The 2020/21 National Seminar Series was officially launched today, 23 September 2020. This year’s Seminar Series attracted 85 applications, from across 22 institutions. Of these, 74 seminars, spanning all applicant institutions, were approved for funding. In addition, 27 deferred events from the 2019/20 academic year have been included in the upcoming series, bringing the total to 101 seminars.
Each of the upcoming seminars includes a topic related to one or more of the four key strategic priorities of the National Forum. 10 seminars have a focus on the professional development of all those who teach, 27 focus on teaching and learning in a digital world, 23 focus on teaching and learning enhancement within and across disciplines, 25 focus on students success and a further 16 have a cross-priority focus. Higher education’s response to COVID-19 influenced the topics of many seminars and these local conversations will, no doubt, be very fruitful in ensuring support for students and staff in the pandemic context. Online seminars were welcomed this year for the first time, with 27 of the scheduled seminars due to take place online during the coming academic year.
The National Seminar Series gives those working in higher education the opportunity to connect with colleagues and to focus on shared interests in both the research and practice of teaching and learning enhancement. Further, it creates opportunities to hear from national and international experts in different areas of teaching and learning. To date, the National Seminar Series has attracted an attendance of approximately 11,000 people, including students, staff, senior managers and invited experts. The support of seminars across the sector reflects a core value underpinning the National Forum’s 2019-21 Strategy, that of collaborating, and fostering collaboration, helping to promote shared knowledge, understanding and practice amongst all who are invested in teaching and learning in Irish higher education.
The full list of seminars taking place during the 2020/21 academic year can be viewed here.
