National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Aligning learning, teaching and assessment in the design of HE curricula
2019-02-01 | Limerick
Learning Outcomes:

Discuss different theoretical approaches to student assessment and feedback
Apply these approaches to adopt an outcomes based approach to curriculum design
Consider assessment strategies at modular and programmatic levels so that planning for assessment constructively aligns with both the module and programme learning outcomes
Propose methods to ensure the assessment for, as and of learning is embedded in the process and procedures of curriculum and learning design

Eventbrite registration link will be added soon, in the interim please contact the organiser directly for further information.

Street Law
2019-01-31 | Limerick
Learning Outcomes

Develop knowledge of Street Law as a teaching technique in university education
Appreciate how Street Law empowers and engages students to become better learners and how it is an “assessment AS learning
Understand the learner-centred teaching methods that are used in Street Law
Gain a deeper understanding of their own thought processes and self-reflect on their teaching practice
Be prepared to introduce Street Law, or similar discipline-specific, teaching methods into
their own teaching

Towards digital literacy for language teaching and learning: Approaches and practices
2019-01-29 | Limerick
Learning Outcomes

Higher expertise amongst participants on the practical skills necessary for the successful implementation and integration of digital tools and resources
The ability to access and work with training modules and templates to facilitate the integration of tools to work on language skills
A repository of activities for the teaching and learning of languages based on the newly explored framework
Increased synergies between language teaching strategies adopted at secondary and third levels
Direct positive impact on participants’ teaching practices

The Visitor and Resident Framework as a tool for professional development
2019-01-29 | Online
Learning Outcomes:

Participants will be introduced to the concept of the Vistor and Resident (VanR) map
Appreciate the ways that the VandR map can be employed as a professional development tool regarding digital literacy
Develop familiarity with existing VandR resources that will enable them to engage in their own professional development and/or assist others.

Are we ready? Making the shift from delivering the content to being facilitators of learning
2019-01-25 | Dublin
Learning Outcomes:
Participants will be enabled to:

Appraise the reality of the learning contexts for students as they move from postprimary to third level
Reflect on their role as HEI lecturers in making the shift from imparting content through lecture delivery to being facilitators of learning in a student-centered dynamic learning environment
Contribute to a forum for the sharing of good practice by third level expert practitioners
Engage with innovative technological tools that can be used in class to facilitate student engagement
Plan for the student at the center of the learning process and themselves as the facilitator of this learning process

Eventbrite registration link will be available soon, in the interim please contact the organiser directly for further information.

Evidencing teaching achievements effectively
2019-01-23 | Limerick
Learning Outcomes:

To be able to identify and gather appropriate evidence for teaching achievements
To appreciate your own key achievements in teaching and supporting learning, including recognising where you have exercised leadership
To be able to present a teaching achievement effectively in a teaching portfolio

Digital pathways into learning languages
2019-01-18 | Letterkenny
Learning Outcomes:

To highlight the need for a change in mindset at institutional policy level in the IoT sector
To establish a Community of Practice among language experts across the IoT sector
To explore the potential of digital learning platforms in overcoming curricular and timetabling obstacles
To persuade language lecturers of the pedagogical benefits of harnessing new technologies
To establish learning pathways into modern languages for students of diverse academic backgrounds

Student orientation: How innovative practices can improve outcomes for incoming students
2019-01-18 | Dublin
Learning Outcomes:

How to measure Orientation outcomes effectively
How technology may be used to effectively communicate and manage Orientation programmes
How to use technology / VLEs in an innovative way to improve Orientation outcomes
How to incorporate community engagement activities effectively into student Orientation
How extended orientation programmes may be used to enhance the initial Orientation programme

Peer mentoring in higher education - a key to better staff induction
2019-01-10 | Cork, Cork, Cork
Learning Outcomes:

Deepen their understanding of the nature and benefits of peer coaching in enhancing CPD commitment and impact
Gain a heightened awareness of their capacity to listen with unconditional positive regard
Increase their knowledge and expertise in the use of questioning to raise awareness
Develop their skills in offering impactful feedback
Construct an action plan to utilise the workshop content to improve their own communication skills so they can better support their peers and engage in purposeful conversations regarding professional development, development of learning communities and communities of practice

Effectively supporting study transitions to improve student engagement, wellbeing, progression, attainment and success
2019-01-08 | Cork, Cork, Cork
Learning Outcomes:
Participants attending this seminar will:

Examine the student lifecycle, identify key transition points and their associated challenges
Explore possibilities for enhancing student engagement and better preparing students at each stage from FY induction to ‘outduction’
Be introduced to and explore the ‘Student Experience Transitions Model’ that interlinks the key activities of academic, welfare and support. The model provides a framework for colleagues to organise and map out the various types of support required for different students at particular times throughout their journey at university or college
Share practice with colleagues from other institutions and make connections for collaborative projects
Have a facilitated discussion on how student engagement might be best enhanced at different stages from pre-entry to post-graduation

The Power of Imagery in Learning
2018-12-18 | IADT, Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Dublin, Ireland
Learning Outcomes

Explore Multimedia Learning (MML) research which highlights the value of imagery as a constitutive pedagogy for class materials both for F2F lectures and online resources and materials
Be able to access appropriate images with an understanding of copyright issues and concerns
Explore how to incorporate images to better engage students in the learning process and to reduce cognitive stress
Discuss the challenges and benefits of using this methodology in the context of
universal design and inclusive teaching
Explore the use of apposite images to provoke the key constitutive elements of Active Learning.

Exploring alternatives: Critique of the process-product paradigm dominating Teaching Educator Professional Learning (TEPL) in contemporary higher education
2018-12-13 | Limerick
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of this seminar participants will:

Provide an open space to better understand the key assumptions and ideological governance forms underpinning the Process-Product model of Teacher Educator Professional Development operating in contemporary Ireland, Europe and OECD countries
Apply a select literature review in gaining a deeper understanding of the contemporary framing of HEI Policy in TEPL using human capital theory and the contested nature of this worldview in the international literature
Productively debate issues and concerns about academic progression criteria currently presented in western HEIs as a watertight evidence-based solution
Re-consider the purposes of education and teacher educators/educational researcher’s responsibility for the critical, social and heuristic aspects of education and the concept of a democratic society

Using a lightboard for rapid online engagement
2018-12-12 | Galway
Learning Outcomes

Explain how a lightboard studio operates and how they are constructed
Demonstrate best practice for creating short videos for optimal student engagement
Create a reusable online learning object using lightboard technology for use in their own teaching.

Getting started with online teaching
2018-12-10 | Letterkenny
Learning Outcomes:

Develop an understanding of the student perspective of what it is like to study online
Apply principles of online module design including a range of assessment options
Develop online activities and open education resources and approaches to media creation
Experience online facilitation and interaction including some strategies for engaging students in the online space (towards building a learning community)

Eventbrite registration link will be available soon, in the interim please contact the organiser directly for further information.

NF Professional Development Framework workshop & showcase of teaching and learning ePortfolios
2018-12-07 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Galway
Learning Outcomes

Promote engagement with the Professional Development Framework.
Encourage discipline/programme teams to use the framework to identify training needs and goals to develop staff capacity for change.
A networking and peer learning opportunity to hear from colleagues who are engaged in their own continuous professional development and creation of Teaching and Learning ePortfolios.

Developing an understanding and relevance of open badges for social work learning
2018-12-07 | Sligo
Learning Outcomes:

Preparing staff to learn in digital settings
Develop an understanding of how effective our guidance and support is to learners’ use of digital technology
Understanding of how we are embedding digital experiences into learning programmes
Consider how we engage learners in developing the digital environment
How well are we approaching these issues at the strategic level

A Shannon Consortium dissemination seminar: What we believe: Student stakeholder perspectives on religion, belief & spirituality in third level Irish educational contexts (NI & ROI)
2018-11-29 11:00 - 15:15 | Limerick
Learning Outcomes:

Explore the belief and value contexts students experience in Irish Higher Education Institutions
Reflect on the results of a highly innovative study, which has been conducted across the island of Ireland
Critique contributions from a range other scholars in the related field of education, values, religions and beliefs
Share ‘good practice’ and learning from the research
Explore the implications for student development and preparation for future professional practice

Creating immersive & interactive audio visual environments using new digital technologies in lens-based media production
2018-11-27 - 2018-11-28 | Limerick
Learning Outcome

To gain knowledge and understanding about workflow from planning, to production, and post-production, towards the installation of a video projection mapped artwork for a professional gallery installation and/or outdoor environments
To become skilled, knowledgeable and self-sufficient in producing a large scale audio-visual immersive environments, for indoor and outdoor presentations
To develop skills and workflow principles is using the required hardware and software
To gain authentic industry level professional skill sets, which can be integrated and applied within the curriculum, to prepare students for public exhibition and presentation, using 21st century media, thereby using technology to maximise learning impact
To enrich the teaching and learning experience, by enabling programme teams to learn and gain confidence in exploring new ways of working using new and innovative digital technologies

Teaching & Learning Enhancement Fund 2018 Project Reviews
2018-11-21 - 2018-11-22 | Dublin Convention Centre, Spencer Dock, N Wall Quay, North Wall,, Dublin 1, Dublin, Ireland
Check back soon for recordings of the project reviews 2018

The review of Teaching & Learning Enhancement Fund 2018 project proposals (open forum presentation) will be held on:
21st and 22nd November 2018
Venue: Dublin Convention Centre, Spencer Dock, N Wall Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1 Please note: The Open Forum Session will be live streamed and recorded.

International Review Panel
Agnieszka Mrozek
Head of the Office of Education at Lodz University of Technology; vice-president of the university Board for Quality of Education.
Agnieszka’s life and professional career is connected to Lodz and Lodz University of Technology. She graduated 1991 on master level in Chemical Technology and completed doctoral thesis in 1997 in Chemistry. In 2015 graduated post diploma studies on quality management at higher education.
1993-2016 academic teacher and researcher at the Faculty of Chemistry.
2008-2016 vice-dean for education and students affairs responsible for teaching and learning quality, cooperation with international partners and industry, and innovative curricula.
From September 2016 the head of the Office of Education at the Lodz University of Technology responsible for education, international staff and student exchange, and international educational projects.
Author of a number of papers on crystallography, drug design, data analysis, and environmental management and a supervisor of bachelor and master projects. Awarded with the medal of the Commission of National Education for outstanding contribution to education in Poland. Christian Tauch
Head of the education department of the German Rectors’ Conference .
Christian Tauch worked at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland and at the European University Institute in Florence/Italy before joining the Technical University of Dresden (Germany) as director of the International Office. From 1995 to 2005 he was head of the international department of the German Rectors Conference in Bonn and from 2006 till 2010 he worked in the higher education unit of the European Commission in Brussels. Since then he is back with the German Rectors‚ Conference, where he is in charge of the education department, dealing inter alia with the implementation of the Bologna Process in German higher education institutions, qualifications frameworks, the shift from teaching to learning‚ how to increase completion rates in HE, cooperation with employers‚ associations on higher education issues, etc. Michael Gaebel
Director of the Higher Education Policy Unit at European University Association
Michael’s unit focuses on issues related to higher education learning and teaching, including the Bologna Process, lifelong learning, e-learning and MOOCs, internationalisation and global dialogue.
When Michael first joined the organisation in 2006, he was in charge of developing EUA’s international strategy and global exchange and cooperation.
Before joining EUA, Michael worked for more than a decade in higher education cooperation and development in the Middle East, the former Soviet Union and Asia. From 2002 to 2006, he was the European Co-Director of the ASEAN-EU University Network Programme (AUNP) in Bangkok. Gillian Moreira
Assistant Professor at the University of Aveiro, Portugal
Gillian holds a Masters in Education and a Doctorate in Culture from this university, having specialised in the cultural relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom, and she teaches in the area of Cultural and Intercultural Studies at the Department of Languages and Cultures.
She is a researcher at the Centre for Languages, Literatures and Cultures at UA and her research has focussed on language education and language policies, interculturality and identity issues, and intercultural competence in contexts of personal and professional mobility. She has participated in conferences and published on these themes, and been involved in national and international projects related to English Language education, the development of plurilingual and intercultural competences and quality enhancement in higher education.
She was pro-Rector at the University of Aveiro (2010 – 2018) with responsibility for the evaluation and accreditation of the study programmes and the enhancement of the teaching and learning experience of students at UA. Oisín Hassan
Vice President for Academic Affairs with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), a national organisation representing over 374,000 on both sides of the border.
Oisín is a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast in Law with Politics, and has begun an LLM in Law and Governance. He previously served as Vice President Equality and Diversity (2015/16) and Vice President Education (2016/17) in Queen’s University Belfast Students’ Union, before election to USI.
In his role he works on developing the student voice in quality enhancement, building capacity in Students’ Union’s on education policy, and embedding an ethos of students as partners across Ireland. He also works on International Affairs within USI, representing students at the European Students’ Union.
Oisín sits on the Board of the QQI and on the Board of the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning. He also works with various partners of USI, including SUSI, the HEA, and ISSE. He is Chairperson of the National Student Engagement Network set up under NStEP.
Information for Project Teams
Each project team is asked to prepare a presentation of NOT MORE than 15 minutes. Following the presentation, the project teams will take questions from the international review panel and the audience.
ALL PRESENTATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ADVANCE OF THE REVIEW TO THE NATIONAL FORUM BY 12PM TUESDAY 20TH NOVEMBER.
Click here to view further information including the schedule for the session.
Click here for download the impact report template for project teams

Best practice in student-centred approaches in education and training
2018-11-20 | The Printworks, Dublin Castle, Castle Street, Dublin, Ireland
On Tuesday 20th November 2018, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) will host a conference in partnership with HEA, ISSE, IUA, THEA & USI at the Printworks, Dublin Castle for educators and students entitled: Best Practice in Student-Centred Approaches in Education and Training.
This event, supported by the National Forum, is aimed at those interested in Academic Affairs, Teaching & Learning, Student Experience, Quality Assurance, Community Engagement and International Student Learning.
The QQI are currently calling for poster proposals for the conference on the following themes:

Best Practice for Student-Centred Approaches in Ireland – helping Irish HEIS make improvements in student engagement, evidence of impact and interaction.
Student feedback Data – Effective feedback and uses of data (including, but not limited to ISSE) to inform decision-making.
Best Practice for Student-Centred Approaches for International Students – helping HEIS engagement with International student (with an emphasis on the student experience learning outcomes, campus culture, services and supports provided).

Please view the poster call here.
If you are aware of colleagues engaged in activities related to these areas, please feel free to share this with them.
If you would like to attend the event, please register your interest here.

Lets Talk About Assessment in Higher Education
2018-11-12 09:30 - 16:00 | The Alex Hotel, Fenian Street, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland
Exploring QQI’s Green Paper on Assessment
On 12 November, Quality and Qualifications Ireland and the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education will jointly host an event bringing together representatives from the higher education and training sector, to discuss issues relating to the assessment of learners and learning.

The main purpose of the event is to provide the opportunity for participants to discuss the current opportunities and challenges of assessment in higher education.
QQI recently published a Green Paper on Assessment. The Green Paper sets out a framework and context for discussing a wide range of assessment issues. It identifies issues of concern and presents ideas about how some of them might be tackled.

Conference participants will be given the opportunity to identify key messages/issues/ideas that should be given consideration in the green paper.

Discussions at the workshops will be informed by QQI’s Green Paper on Assessment of Learners and Learning. This document aims to stimulate discussions between QQI and its stakeholders on key issues in assessment such as:
• Why is assessment important?
• What is our understanding of assessment of learners and learning?
• How does assessment support learning, quality, equality, standards and qualifications?
• What is the use of learning outcomes?
• How do we embrace the concept of assessment of, for and as learning?
• How do current standards and educational awards affect assessment?
• How do practitioners adapt to developments in assessment practice?
• How do we design assessment in the context of diversity of learners, RPL etc?
• How do we engage learners as partners in assessment?
• Can we ensure consistency in assessment of apprenticeships?
• How do we promote and support academic integrity?
Event Details
Let’s Talk About Assessment – Higher Education and Training
Monday 12 November
The Alex Hotel, Fenian Street, Dublin 2
Registration: 9.30 -16.00
Keynote details here
Conference Programme click here.
Event Registration is now Closed.
Green Paper Submissions
The QQI Green Paper on Assessment can be read in full here. Written responses to the Green Paper should be emailed to consultation@qqi.ie no later than 7 December 2018.

Morning Session: The Balanced Researcher. Afternoon Session: Presenting your Research with Confidence.
2018-11-12 | Sligo
Learning Outcomes:
“The Balanced Researcher”:

How to develop effective strategies to be effective with your time
Specific strategies for coping with email overload
Picking the right things to work on; how to prioritise
Dealing with Distractions and interruptions
How to say ‘NO’ gracefully; setting boundaries & Looking after me.

“Presenting your research with confidence”:

How to make your message relevant to your audience
How to structure and link parts of your talk
Preparing materials, notes, handouts, powerpoint
Practicing, Delivery, How to handle questions
Dealing with nervousness

Bringing research closer to practice. A one day symposium on creative practice and posgraduate research approaches.
2018-11-09 | Sligo
Learning Outcomes:
Learn about the current modules of Creative Practice Research in Ireland
Develop skills in preparation, supervision and examination of postgraduate research through Creative Practice
Enhance Interdisciplinary thinking in Creative Practice Research in the Institute
Prepare Level 8 Honours students for possible Level 9 paths of Creative Practice Enquiry

Facilitating student leadership to foster academic culture
2018-11-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Limerick
Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to identify the benefits of an effective student leadership programme for a successful transition to third level education
Participants will be able to structure and plan the delivery of a student leadership programme focused on academic culture and programmatic socialisation. This seminar will outline the processes and structures required for its planning and delivery
Participants will be able to verify how student leadership can build academic culture as a result of the interactions between i) academic staff, ii) older programme peers appointed as student leaders, and iii) first year students
Participants will be able to align their institutional student engagement commitments through the activation of a student leadership model for new students
The evaluation framework used by Newcastle University’s ‘Peer Mentoring’ programme will be shared, to prompt potential approaches to evaluation”

Exploring action research for professional development
2018-11-07 | Carlow
Learning Outcomes:

Explore the underpinning principles of action research in an educational context
Identify their own values when it comes to enhancing their teaching practice
Consider the evidence required to evaluate improvement in their own practice
Explore ways in which action research could be applied to one’s individual context to enable practice to be enhanced

Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund 2018 - Proposal Submission Deadline
2018-10-25
Click here for more information.

Forum to host National Symposium on ‘Institutional Approaches to Using Data for Enhancing Student Success’
2018-10-23 | Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
A National Symposium on ‘Institutional Approaches to Using Data for Enhancing Student Success’ will be hosted by the Forum on Tuesday 23 October 2018 in the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin from 9.30am. This high-level symposium is aimed at higher education institutional managers and focuses on national and international best practice in developing effective strategies for using data as a resource for supporting student success. Enabling student success is a key strategic priority for the National Forum, the National Access Plan 2015-2019 and the Higher Education System Performance Framework 2018-2020.
Click here to register your attendance.

National Seminar Series 2018/2019 - Application Deadline
2018-10-11

Annual SURE Network Conference 2018
2018-09-28
The SURE Network was established in 2017 by a community of institutions interested in enhancing practice in undergraduate research in the Sciences. Starting in 2018, the SURE Network will implement a series of regional undergraduate conferences in the Sciences and an undergraduate journal.

Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund 2018 - Webinar
2018-09-25 12:30 - 13:30
Webinar URL: https://teachingandlearning.adobeconnect.com/r0wvgxlwyr7c/
Click here for more information.
