The 2021/22 National Seminar Series was officially launched today, 24 September 2021. This year’s Seminar Series attracted 90 applications, from across 23 institutions. Of these, 88 seminars, spanning all applicant institutions, were approved for funding. In addition, a number of events from from the 2020/21 academic year have been included in the upcoming series, bringing the total to 100 funded seminars.
Each of the upcoming seminars includes a topic related to one or more of the four key strategic priorities of the National Forum. 32 seminars have a focus on the professional development of all those who teach, 29 focus on teaching and learning in a digital world, 28 focus on teaching and learning enhancement within and across disciplines, 32 focus on students success 4 have a cross-priority focus. As with last year higher education’s response to COVID-19 influenced the topics of many seminars and these local conversations will, no doubt, continue to be very fruitful in ensuring support for students and staff in the emerging context. This year, subject to public health recommendations, a number of seminars are planned to be run as in-person events, in addition 44 of the seminars are currently scheduled to run 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 over 14,000 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 2021/22 academic year can be viewed here.
