Collaborative Knowledge Exchange for Learning Impact (Crannóg)

The Collaborative Knowledge Exchange for Learning Impact – or, simply, Crannóg, for short, is a partnership between NUI Galway, UL, MIC, and DCU, which aims to support the professional development of those colleagues in roles such as Head of School/Department, Dean, etc.

Specifically, the project focuses on aspects of leadership of teaching & learning, and the building of digital capacity/capability. It builds on the work of Ireland’s National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning, and seeks to encourage the sharing of ideas, the dissemination of research and scholarship, and the development of a professional network.

Focus on Assessment

A number of ‘Focus On’ document resources have been created as part of the Crannóg project. These resources curate existing materials into short “what you need to know”-style briefs on key topics in Leading in Teaching and Learning.

Focus on Feedback on Assessment (to students)

Naomi Winstone, of the University of Surrey, shared in an interview some of her work on Feedback to Students on their learning.

A number of ‘Focus On’ document resources have been created as part of the Crannóg project. These resources curate existing materials into short “what you need to know”-style briefs on key topics in Leading in Teaching and Learning.

T-REX: Teachers Research Expertise Exchange

If you’re an in-service, registered teacher, a pre-service teacher, or an educational researcher, T-REX is a place where you can find others with similar interests, discuss research, and even collaborate on projects. Here you can raise questions, find support for your work, set up research groups and share resources, and work toward a bigger, more connected educational research community in Ireland.

All Aboard: Digital Skills in Higher Education

A simple, fun way of thinking about digital skills (in the form of a Metro Map) with shared lessons and learning materials that anyone can access online promoted the use of ‘digital badges’ across a range of applications including, of course, digital skills. Developed in partnership with many organisations and groups, including supporting student engagement projects. All Aboard has championed a focus on confidence, empowerment, identity, and wellbeing.

UL’s Student Engagement and Success Unit (SESU)

Recognising the impact of attrition on students, UL tracked the rates for first years over a seven-year period (2005-2013) and identified an increase in attrition averaging 13%. In addition to the costs and missed opportunities incurred by students that leave college early, this pattern also represented a significant loss of revenue to the University. In order to fully understand the issues impacting on first year UL students,
the University sought to identify best practices to support first year engagement both inside and outside the classroom, to leverage the value of learner data as a resource, to identify students at risk of withdrawing prematurely and to develop an effective and meaningful Student Engagement Policy.