entitled Teaching With Emotional Intelligence takes place on December 7th 2023, with tickets available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/teaching-with-emotional-intelligence-tickets-435674352717 

This podcast explores how entire universities can adopt accessible, inclusive, and equitable approaches to learning, teaching and assessment and in so doing, bring about educational culture change. Focusing on the way in which a large and diverse UK higher education institution successfully adopted Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as its approach to learning, teaching and assessment, the podcast provides clear practical advice, guidance and tips on how institution-wide adoption of accessible, inclusive and equitable educational approaches can be achieved. The podcast will also provide critical insights into the sequential steps that best support change management on a university-wide scale, as well as provide real, practical insights on things to avoid and common mistakes that can occur during the change process. This podcast is a must for anyone interested in accessible, inclusive, and equitable higher education, particularly those responsible for institution-wide educational change.

Welcome to the talking learning and teaching podcast. On the show today we have Professor David Carless. David is Professor of Educational Assessment at the Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, and a Principal Fellow of Advance HE. His signature publication is the book Excellence in University Assessment: Learning from award-winning practice which was published in 2015 by Routledge. His current research focuses on teacher and student feedback literacy to enhance the impact of feedback processes. His most recent book, Designing effective feedback processes in higher education: A learning-focused approach, co-authored with Naomi Winstone, was published by Routledge in 2019. David shares some truly fascinating insights into feedback in higher education. This is a must listen for anyone with an interest in learning, teaching and assessment. 

Associate Professor John Weldon from Victoria University, Melbourne provides us with a fascinating insight into the world of block teaching. Having played an intimate role in developing VU's pioneering block approach, John provides some fascinating insights into the way in which block teaching differs from traditional termly or semester structures. John discusses the benefits of block for learners and staff, as well as describing how block teaching changes the role of the teacher by placing them at the center of a team of colleagues tasked with supporting effective learning in a lean and targeted way. Finally, John discusses the manner in which assessment supports learning in the block teaching model, discussing how assessment is more aligned with the process than the product of learning. This is a truly fascinating episode that anyone with an interest in learning, teaching and assessment in higher education should listen to. Enjoy!

In this exceptional episode, we discuss all things assessment with the amazing Professor Sally Brown.

Sally is an Independent Consultant in Learning, Teaching and Assessment, and Emerita Professor at Leeds Beckett University where she was, until 2010, Pro-Vice-Chancellor. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) Senior Fellow, and a National Teaching Fellow. Irrespective of the formal accolades she has received, Sally is perhaps one of the most important voices when it comes to issues surrounding assessment in UK higher education today, particularly from an educational development perspective. Sally's work has influenced countless educators at home and abroad, and continues to be a powerful influence on assessment practices in higher education in the post-Covid world. This podcast is essential listening for anyone teaching or supporting student learning in higher education. 

In this episode, AHEAD CEO Dara Ryder talks to us about all things accessibility and inclusion. AHEAD is an Irish, independent non-profit organisation working to create inclusive environments in education and employment for people with disabilities. 

AHEAD provides information to students and graduates with disabilities, teachers, guidance counsellors and parents on disability issues in education. AHEAD also undertake national research relating to the inclusion of students with disabilities, contribute to Irish national policy forums and provide professional development opportunities to develop the capacity of staff in higher education to be more inclusive.

Dara provides some fascinating insights into the work of AHEAD as well as provides information and links on the many wonderful CPD resources and opportunities provided by AHEAD for teachers working in further education and training, higher education and graduate employment, many of which are grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This is a must listen for anyone interested in inclusive, accessible and equitable education. 

In another short podcast, Kevin Merry provides some advice and guidance on approaching assessment from a UDL perspective. 

In this very short podcast, Kevin Merry shares his top tips for UDL implementation in higher education. 

In this very short podcast, Kevin Merry explains the concept of the Expert Learner from a UDL perspective. 

This short episode explores some of the key ideas when assessing from a UDL perspective. The episode discusses the core purpose of assessment, the key elements required by inclusive assessments, as well as identifying some important limitations when creating inclusive assessments. Finally, the episode explores some useful ways to evaluate new and existing assessment approaches.