Learning the machine: shaping the future of creative educationEducators should engage with artificial intelligence and other technologies not just as users but as influencers, write Ed D’Souza and Sunil Manghani Ed D'Souza, Sunil Manghani University of Southampton
Interdisciplinarity is a core part of AI’s heritage and is entwined with its futureTo train students to engage responsibly with artificial intelligence, a genuinely interdisciplinary perspective – from the language used to recognising that human and machine work in concert – is essential, write Elvin Lim and Jonathan Chase Elvin Lim , Jonathan ChaseSingapore Management University
Using primary sources to tell queer historiesPublic records and private lives? In uncovering LGBTQ+ stories in personal archives and impersonal documents, historians should ask questions about how each source engages with gender and sexuality, writes Isabell DahmsIsabell DahmsGoldsmiths, University of London
Will ChatGPT change our definitions of cheating?We can’t yet know if we have a full taxonomy of ChatGPT-enhanced mischief, or whether certain uses should be classed as mischief at all, writes Tom MuirTom MuirOslo Metropolitan University
Lots of talk about diversity in corporations, but what about universities?Why real progress won’t be made unless universities solve three persistent issues: access to networks, unconscious bias and insider culture, writes Blane RuschakBlane RuschakThe PhD Project
What about lifelong learning for international students?International students might not be comfortable with the student-centred mindset that underpins continuous, self-directed learning. We must prepare them for lifelong learning so they are not left behind, argues Graham WiseGraham WiseTe Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
The problem with equity, diversity and inclusion in a multiracist worldEDI initiatives are commonplace in Western higher education. They pay little or no attention to the global diversity of racism. But should they, asks Alastair BonnettAlastair Bonnett Newcastle University
Breaking academic barriers: language models and the future of searchThe true potential of generative AI and large language models remains underexplored in academia. These technologies may offer more than just answers. Here’s how the insights they offer could revolutionise academic search and discoveryAdrian RaudaschlElsevier
Diversity efforts in academia are leading us towards ‘the oppression Olympics’EDI campaigns and scholarships keep failing ethnic minority students because they are tailored to the needs of white people, writes Andrea E.L. AttipoeAndrea E.L. AttipoeImperial College London
Higher apprenticeships reimagined for lifelong learnersIf Australia is serious about addressing pressing skills shortages and rapidly changing technology and labour markets, lifelong learning must become a practical reality, not an abstract goal, says Mish EastmanMish EastmanRMIT University
Why hybrid learning needs hybrid faculties Online courses should be integrated into everyday faculty functions to improve remote and in-person classes as well as the overall student experienceAn Jacobs , Norma RossiRoyal Military Academy Sandhurst, Loughborough University, University of St Andrews
We need to bang the drum for music degreesMusic degrees aren’t as valued as they should be. Universities can do much more to make them attractive to students and parents, argues Sam WaltonSam WaltonRoyal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music
Making space for emotions in learningThe trick is to design courses so cognitive and affective learning balance each other in a way that promotes empathy and deeper understanding of the content, writes Carol Subiño SullivanCarol Subiño SullivanGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities
Respectful provocation: the university skill for our times?Challenging students about their assumptions and values makes them better equipped to engage with the challenges of living in a diverse society, writes Mathew GuestMathew GuestDurham University
An academic’s advice for navigating riskFrom publication to grant applications, the rites of academia come with unfavourable odds. Yet researchers are rarely taught how to deal with uncertainty. Here, Yaniv Hanoch offers mitigation strategiesYaniv HanochUniversity of Southampton
Universities, AI and the common good Higher education must find paths for meaningful engagement with artificial intelligence, to leverage its potential, explain the problems and mitigate the hazards, writes Rajani Naidoo Rajani NaidooUniversity of Bath
How can universities disrupt the gender investment gap?Engaging with stakeholders beyond higher education and debunking myths around women and innovation can open spin-out opportunities to more women, writes Simonetta ManfrediSimonetta Manfredi Oxford Brookes University
How can generative AI intersect with Bloom’s taxonomy? Like in a video game, AI allows us to jump multiple levels, but that doesn’t mean the much-used framework becomes obsolete – we might just need a new approachChristine Rivers, Anna HollandUniversity of Surrey
Collaborating with artificial intelligence? Use your metacognitive skills Metacognition in humans holds the key to ‘collaborative intelligence’ – making the most effective use of the complementary strengths of human and artificial intelligenceClaire Mason, Sidra, Andrew Reeson, Cécile Paris Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
It’s time to change the narrative on affirmative actionPublic institutions are doing the heavy lifting of levelling the playing field, writes Jonathan Koppell, so let’s amplify access-oriented institutions as instruments of social mobility and equityJonathan KoppellMontclair State University
Universities need to show – not just tell – students what they stand forModern institutions must adjust their recruitment approaches from data-driven to values-driven and realise the importance of putting people, not spreadsheets, first, says Dan BarcroftDan BarcroftUniversity of Sheffield
The scramble to push students towards internships is troublingWith employability at all costs now dominating HE, we seem to be ignoring the very real problems of a system built on free labour and work placements, says Anne HewittAnne Hewitt The University of Adelaide
With the right support, students with ADHD can thrive in digital learning environmentsDon’t generalise about digital learning being problematic for students with ADHD. Rather, find the digital tools that develop their unique talents, argues Dustin Hosseini Dustin HosseiniUniversity of Glasgow
Universities and academics need to make space for ‘useless’ research The academic race for short-term results and practical applications must be balanced with research that can, in due time, become incredibly useful, writes James DerounianJames DerounianDe Montfort University
A month of highs and lows: the impact of menstruation on HE Universities need to better accommodate the challenges faced by menstruating students to promote educational equity, write Mays Imad and Kerri MaronMays Imad , Kerri MaronConnecticut College
Shifting landscapes of social media data for researchWhat can researchers do in light of changes to social media platforms’ APIs that reduce and monetise access to data? In this uncharted territory, aspects to watch include new access routes and user protectionsBrittany I. Davidson, Joanne Hinds, Daniel RacekUniversity of Bath, LMU Munich
Offer students a personal touch through peer supportAs universities expand, they will need to take more of a personal approach to higher education – despite the huge cohorts – but how? Emma Norman suggests looking to the students themselvesEmma NormanUniversity of Exeter
Is open access tarnished?As open access terms have split into colour-coded brands, not all allow totally unrestricted access and reuse. Among these, “bronze OA” stands out as a potentially damaging misnomer, writes Steven VidovicSteven U. Vidovic University of Southampton
Digital accessibility is real and tangibleA workshop using real-life examples and first-hand experience of how assistive technology works can result in a deeper understanding of accessibility needsTharindu Liyanagunawardena University of Reading
What distinguishes a university from a knowledge enterprise?In this extract, David Staley and Dominic Endicott offer 12 features that characterise institutions committed to attracting talent to their region for economic growth and their own survivalDavid J. Staley, Dominic D. J. EndicottOhio State University, Northstar Ventures
Open access is inevitable – only the ‘how’ remains up for discussionScholarly knowledge is produced mainly at taxpayers’ expense. Why they should have to pay again to read it remains a mystery, writes Peter Baldwin Peter Baldwin University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), New York University
The dark side of AI’s promised efficiencies Artificial intelligence can use data and algorithms in a way that prioritises rationality over values such as fairness and quality of education, writes Vern GlaserVern GlaserUniversity of Alberta
It’s time to radicalise the writing proficiency exam Written exams should generate writing that vibrates with personality, exploration of ideas and an urge to communicate, says Tyler ThierTyler ThierHofstra University
Why students and faculty alike need mental health first-aid training Basic knowledge and skills could empower university communities to promote and destigmatise mental health issues and empower individuals to recognise risks and seek assistance, writes Noam Schimmel Noam SchimmelUniversity of California, Berkeley
How a school exchange with my daughter led me to question the role of universitiesGiving a class at my daughter’s school and having her visit my university gave rise to serious questions about childcare, education and how our universities fit into society, says Andy FarnellAndy FarnellVisiting Professor
Teaching originality: an essential skill in the age of ChatGPTAcademic originality is not about chance, genius or magic. It is about engagement and a clear sense of scholarly contribution. And it can be taught, writes Alastair BonnettAlastair Bonnett Newcastle University
A bridge between academics and communications staffScience communication in a post-Covid world calls for a new way to span the gap between researchers and university comms teams – and a new skill set, as Michael Head explains Michael HeadUniversity of Southampton
I’d tell my younger self that my chequered past would be my strengthWith the benefit of hindsight, Anson Mackay re-examines their career path to see lessons in self-compassion and being their authentic self in collaboration and the classroomAnson W. MackayUniversity College London
ADHD in higher education: is digital learning making it worse?Hopping between multiple apps and platforms can easily overwhelm students with ADHD – we must be alert to the effects of too much digital multitasking, says Adrian J. WallbankAdrian J. WallbankOxford Brookes University
Is critical thinking the answer to generative AI? Designing assessment that tests critical thinking has value and practicality, so the challenge is figuring out questions that flummox the AI without creating wildly difficult problems for students, write Luke Zaphir and Jason M. Lodge Luke Zaphir , Jason M. LodgeThe University of Queensland
Quality assurance of online transnational higher educationOnline and hybrid degrees are booming, but work needs to be done to maintain the reputation of Australian online university degrees in the transnational education space, writes Fion LimFion Choon Boey Lim University of Technology Sydney
Ever wished lectures could be more flexible? Introducing the ‘flecture’Does the design of lecture theatres actually hinder knowledge dissemination? Richard Layzell discusses his experiments in shifting the norms of education deliveryRichard LayzellUniversity of Kent
How to find personal fulfilment after being a scientistAcademia encourages experimentation and innovative thinking. Why not apply these skills to finding a more satisfying job? Greta Faccio explains how she hit on her hybrid solutionGreta FaccioIndependent academic
How knowledge-sharing is making Baja’s wine industry the ‘next Napa’Diana Celaya Tentori discusses the huge benefits of knowledge-sharing in wine research that can be applied to every academic disciplineDiana Celaya Tentori CETYS Universidad
We need systemic change in education to really tackle EDITackling discrimination in business and society requires us to change the ways we deal with ‘difference’ in education, writes Sankalp ChaturvediSankalp Chaturvedi Imperial College London
How universities can help rebuild trust in scienceThe crisis of confidence in science has deep origins. The answer to regaining traction is compelling stories and the skills to tell them beyond the academy, writes Bartłomiej KnosalaBartłomiej Knosala Silesian University of Technology
The confidence trick: impostor syndrome and PhDs in the non-academic worldResearchers have a great deal to offer the world beyond academia. But, as John Miles writes, knowing where and when to deploy these skills is crucialJohn MilesInkpath
A translation exercise to improve students’ creative writingLiterary translation and writing have a cyclical, reciprocal relationship, as novelist Maithreyi Karnoor explains with a task to tap into students’ feel for languageMaithreyi KarnoorSrishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology
Poetry is a door into many disciplines, not just a literary oneA poem can act as a memory aid, ground facts in individual experience and prompt questions about policy, power and generational impact, says Pádraig Ó TuamaPádraig Ó TuamaPoetry Unbound
One thing at a time: tips for making decisionsAcademic life is rife with everyday choices that can sap your bandwidth. Here’s why this is exhausting and how to ease the loadYaniv HanochUniversity of Southampton
HE has its head in the sand on long Covid, and it could prove costlyLong Covid is far more common than most people let on, so institutions must be ready to support its students, staff and faculty – here’s howMays Imad , Skylar Magee , John Nugent Connecticut College
Re-evaluating natural intelligence in the face of ChatGPTGenerative AI tools mean that our pedagogy, understanding of specialisation and how we value human abilities such as empathy, compassion and critical thinking must changeElvin Lim , Andrew KohSingapore Management University
Is it time to rethink social mobility discourse and the meaning of ‘success’?We must remember that while social mobility is a valuable goal, it’s not one with which all students are willing or able to conform, say Louise Ashley and William Monteith Louise Ashley, William Monteith Queen Mary University of London
We need an integrated approach to inclusion in higher educationCarol Evans makes the case for an Integrated Inclusion Framework, which would harmonise competing but overlapping EDI agendas to create aligned change that benefits everyoneCarol EvansCardiff University
How the idea of ‘excellence’ can be misleading in higher educationA new approach to achievement could see a focus on As give way to a suite of mastery that meets students’ needs – and helps faculty balance expectations, writes Michael Dennin Michael DenninUniversity of California, Irvine
How to advance equity-informed leadership in universitiesIncreasing diversity at universities requires more than raising aspirations and enrolment among Indigenous and other under-represented students. Braden Hill offers seven ways leaders can address barriers to equityBraden HillEdith Cowan University
A holistic blueprint for sustainabilityInstead of compartmentalising decisions about infrastructure or resource allocation, universities need a whole-system approach to sustainability that shifts attitudes and behaviour, writes Lily KongLily KongSingapore Management University
A vision for graduate supervisionSupervising graduate students is a responsibility and skill that goes far beyond the mere transmission of knowledge, as Daniel Jutras explainsDaniel JutrasUniversity of Montreal
Narrating failure in academia: how to turn trash into treasureInstead of hiding from failure in shame and despair, and on the way to normalising it, we should learn how to better narrate it, says Lucas LixinskiLucas LixinskiUNSW Sydney
Are we placing too much focus upon higher degrees for university lecturers?There is growing pressure on university lecturers to achieve higher degrees. Fiona Cust and Jessica Runacres question if this is necessary for those teaching at undergraduate level, particularly in vocational or career-focused coursesFiona Cust, Jessica RunacresStaffordshire University
What happens when we can’t help a student when they need us most?The job of university personal tutor is not nine-to-five, and academics in support roles are fallible and don’t always get it right. Catherine Lee shares advice for those times from personal experienceCatherine LeeAnglia Ruskin University
Look after the intangibles and the metrics will look after themselvesUnmeasurable elements such as enthusiasm, belonging and motivation are valuable parts of the university experience. Sue Lee looks at ways to embrace these intangible assetsSue LeeStaffordshire University
I’m finally ready to admit that I’m an academic who suffers from depressionI’m opening up because those of us hounded by mental health issues should not have to add fear of job loss and stigmatisation to our list of concerns, says James DerounianJames DerounianUniversity of Bolton
The four-day week in higher education: can we make it work?With a culture of overwork eroding well-being among UK university staff, could a four-day working week be part of the solution? Rushana Khusainova looks at whether this mode of working is feasible in higher educationRushana KhusainovaUniversity of Bristol
You’re not alone: tips to help academics avoid social isolationConnections with colleagues matter – without them, support during periods of reappointment, promotion or tenure can feel tenuous. And those unwritten expectations of collegiality become opaque, explains Karen Z. SprolesKaryn Z. Sproles United States Naval Academy
Want students back in the classroom? Don’t give everything away onlineEmpty classrooms are an unfortunate reality of post-pandemic universities. To stop this, we need to explain the fundamentals of learning and tempt students backHarriet Dunbar-MorrisThe University of Portsmouth
What LGBTIQ+ allyship means in academiaBeing a queer person who very much appreciates allyship and who tries to be a good ally to others has taught me a few things, says Lucas LixinskiLucas LixinskiUNSW Sydney
Towards 2035: a future view of university educationWhat will higher education be like by 2035? Four early-career academics at Australian universities, from different discipline areas, offer a vision of how universities might evolve and adapt to future technologies and workplace demands Isaac Akefe, Lauren Carpenter, Graham Lee, Jessica LeonardThe University of Queensland , Queensland University of Technology
Transformative change is needed to deliver Earth-centred educationThe time for incrementalism is over. As responsible humans and academic professionals we must radically rethink the purposes and processes of education and developmentMark FettesSimon Fraser University
Universities must think smarter when devising edtech strategies for the futureThe ideal vision is one where AI and faculty work together to deliver the best outcomes, rather than a two-tier system where the less privileged are left with a low-cost, automated educationSarah GrantImperial College London
Creating ‘third spaces’ will revolutionise your campusInformal communal spaces bring multiple benefits, from encouraging interdisciplinarity to helping with net zero targets, says Jerry TateJerry TateTate and Co
Why is self-reflection core to decolonisation and anti-racism in the academy? To move beyond rhetoric, hollow commitments and well-intentioned one-time efforts, we must hold ourselves accountable, says a team from Simon Fraser UniversityMultiple authorsSimon Fraser University
Seven strategies to turn academic libraries into social organisations For libraries to secure their future on higher education campuses, they must embrace a model that prioritises partnerships and collaboration, says Sheila Corrall Sheila Corrall University of Pittsburgh
When is a percentage not a percentage? The problem with HE marking practicesWhen an assessor awards a percentage to an essay, report or similar piece of work, this is a subjective mark rather than a genuine percentage – and this is deeply problematicAndy GraysonNottingham Trent University
Those of us with dyspraxia are frequently affected by academic ableismThe actions, inertia and discretion of individual academics can be a key driver of ableism – here’s what you and your institution can do to help, says John MacklinJohn MacklinUniversity of East London
Being elitist about sci-comms damages scienceScientists, if you communicate only with people at your own level of expertise, how will you recruit the best and brightest, engage the public and change the world? Kylie Ahern takes ‘dumbing down’ to taskKylie AhernSTEM Matters
I’m a disabled student – this is what I worry about when applying to your universityPhoebe Allen, an A-level student with cerebral palsy and full-time wheelchair user, outlines how universities can better accommodate disabled studentsPhoebe AllenStudent
It’s worth rethinking how we engage graduates – they can be teaching gold National teaching fellow James Derounian highlights the potential for recycling graduate contributions back into university teachingJames DerounianUniversity of Bolton
Where’s our Black bereavement leave? Higher education routinely ignores the emotional needs of Black faculty and staff, particularly after traumatic events, and it’s time for that to change, says Angel JonesAngel JonesSouthern Illinois University
What’s next for university admissions? With the impact of AI on applications as yet unknown and affirmative action in the US at risk, Rick Clark speculates on the future of college admissions. His hope? That the student voice finds new ways to be heard Rick ClarkGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities
What does a 21st-century research and science system look like?Jim Metson explores what is needed from universities and government to create a transformative research, science and innovation sector in New ZealandJim MetsonUniversity of Auckland
What’s your scholarly ‘next big thing’, and how should you choose it?For those who want to be setting the agenda in their field, a big project is one of the clearest ways of doing it. Lucas Lixinski ruminates on what that could look likeLucas LixinskiUNSW Sydney
How LGBTQ leaders navigate a predominantly non-LGBTQ worldLooking at LGBTQ leadership style as a reaction to the power structures that dominate our culture is essential to finding a common thread through a diverse community, writes Karen Whitney Karen WhitneyClarion University
The changes to the National Student Survey could prove disastrousThe removal of well-being-centric questions and the ability to compare with previous years will impede universities’ ability to offer adequate supportHarriet Dunbar-MorrisThe University of Portsmouth
How to tell if your university is making a genuine effort to increase diversity There is zero doubt that bias pervades the HE system. Universities need to show they are taking it as seriously as they take publication and other key performance areasKeon WestGoldsmiths, University of London
Challenges and opportunities of the 60-year curriculumLifelong learning for a post-digital-transformation, post-Covid world will need a degree of intention, design and flexibility universities do not yet offer, writes Jeff Grabill Jeffrey GrabillUniversity of Leeds
Business school recruitment: disrupt to diversifyA genuine commitment to championing greater equity, diversity and inclusion in business education demands a paradigm shift, says Arnold LongboyArnold LongboyLondon Business School
New views on the block: schedule or philosophy?Colorado College founded its Block Plan in the heady, revolutionary late 1960s. What can a look back over 50 years teach us about the future of compressed and modular modes of curriculum delivery?Steven HaywardColorado College
It’s time to end the negative narratives surrounding foundation studentsFoundation students are often seen as somehow lacking, but we can challenge the stereotypes around their knowledge and backgrounds to force positive changeChristina Delistathi University of Westminster
Leadership and the intersectionality of being queer and living with HIVComing out as gay was a first step, but it was being open about living with HIV that showed Raymond Crossman how his whole self shaped his role as president. Here, he talks about intersectionality and leadershipRaymond CrossmanAdler University
The history versus fiction debate revisited (again) thanks to ‘The Crown’In the wake of the notorious television series it feels more crucial than ever that faculty reiterate to students the difference between historical fact and fictionFarish A. Noor University of Malaya
ChatGPT and AI writers: a threat to student agency and free will?If we resign ourselves to thinking that resistance is futile and allow AI to replace students’ voices, we are surely guilty of abandoning our responsibilities as educatorsAdrian J. WallbankOxford Brookes University
ChatGPT has arrived – and nothing has changed ChatGPT may make it a little easier for students to cheat, but the best ways of thwarting cheating have never been focused on policing and enforcement, says Danny Oppenheimer Danny Oppenheimer Carnegie Mellon University
If I redesigned UK higher education, I would…Pay-as-you-go modules? Choose-your-own first year? Glenn Fosbraey looks to the blue sky for (sometimes radical) ideas for improving the HE experienceGlenn Fosbraey University of Winchester
Don’t jettison traditional academic writing just yetAcademic writing is transforming – into comics, podcasts, installations – but that doesn’t mean bog-standard peer-reviewed papers are less key to institutional status or individual promotion, writes Pat Thomson Patricia ThomsonUniversity of Nottingham
Intersectionality is the only way to nurture academics of colourThese three areas are often overlooked in EDI efforts to support marginalised academics Multiple authorsUniversity of Sheffield, University of Sussex, University of Liverpool
Embracing inclusivity with ‘y’all’: why this pronoun deserves a fresh lookIn a recent online meeting, a colleague told me that using that word made me sound uneducated. So I set out to see if it is really sending a bad messageStone MeredithColorado State University Global
It’s crucial for universities to bridge the ‘town and gown’ divideJames Derounian considers how universities act as good neighbours to their host communities and recommends a simple exercise to break free of the ivory towersJames DerounianUniversity of Bolton
Should we be worried? An educators’ introduction to the metaverse What is it and what might it mean for the future of education? Paul BaileyJisc
Eliminating harmful digital technologies in universities: a guideModern institutions are rife with tech that disenfranchises, dehumanises, excludes and even bullies students and teachers. It’s high time for a rethink, says Andy FarnellAndy FarnellVisiting Professor
In the rush to meet labour market needs, universities can’t forget the human element Understanding that students are people first, with lived experiences that influence their choice of college and career, will help position graduates for successSteven JohnsonNational University
Will online education lead to the death of conversation?Students who can critique ideas and generate sound, reasoned arguments in real time will be better prepared to find success after they graduate, says Rebekah WanicRebekah WanicNova Southeastern University
Hacking their hack: how embracing online summaries revolutionised my classesWith students struggling to focus on and comprehend assignments, summaries can take some of the leg work out of learning and allow students to come to class ready to connectCatherine RossUniversity of Texas at Tyler
Students are disengaged – and it’s due to how higher ed is structuredAcademic structures, such as disciplines, too often silo and limit possibilities for engagement and connection, says JT TorresJT TorresQuinnipiac University
Should we be aiming for student happiness or student satisfaction?Although two sides of the same coin, there are crucial differences between happiness and satisfaction – and one of them serves our students far better, says Doug Specht Doug SpechtUniversity of Westminster
I know first-hand that adult learners need a variety of supports to succeedFrom flexible class schedules to a friendly smile, colleges that focus on individual needs are best positioned to help learners thrive at school and in lifeShannon UrestiCollege of Health Care Professions
Why there isn’t one ‘right way’ to practise ungradingExtricating ourselves from A-F grading scales requires an inclusive, big tent approach in which we de-emphasise grades in a way that best fits our individual contextsMultiple authorsVarious
Good teachers need to be good learnersPatrick Bailey draws on four decades of university experience to identify the three things he thinks have the biggest impact on successful teaching and learningPatrick BaileyLondon South Bank University
Universities must acknowledge the value of students in recoveryUniversity throws up many temptations, but if we offer the right support for addiction we are often rewarded with strong, tenacious students and staffSimon LeeUniversity of Sunderland
Modern higher education leaders must blend business and educational knowledgeClearly articulated values, structures that support accountability and metrics that align with strategic goals are the new leadership competencies, says Angela HernquistAngela Hernquist Colorado State University Global
Does the UK need an observatory for university engagement with policymakers?Any such project would need to guard against numerous pitfalls, but the benefits in terms of bringing together various initiatives and engendering new skills could be greatJonathan Breckon , Sarah Chaytor , Kayleigh Renberg-Fawcett Capabilities in Academic Policy Engagement (CAPE), Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN), University College London
How can we help academia produce more women entrepreneurs?The key change required to help female academics found spin-out companies is rebalancing the gender diversity of the investment community, but universities have a part to play, tooSimonetta Manfredi Oxford Brookes University
You can have it all, just not all at onceIt might just be possible to achieve a good work-life balance in academia, but it requires focusing on certain areas of your life and career at certain times, says Lucas LixinskiLucas LixinskiUNSW Sydney
No one agrees on what research leadership is, let alone how to do it wellThe academy has no common idea of what research leadership really is, why it’s important or what good practice looks like. That needs to change, says Matthew FlindersMatthew FlindersUniversity of Sheffield, Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN)
Looking for a tenured teaching job? I’ve got one piece of advice: get luckyBy reinforcing the myth of meritocracy, we perpetuate a system grounded in cruelty and false promises. It needs to stop, says David WebsterDavid WebsterKing's University College
Universities must stop policing and surveilling international PGRsFrom controlling travel to failing to provide adequate support, universities’ treatment of international postgrads is harming the research community and the HE sectorTina Sikka, Heather ProctorNewcastle University
Transformative not transmissive education for sustainabilityThe teaching of sustainability and the SDGs needs to equip graduates with the skills to bring about transformative change for a better future. Jen Dollin, Brittany Hardiman and Susan Germein explore what this means for universitiesJen Dollin, Brittany Vermeulen , Susan GermeinWestern Sydney University
What I learned from spending three years researching TikTokFar from being an attention span wasteland, the popular social media platform has great instructional potential for engaged and experimental academics, says Elizabeth LoshElizabeth LoshWilliam & Mary
In the search for work-life balance, going part-time could provide an answerJames Derounian makes the case for part-time work, particularly as academics advance in their careers – and gives tips on how to begin the transition and make a success of itJames DerounianUniversity of Bolton
To improve research culture, we must change the way we measure performanceJo Cresswell explains how universities can support more collaborative cultures by changing the way academics are reviewed, assessed and rewardedJo CresswellDr Joanne Cresswell Coaching
It’s high time we rethought policy impactThe frameworks currently in use for rewarding policy impact are peppered with problems and pitfalls – here’s how to fix them, says Christina BoswellChristina BoswellThe University of Edinburgh
To offset or not to offset – that is the questionCarbon offsetting is a hotly debated issue, with critics positing that it distracts from real efforts to reduce emissions. David Duncan explains why a compromise position in which offsetting is used to complement focused efforts at carbon reduction may be neededDavid DuncanUniversity of Glasgow
To block or not to block? How time affects learning in higher educationFrom intensive block plans to open-ended study programmes, the ideal length for a unit of study is under interrogation. Jason M. Lodge considers the evidenceJason M. LodgeThe University of Queensland
AI in higher education: dystopia, utopia or something in between?To understand how HE can incorporate AI successfully, we need to think about how humans will interact with the technology and change their behaviour, says Ben SwiftBen SwiftAustralian National University
Why higher education must serve students as the customer and the productAn effective university programme should continually adapt in order to add value for and to the students so that they can meet future workplace demands, Haksin Chan and Roy Ying explainHaksin Chan, Roy YingThe Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
What I learned from nearly getting cancelledBeing the subject of student complaints was a very difficult experience for all involved – one that I am trying to learn fromAnonymousCampus
Flipping the university admissions process on its headWhy should it always be students who seek out their ‘best fit’ campus? It’s time for universities to rethink how they manage traditional admissions – and boost enrolment and diversity as they go, says Joe MorrisonJoe MorrisonConcourse
Building emotional resilience is not creating a generation of ‘snowflakes’ Many students arrive at university adept at navigating challenging situations. Julia Downes explains how to leverage and add to these skills for positive and validating resultsJulia DownesThe Open University
Digital exclusion hits students hardest at the start of their journeyVLEs, intranets, sports and social apps – the digital ecosystem at university is vast. We must induct students into it quickly and carefully to prevent them falling behindClaire SmithUniversity of Sussex
Breaking barriers for women: closing the gender health gap in academiaIn the final part of their ‘breaking barriers for women’ series, eight female academics propose ways to tackle the stigma and career deficits caused by women’s health issuesNicola Hemmings , Ellie Harrison , Jo L. Fothergill University of Sheffield, University of Liverpool
Bad news, kids (and academics): the magical motivation fairy doesn’t existMotivation for tricky tasks doesn’t just appear magically, but with these psychological tricks you can get yourself and your career moving, says Hugh KearnsHugh KearnsFlinders University
As a black, female student, I wish I’d had a peer mentoring schemeAsking more experienced students to volunteer to help first-years navigate their university journey can make all the difference in terms of belonging and confidenceBernadine IdowuUniversity of West London
Failure can feel hot and shameful, but we must normalise itFailure is essential in research, so we need to reframe it into an opportunity for learning, says Emma WilliamsEmma WilliamsEJW Solutions
For the common good: why we need ecological universitiesHigher education has become too aligned to specific economic interests and needs to be redirected to focus on regenerative values for the common good, argue Richard Hil, Kristen Lyons and Fern ThompsettRichard Hil, Kristen Lyons, Fern ThompsettGriffith University, Southern Cross University, The University of Queensland , Columbia University
What does ‘strengthen research capacity’ actually mean, and how can we do it?Leaders of research consortia face a difficult task in carrying out research and improving research capacity, but embedding a specialist team to make recommendations provides great gainsImelda Bates , Justin Pulford , Lorelei Silvester Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN)
Considering a university merger? Here’s how to do it wellAssessing a merger’s viability, as well as prioritising trust, openness and maintaining organisational cultures are key to success, says Kayla VasilkoKayla VasilkoPurdue University Northwest
Covid should have taught us that campus needs to be a treasured spaceIf we’re to tempt stay-away students back to the physical campus, we must recognise that place and places matter following disasters, say Gemma Ahearne and Treasa KearneyGemma Ahearne, Treasa KearneyUniversity of Liverpool
How to negotiate the politics of mark agreement between tutorsJames Derounian offers thoughts on how we can unravel the tangled and contested arena of mark negotiation between university tutorsJames DerounianUniversity of Bolton
Zoom fatigue and other exhaustions of international academic lifeFor many scholars, a sustainable career means moving countries to follow jobs and opportunities. Here, Clare Griffin talks about the financial, mental and social costs of relocation and offers practical tips for coping Clare GriffinIndiana University Bloomington
Linguistic racism can take a high toll on international studentsEven seemingly innocuous comments on the way that students use dominant local languages can have severe effects on mental health, says Sender DovchinSender DovchinCurtin University
Why my hobbies make me a better scholarNon-academic skills, both motor and cognitive, can enrich research capabilities in unexpected and often unexamined ways, writes Stephen W. HarmonStephen W. HarmonGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities
Why higher education should take an EDI lesson from Kendrick LamarThe Pulitzer-winning rapper’s disdain for performative activism contains lessons for universities who espouse their good intentions rather than enact changeJT TorresQuinnipiac University
Virtual reality has failed education, so what should we do with it?Getting VR right at a sophisticated level requires a hefty mix of hardware, pricey developers, rock-solid internet and suitable pedagogy – but there is a way forwardMalcolm BurtCentral Queensland University
Introducing ‘translanguaging’ – and other ways to promote multilingualismIf universities are serious about internationalisation they must confront the hegemony of English-medium instruction – here’s how, says Dylan WilliamsDylan WilliamsSeoul National University
We must remove technology worries from the student cost-of-living crisis Students and parents cannot be left to make up the shortfall when it comes to financing their studies and tech needs – they need help from universities and governmentSarah Purdy, Steve HallUniversity of Bristol
Breaking barriers for women: enough talking, time for actionIn the second part of their ‘breaking barriers for women’ series, seven female academics outline key changes to help remodel a fairer HE system from the ground upEllie Harrison , Tiffany B. Taylor University of Sheffield, University of Bath
Safeguarding conferences are becoming the land that change forgotThe lack of a firm steer from the universities regulator means a sector left in limbo when it comes to tackling sexual misconduct – and events covering the same issues year after yearEmma Bond, Andy PhippenUniversity of Suffolk, Bournemouth University
You said, we did – now what? Why student voice initiatives need a rethink‘Student voice’ initiatives tend towards changes that can be easily packaged and publicised rather than those that demand time, resources and deeper considerationClaire Kinsella, Linda KayeLeeds Beckett University, Edge Hill University
Sea of sameness: why universities have trouble with brandingUniversities need to better embrace commercial opportunities and stop trying to be all things to all people, says Paul BainesPaul BainesUniversity of Leicester
Why we should be humans first and academics secondJames Derounian argues for the spirit of kindness in all we do – and provides tips to improve your everyday collegialityJames DerounianUniversity of Bolton
We need our collegiality reserves replenished post-Covid – here’s howWhile collegiality rests mostly with the people, institutions cannot just sit back and wait for it to spring on its own, says Lucas LixinskiLucas LixinskiUNSW Sydney
Is it possible to decolonise the business curriculum?Untangling business studies from the discipline’s imperial origins might seem an insurmountable task, but it’s up to university leaders to take the lead on this complex challenge, reflects Bobby BanerjeeBobby BanerjeeCity, University of London
Engineering schools are riddled with issues – reinvention is requiredFrom increasing diversity to embracing flexibility, engineering schools must enter a period of self-reflection if they are to remain viableDavid PooleLiaison International
Rejecting hybrid conferences as the new norm reeks of ableism Failure to offer a virtual component for conferences makes organisers complicit in a system that excludes particular academics, says William E. DonaldWilliam E. DonaldRonin Institute
Why online learning must remain part of the education toolkitCritics of online learning often blame the medium itself rather than ineffective instruction, when the focus should be on how to deliver the best teaching possible using all available tools and formats, writes Andreina Parisi-AmonAndreina Parisi-Amon Engageli
Inclusion of thought v inclusion of feelings: a showdownIn the pursuit of inclusivity, should we adjust what we teach to include students’ sensitivities or expose them to the full range of serious ideas? asks Arif AhmedArif AhmedUniversity of Cambridge
The promotion process needs bigger, better data if we’re to make it fairerEnough of the tiny sample sizes at institutional level – if we want to identify the issues that hold back careers, we need sector-wide figures and cooperationPatrick BaileyLondon South Bank University
It is time to bring back peace studiesRecent world events point towards the need for a commitment to peace at every level of society, writes Annelise Riles, as she explains how universities can promote peace-making and related skills through teaching, research and collaborationAnnelise RilesNorthwestern University
Beware the pitfalls of making lectures ‘interesting’ and focus on curiosity insteadConflating ‘interesting’ with ‘entertaining’ and getting caught in a never-ending loop of shinier and shinier edutainment should be shunned in favour of cultivating sustained interestLee Li NengNational University of Singapore
Next level? The pros and cons of game-based learningUsing gamification in the classroom can work wonders for engagement, but does it come at too great a cost to deep thinking, asks Frederik van DamFrederik van DamRadboud University
It may be time to rethink the ‘edtech adoption curve’ A new survey of higher ed faculty reveals more early adopters of edtech than previously thought, says Nicole BarbaroNicole Barbaro WGU Labs
The rise and rise of the lecture-tainerFalling class attendance and shorter student attention spans present challenges for university teachers. Sandi Mann offers advice for tackling the boredom conundrumSandi MannUniversity of Central Lancashire
Being inclusive also means remembering not everyone has rhino-thick skinThe way we give feedback, from the undergraduate essay right through to peer review, provides opportunities to unconsciously exclude people, says Hugh KearnsHugh KearnsFlinders University
Yes, online learning can teach you to thinkThe idea that online learning ‘doesn’t teach people to think’, which was suggested by one of our peers recently, is short-sighted and falseValerie Wood, Laura ShannonQueen's University
Russia’s intellectual isolation presents opportunities for Central Asian HE Major universities in this region are now uniquely positioned to build new international partnerships with academic institutions that have lost access to RussiaDaniel Scarborough Nazarbayev University
The US should admit Ukrainian medical students to help them rebuild their countryA caveat for recipients of such aid would be committing to moving back to Ukraine to practise after they have completed their studiesDavid Lenihan Ponce Health Sciences University
How leaders can and must work together to address inequityLeading by example and striking the right balance between competition and collaboration are crucial points for those hoping to lead HE to a more equitable futureCharles EgbuLeeds Trinity University
Business schools must play their part in supporting those fleeing UkraineAs providers of education that sits at the interface of industry and academia, the onus is on business schools to step up during times of crisisMary Meaney , Celia Moore , Marina Moncayola Lobato Imperial College London
Original essays written in seconds: how ‘transformers’ will change assessmentArtificial intelligence that generates original text will be both empowering and disruptive for students and higher education at large, say Mike Sharples and Rafael Pérez y PérezMike Sharples , Rafael Pérez y Pérez The Open University, Metropolitan Autonomous University
The summer life of a teacher can be a boon for creativity in the classroom For me, what makes a teacher interesting in the classroom is proportional to what interests them outside it, says Zachary Michael JackZachary Michael JackNorth Central College
Running a diverse team is harder work – but the rewards are immenseJohn Womersley managed more than 50 nationalities on a €3 billion science project. Here, he reflects on the experience and gives tips on getting the most out of a diverse teamJohn WomersleyUniversity of Oxford
Managers are so far from the front line; how can they advance EDI?Authentic leadership involves being clear about one’s values but taking a step back to allow others the space to develop the scope of projects, says Harriet Dunbar-MorrisHarriet Dunbar-MorrisThe University of Portsmouth
Playing to our strengths: how HE can benefit from shared edtechToo many inter-institutional collaborations are derailed due to a false belief that institutions’ tech infrastructures are too dissimilar, says John Miles John MilesInkpath
Practical ways to develop a comprehensive university ‘sanctuary’ programmeSeven practical steps to developing a comprehensive sanctuary programme that can support the immediate needs of displaced students and academics while including a broader plan for social changeLeonie Ansems de Vries, Bronwyn ParryKing's College London
The metaverse is much more than a virtual copy of your campusMost universities are not yet in the metaverse space, nor clear about what is really involved – and we can’t afford to remain in this position, says Andy MiahAndy MiahUniversity of Salford
I’m a Columbia student, and I don’t want my grade inflatedNormalising failure could improve students’ mental health, give them the freedom to learn more effectively and make them more resilient all at once, says Jacob ClayJacob ClayColumbia University
The sector’s role in addressing climate change is crucial – and variedFrom researching microalgae to evaluating and contributing to climate policy, universities have a significant job to do, says Lucy MeredithLucy MeredithUniversity of the West of Scotland
For students’ sake, we shouldn’t be too proud to seek collaboration It’s difficult to admit as an institution where you aren’t delivering for students, but we must be self-aware enough to seek help when needed Michael A. Baston Rockland Community College
How to enhance your chances of serendipitous research discoveriesFive approaches that will help researchers prepare for and make the most of serendipitous opportunitiesRachel HerbertElsevier
We started a commercial software company at our university – and you should tooStaffed by students, epiGenesys provides profits for the university and allows students to work in a lively, supportive and successful business environmentMike HolcombeUniversity of Sheffield
Western universities need to look further afield or risk alienationSo many institutions have their heads in the sand, but if they create true international partnerships, they can reap great rewards, says Hugh MartinHugh MartinBritish University in Dubai
Breaking barriers for women: how to build effective parental leaveSeven academics who recently navigated the topsy-turvy world of maternity leave make six recommendations for ensuring motherhood is compatible with academiaEllie Harrison , Siobhán O’Brien , Tiffany B. Taylor University of Sheffield, Trinity College Dublin, University of Bath
Could 2022 be the year of partnership models, and should you get involved?Universities must consider the positives and negatives before jumping into a student support partnership or signing up with an online programme managerDawn Gilmore, Chinh Nguyen RMIT University, Curio
Despite positive steps, much remains to be done on sexual misconductA year on from the OfS’ statement of expectations, it’s time to implement effective, evidence-based approaches to address harassment and sexual violenceEmma Bond, Andy PhippenUniversity of Suffolk, Bournemouth University
Chasing unicorns: can universities shape the edtech space to their advantage?Staying abreast of developments outside the big players in the fast-moving world of edtech can benefit institutions while also ensuring a healthy marketplaceJohn MilesInkpath
Teaching your students proofreading skills brings them huge benefitsBeing able to produce error-free written communication helps students project competence in class and beyond, says Stone MeredithStone MeredithColorado State University Global
Three big ideas to ensure research helps shape the future of businessHigh-quality scientific research and the values it encapsulates, such as a focus on empirical evidence over opinion, must be used to help business for years to comeAndrew StephenUniversity of Oxford
Does decolonisation in the West do anything for the developing world?Expanded reading lists do little for the student whose visa is denied because there’s not enough money in their parents’ bank account, says Farish A Noor Farish A. Noor University of Malaya
We need to create a tutoring army to level up education Getting student volunteers to tutor less-privileged children would boost fundamental education for those who need it most and provide a national social mobility service, says Lee Elliot MajorLee Elliot MajorUniversity of Exeter
How to attract and support non-traditional students in higher educationHurdles and obstacles are created from the outset and then vice-chancellors wonder why their student population is not diverse, says Dilshad SheikhDilshad SheikhArden University
How I plan to get through REF results dayIf the results don’t deliver what we think we’ve earned, it will be a blow, but it won’t change the fact that what we do matters, says John McKendrickJohn McKendrickGlasgow Caledonian University
We won’t get anywhere without placing the SDGs in local contextsApplying the SDGs looks vastly different in a Western city and a rural Asian village. Su Li Chong explains how universities can help us get past a one-size-fits-all approachSu Li ChongUniversiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
The good, the bad and the way forward: how UK universities should respond to REF resultsHow should UK universities respond if their REF results are good, bad or offer a mixed picture? New pro vice-chancellor for research Heather Widdows shares her adviceHeather WiddowsUniversity of Birmingham
Diversity statements: the good, the bad and the uglyDiversity statements can be created with good intentions but still manage to perpetuate inequality. Henrika McCoy and Madeline Lee detail what to look out for and suggested actionHenrika McCoy, Madeline Lee University of Illinois Chicago, California State University San Marcos
Is that overseas field trip you’re looking forward to really necessary?However well-intentioned, outside interventions can have unintended consequences for local communities if carried out without rigorous research, says James DerounianJames DerounianUniversity of Bolton
Don’t let the REF tail wag the academic dogInstitutions should resist the temptation to use the REF as a tool for competition and self-promotion and, instead, approach the results in ways that support sector-wide efforts to improve research cultureMarcus MunafòUniversity of Bristol
Can there ever be a neat history of colonialism?People today seem to want their history to be linear and totalising, but it is only by addressing the messiness of the past that we can understand the presentFarish A. Noor University of Malaya
Is your teaching and learning ‘not supported’?Are you Google or Microsoft? WhatsApp or Signal? The incompatibility driven by Big Tech obstructs research and teaching, so Europe’s mooted Digital Markets Act may be good newsAndy FarnellVisiting Professor
Academics must resist the creeping degradation of academic freedomUnless an academic is exceptionally bloody-minded, they will eventually take the path of least resistance, which is subtle erosion in action, says Arif AhmedArif AhmedUniversity of Cambridge
Educational gag orders could destroy the structure of higher educationUniversities and programmes could lose their accreditation and students could lose their financial aid if governors continue signing these legislative restrictionsJeremy C. YoungPEN America
Everything you need to know about cyberattacks (but were afraid to ask)From communication to recovery times, Patrick Bailey provides an insider’s guide to dealing with the havoc wrought by cyberattacks, based on first-hand experiencePatrick BaileyLondon South Bank University
The cruel optimism of research careers: how to support contract workersThe conversation needs to switch from academic careers being the responsibility of individual researchers to what employers can do to support those in precarious rolesJess Harris, Simon Bailey, Mhorag Goff, Nerida SpinaUniversity of Newcastle, Australia, University of Kent, University of Manchester, Queensland University of Technology
Universities must follow business and place ‘purpose’ front and centreMore and more businesses are shifting from the short-term myopia of financial self-interest to enduring, aspirational reasons to exist. Universities need to do the sameVictoria Hurth, Iain StewartUniversity of Cambridge, University of Plymouth
Naming students is even more crucial in online classesNaming learners fosters a community in which the teacher is clearly all in and focused on individual members in the unique, shared space of the online classroomStone MeredithColorado State University Global
In-person teaching now needs to be justifiedIf we take the same critical lens to in-person learning as we once did to online, rationalising our need for the former, how much better could we make our teaching?Stephen DannAustralian National University
Lifelong learning needs a reboot – here’s how to do itInstead of untangling a miscellany of education products, lifelong learners should find the structure and purpose of their degree continues into their professional lifeMatt RileyBlueprint Prep
Students are different, so why are you still teaching them all the same way?We know that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t really work. Adriana Plata-Marroquin and Leticia Castaño offer tips on implementing differentiated instructionAdriana Plata-Marroquin , Leticia Castaño Sánchez Monterrey Institute of Technology
Why you should write feedback to your students before they’ve submittedStarting at the end seems counterintuitive, but anticipating student strengths and weaknesses and automating your responses comes into its own for large cohortsAndy GraysonNottingham Trent University
It’s time for teachers to assert their professional opinions on learning deliveryIsn’t it odd that teachers are often just passive users of whatever tech product is selected for them rather than designers of and collaborators in edtech adoption?Benjamin Tak Yuen ChanHong Kong Metropolitan University
Don’t forget that the ‘academic’ and the ‘vocational’ are deeply intertwinedIt’s not enough to focus solely on academic mission, but neither is it enough to think of universities as little more than training schools, says Sir Chris HusbandsChris HusbandsSheffield Hallam University
Do our students need to be book smart or street smart? They need to be bothEmployers want talent to jump right in and fulfil new tasks without a lot of coaching. Project-based learning will help prepare students for this new way of thinking and workingLee Ann Walker Colorado State University Global
The sector must come together when talk turns to promoting economic successWhat could be more important than preparing our students for jobs in the local economy and supporting graduates to become the entrepreneurs of the future? asks Sir David BellDavid BellUniversity of Sunderland
Does seeing others’ success on LinkedIn make you unhappy? LinkedIn can help you find a job and promote yourself, but it may also leave you questioning your own career trajectory – here’s how to combat the social media bluesLaura Lavertu, Sebastian OliverThe University of Edinburgh
Why I choose not to teach with social mediaIf social media is eventually revealed as a grave threat to public health, the academy’s unquestioning adoption of it could make scholars complicitZachary Michael JackNorth Central College
LinkedIn is quickly becoming academia’s key tool for career progressionFor students and academics alike, it’s becoming hard to ignore LinkedIn’s combination of networking and self-promotional opportunitiesGillian McCurdyArden University
The 10 commandments of academic TwitterLucas Lixinski offers tips on how to engage positively with the social media platform, from ‘honour thy hashtags’ to ‘thou shalt live-tweet at events’Lucas LixinskiUNSW Sydney
How to use social media analytics to effectively expand your network Digging deeper into social media, through stats and data, is the key to understanding audience and carving out your niche, says Michael SkibaMichael SkibaColorado State University Global
Want your research to have an impact on policy? Know your audiencePoliticians are novices by design, so tailoring your communications with them gives you the best chance of cutting through, says David R. GarciaDavid R. GarciaArizona State University
What can universities do to protect Russian and Ukrainian academics fighting for truth?Academics’ struggle is a stirring reminder that the freedom of scholars and students to speak, teach and publish is neither inviolable nor dispensable, says Ron DanielsRon DanielsJohns Hopkins University
Failing fast: what universities need to consider when adopting edtechAn edtech company might offer an outstanding technology that fits with the ethos and strategic direction of an institution, but that is just the start, says John MilesJohn MilesInkpath
Fake news and disinformation abounds, but what can universities do?Few universities offer courses on countering propaganda, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brings this weakness of provision into sharp relief, says Paul BainesPaul BainesUniversity of Leicester
Students aren’t giving up social media, so teach them how to question itWhatever our own opinions on social media, we must educate our students about locating bias and reading their preferred platforms critically, says Stone MeredithStone MeredithColorado State University Global
Four key strategies for higher education leaders to advance democracyUniversity leaders must use their positions to develop citizens and communities that combat tyranny and facilitate democracy – hard work that is done on and off campusJon McNaughtan, Alexander W. WisemanTexas Tech University
Social media can help new students make friends – but we must regulate itThere’s much to like about employing social media to help nervous students make connections before being dumped on campus, but universities must not overlook their duty of careAndy PhippenBournemouth University
Universities must take a more holistic approach to social mobilityFinancial support is only part of the equation – human and social capital are also crucial for helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds, says Andrew BurkeAndrew BurkeTrinity College Dublin
Universities must promote pluralism to ward off threats to democracyOnce the moral basis of anyone who disagrees with us is rejected, then democracy inevitably implodes, says Matthew Flinders Matthew FlindersUniversity of Sheffield
Universities aren’t walking the walk on sustainability – not even closeWhile HEIs continue to take tens of millions of pounds from oil companies, their integrity and commitment to the SDGs looks shaky at best, says James DerounianJames DerounianVisiting Professor
Health workers need tech training – for themselves and their patientsThere are huge risks involved if current and future healthcare professionals have to take up new forms of practice such as video consultations without sufficient trainingStefan Rennick-Egglestone University of Nottingham
How to stop unconsciously discriminating against international studentsUsing enquiry-based learning gives overseas students agency and helps them decide for themselves how they want to be included in the learning process, says Dylan WilliamsDylan WilliamsSeoul National University
Want students to exercise more? Make it part of their courseThe body hears everything the mind says, so it is said. That is certainly true when teachers offer extra academic credits in return for physical activity, says Roberto Villaseñor-RoldánRoberto Villaseñor-Roldán Monterrey Institute of Technology
Thinking about quitting your PhD? Maybe that’s the right decisionSometimes not completing a PhD is the rational choice, and having open conversations around it helps stop people feeling isolated and uncertain, says Katherine FirthKatherine Firth La Trobe University
We’ve forgotten how to communicate science to the public at a crucial timeAs we try to tackle climate change, it feels like the pandemic has pushed us back decades to the bad old mode of scientists lecturing the public, says John WomersleyJohn WomersleyUniversity of Oxford
Fostering student collaboration rather than competition using peer reviewWhen students are involved in peer review, they can more easily see the “problems” with classmates’ writing – and this creates opportunities in their own work, tooJames MeredithColorado State University Global
We must end the ‘us and them’ standoff between libraries and publishersUniversity libraries and publishers remain at a damaging impasse over digital textbooks – the solution requires communication, collaboration and openness to big ideasLibby HomerAnglia Ruskin University
If we truly want a level playing field, we must focus on social capitalFor minoritised students to really benefit from HE, they need support to understand the world of work, build connections and activate networksAndy Chan, Kristina FrancisWake Forest University, JFFLabs
Immediacy cues are a great starting point for fostering inclusive classesBoth verbal and non-verbal cues, such as pronouncing names correctly, smiling and making eye contact signal to students that they are welcome, respected and valuedFlower DarbyNorthern Arizona University
Sessional academics: how to balance the demands of teaching and researchTeaching and research are the pillars of academia, yet these two roles often end up in opposition to one another, says Tara EastTara EastUniversity of Southern Queensland
Who wants to be a dean?Paul Baines talks through the pros and cons of being a dean, plus the skills you’ll need to display during the recruitment process to get therePaul BainesUniversity of Leicester
What Wordle teaches us about the power of successOffering more mastery experiences will greatly reduce the mental and emotional fatigue that permeates so many post-Covid university classroomsThomas R. GuskeyUniversity of Kentucky
Are STEM admissions processes hindering our diversity efforts?The requirement for potential STEM students to have studied traditionally related subjects such as maths and physics seems outdated and unnecessary, says Judy RaperJudy RaperTEDI-London
Covid-19 showed that the academic library requires digital evolution As we face our new reality, library services need a new vision, becoming ubiquitous and available no matter the challenges of time and spaceJosé Vladimir Burgos Aguilar Monterrey Institute of Technology
Slowing down earlier in the pandemic went well – so why speed back up?The online tools adopted in the past two years do have positives, but they’ve also created a new kind of pressure – the pressure to be everywhere at onceShari Boodts, Frederik van DamRadboud University
Meritocracy in the academy isn’t fit for purpose – but we can fix itInstitutions need to think about who they’re picking and foster both literacy and competence around minority issues as the first steps to a true meritocracyrashné limki The University of Edinburgh
‘Making it’ in the US: education and employment for Afghan refugeesWith war and displacement atop most news agendas right now, higher education has a huge part to play in the US’ national responseEmal Dusst, Colleen Thouez Cintana Education, The New School
Urgent steps to prevent the pandemic stalling women’s academic careersThe pandemic put a disproportionate strain on female academics, research suggests, so now universities need to take robust action to ensure these women do not lose out in tenure and promotion decisions, reducing future diversityAdrian Daub, Alison Dahl CrossleyStanford University
How to support women of all ages in post-secondary science educationMature female students face barriers to success in STEM subjects, but steps can be taken to address this. Liette Vasseur explains what needs to be doneLiette VasseurBrock University
Enrolment throws up issues to be balanced, not problems to be solvedEnrolment managers must realise an increasingly complex landscape doesn’t need a quick fix to a short-term challenge but rather a reasonable strategy for managing long-term tensionsSteve TaylorLiaison International
International partnerships drive SDG progress – how do we support them? Diverse partnerships encompassing various sectors and organisations help mobilise resources and encourage collaboration that can address societal challenges more efficientlyJoanna Newman, Maddalaine Ansell The Association of Commonwealth Universities, British Council
Fool’s gold: career advice for young, Black academics Freshly minted professor Jason Arday provides tips for aspiring Black and ethnic minority academics on how to safeguard themselves on the hazardous journey to the topJason ArdayUniversity of Glasgow
How do we get more women into coding? Fix how it’s taught and usedIt’s time women said to the tech industry: ‘It’s not me, it’s you.’ And universities can help by not confusing the art of computer programming with rather dull ‘careers in coding’Andy FarnellVisiting Professor
Is the ‘sunk cost fallacy’ sinking your career?Making the decision to move away from research can be daunting, but a big dose of rational thinking can help you make the right choice, says Emma WilliamsEmma WilliamsEJW Solutions
The case for using universal design for learning at your institutionUniversal design for learning can be the answer when searching for true equity in our universities. Jacqui Whittle and Caroline Pike outline the how and whyJacqui Whittle, Caroline PikeArden University
Gatekeepers or greeters? We must demystify university for first-gen studentsStone Meredith gives advice on using positive introductory phrases and how this can help first-generation students navigate universityStone MeredithColorado State University Global
How to start an academic YouTube channel: tips from a psychology YouTuberYouTube is a wide-open opportunity for university teachers and researchers to share their knowledge with a broader audience, says Dennis Relojo-HowellDennis Relojo-HowellThe University of Edinburgh
Boosting female representation in STEM is crucial to global innovationAddressing the gender disparity in STEM isn’t just a question of striving for a fairer society, it’s also fundamental to solving the complex challenges that affect us allJennifer Tour ChayesUniversity of California, Berkeley
We must confront the assumptions that have held back HE for centuriesA transformed system of HE would cast off these outdated assumptions about learning and base educational practices on the best research, says Nobel winner Carl WiemanCarl Wieman Stanford University
We can help students with intellectual disabilities shatter glass ceilingsWith the right approach and a strong institutional commitment, students with intellectual disabilities can thrive at university and in the workplaceMeg Grigal, Ann WerbachUniversity of Massachusetts Boston, InsideTrack
Let’s not allow tradition to stifle innovation in higher educationThe UK education secretary has said there are ‘no excuses’ for online learning at universities – but there are many reasons to persevere, says Lil Bremermann-RichardLil Bremermann-Richard Oxford International Education Group
Professors who ‘practise what they preach’ help humanise research managementThere is a need in academia for professors to match teaching and research with professional practice – and be fairly compensated for itJames MeredithColorado State University Global
The metaverse will change everything – including academic researchWe must push XR research boundaries if we’re to understand and shape our future reality – here’s how, says Neil McDonnellNeil McDonnell University of Glasgow
Conversations around stress must move beyond ‘I’m fine, how are you?’Sara Metz offers practical advice on adopting the ‘stress continuum’ – a shared language and system to help staff and students reflect upon and discuss their well-being Sara MetzColorado State University Global
We need to move beyond the synchronous versus asynchronous debateAcademics are agonising over the wrong elements of online education. They should be thinking about active versus passive learning, says Simon ChestermanSimon ChestermanNational University of Singapore
Focused freewriting is the cure for students’ writer’s blockFreewriting for five minutes warms up the brain and begins to fill students’ blank screens with material that gets their writing going. Anne Carlisle talks through the processAnne CarlisleColorado State University Global
New rules on lecture transcripts give academics an impossible choiceHigher education leaders must engage on new transcription requirements post-pandemic to ensure academics don’t have to choose between inclusion or increased workloadEmily Nordmann, Wilhelmiina Toivo , Rachel O’Neill University of Glasgow, The University of Edinburgh
I ran the BBC World Service – it showed me how universities can be truly globalForget our universities’ Brit-centric approach – developing an authentically global experience needs to be at the core of higher education’s digital futurePeter HorrocksLearna
External engagement in academia: lessons from the business worldMany academics see external engagement as a chore. Others are just unable to appreciate industry perspectives. Both are stifling the contribution of universitiesKumud Wijayaratna , Ed CottamNorthumbria University
Why interdisciplinarity is just like a fantasy role-playing gameWho’s the barbarian? Which one’s the wizard? Lorena Quilantán García offers practical advice on embarking upon your very own interdisciplinary hero questLorena Quilantán García Monterrey Institute of Technology
Are you a researcher who’s ready to move away from the bench? Here’s howDeciphering job titles, utilising your network and coming to problems with ‘fresh eyes’ are all crucial for those moving from the lab to an admin roleLia Paola ZambettiUniversity of Sydney
Graduate programmes have a lot to teach HE about enrolmentSteady increases in graduate enrolments have been one of the precious few bright spots during perhaps the most volatile period for higher education in recent memoryToby McChesney Santa Clara University
We must rethink PhDs to smash barriers and ensure bioscience successRedesigning PhD training will help develop commercially savvy researchers, address skills gaps in UK bioscience and bolster innovation, say Simon Cook and Derek JonesSimon Cook, Derek JonesBabraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus
Has government investment in higher education equity been worth it?Evaluating the success of sector-wide initiatives is fraught, but there are some universal truths that should be considered, say Steven Howard and colleaguesSteven Howard, Sarah O'Shea, Kylie Lipscombe, Kellie Buckley-WalkerUniversity of Wollongong
Academic snobs can’t afford to ignore LinkedIn any longerConsidering a career move? When asking for a favour, such as info or an introduction, it helps to build a chain of trust. Which is where LinkedIn comes in, says Emma WilliamsEmma WilliamsEJW Solutions
I took an alternative route to academic success – and I’m happier than everI ignored senior management and marketing departments and experimented with making my work more accessible and interesting – it paid off, says Jonathan WilsonJonathan WilsonRegent's University London
Why interactive and game-based instruction beats lecturing every time Going through the motions is easy for experienced lecturers, but we should all go the extra mile to make our classes interactive, challenging and fun, says Nancy BouryNancy BouryIowa State University
IPEDS and the trouble with student metrics in the USThe IPEDS education data surveys hold great weight in the HE system, but they are not inclusive enough and thus no longer fit for purpose, says Elizabeth HarrisElizabeth HarrisColorado State University Global
Let’s harness students’ desire for interaction to define the future of learningWe know that students want to learn together. That information should underpin how we allocate resources to best serve their needs, say Derfel Owen and Ant BagshawDerfel Owen, Ant BagshawUniversity College London, Online Education Services
Universities must help their communities preserve heritage languagesLanguage loss is a real danger among even second-generation migrants – here’s how to help, say Sender Dovchin and Rhonda OliverSender Dovchin, Rhonda OliverCurtin University
Complaining that the leadership talent pool is running dry? Here’s how to fill itAbandoning traditional hierarchies and allowing mid- and early-career staff to experience leadership creates a thriving, diverse talent pool, say Jo Cresswell and Peter HoggJo Cresswell, Peter HoggDr Joanne Cresswell Coaching, University of Salford
Research time disappearing before your eyes? Try student collaborationsWorking alongside students can help academics to both protect their research time and boost student employability, say Dean Fido and Louise WallaceDean Fido, Louise WallaceUniversity of Derby
My Christmas wish? Wider recognition that blended is different from onlineFollowing two years of disruption and jumping between modes of delivery, many students and staff seem to be – incorrectly – conflating blended with online, says Harriet Dunbar-MorrisHarriet Dunbar-MorrisThe University of Portsmouth
Collecting data on our students is the only way forwardUbiquitous data collection will give rise to large datasets, which can help improve outcomes for all students – especially those most in need, says Daphne KollerDaphne KollerStanford University
Cybersecurity in the HE sector – getting the basics rightManaging security updates, vulnerability reviews, password policies and multi-factor authentication are staple university needs, says Clive MaddersClive MaddersCyber Tec Security
Why do we expect students to work well in groups if we don’t teach them how?If we’re going to assign team projects, and if we really believe working well in a group is important, we must teach effective group processes, says Todd ZakrajsekTodd ZakrajsekUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Is your curriculum design limiting students’ learning potential?All too often, insufficient emphasis is placed on development of the self-regulatory skill sets that students need most in order to do well, says Carol EvansCarol EvansCardiff University, University of Southampton
Ten useful tips for teaching a hybrid course for the first timeLaura Patricia Zepeda Orantes shares recommendations for delivering hybrid courses, especially for teachers who are new to this way of workingLaura Patricia Zepeda Orantes Monterrey Institute of Technology
If universities push staff towards social media, they must protect them, tooAt the very least, there should be training on managing online discourse, blocking tools and recognising when ‘robust debate’ becomes abuse or libel, says Andy PhippenAndy PhippenBournemouth University
It’s time to tackle perfectionism head-on in the classroomPerfectionism has long been the norm in academia. To combat it, we must offer help before it has to be asked for, say Laura March and Maggie MeloLaura March, Maggie MeloUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Researchers are too critical – we need to give ourselves (and others) a breakIt doesn’t have to be like this. Critical thinking means looking for the evidence – that is evidence both for and against, says Hugh KearnsHugh KearnsFlinders University
How to ensure your university’s branding isn’t as bland as blancmangeUniversities’ promo materials and slogans play it safe to the point of indolence, says Jonathan Wilson. He explains how to take a leaf from the global brand playbookJonathan WilsonRegent's University London
What can universities learn from Amazon?From putting the customer first to the buzzword that is ‘fulfilment’, there’s much to be gleaned from the way Amazon and its ilk embraced digital technology, says Peter VervestPeter VervestErasmus University Rotterdam
Education and grades are often in direct conflict – it’s time for a messy divorceUniversities don’t do a very good job of credentialing, and the process actively harms students and their learning, so why do we persist? asks Danny OppenheimerDanny Oppenheimer Carnegie Mellon University
Let’s all slow down before banishing invigilated exams foreverDespite the detractors, there still aren’t many better ways to ensure academic integrity and test knowledge and understanding, say Andy Grayson and Richard TriggAndy Grayson, Richard TriggNottingham Trent University
The government needs to square its rhetoric on creative coursesUndervaluing the creative sector is nothing new, but the government also says it’s part of a ‘rich mix’ needed to deliver its ambitions. So which one is it, asks Paul ThompsonPaul ThompsonRoyal College of Art
Classes need less focus on employability and more on profound learningClasses are sometimes the least transformative elements of what students experience at university. We need to change that, say Davin Carr-Chellman, Ali Carr-Chellman and Michael KrothDavin Carr-Chellman , Ali Carr-Chellman, Michael KrothUniversity of Dayton, University of Idaho
Dragon’s zen: how to handle the jump from HE to a commercial ventureThe learning curve is steep when leaving academia for an entrepreneurial adventure. John Miles outlines what to expect and says the skills you learned as a researcher can helpJohn MilesInkpath
Lessons learned from supervising more than 150 researchersThe transition from PhD candidate to ECR is when the relationship between researcher and supervisor comes to the fore, say Tara Moore and Louise RobertsonTara Moore, Louise RobertsonUlster University
Universities need to prepare for the mature student onslaughtHigher ed is notoriously bad at attracting and accommodating mature students. Given the workforce shifts spawned by the pandemic, this needs to change, says Dilshad SheikhDilshad SheikhArden University
Don’t believe the hype: being an ECR needn’t be a lonely existenceFinding ‘PhD pals’ in the same boat, but also learning to communicate your work effectively outside the research bubble, is crucial for ECRs, says Rebekah AckroydRebekah AckroydUniversity of Cumbria
Can universities maintain their cultural identity in a blended world?A university’s identity cannot be neatly packaged. It changes over time and has different meanings to the diverse groups that make up that institution, says Nic BeechNic BeechMiddlesex University
Now could be a smart time to move into environmental researchAgainst a backdrop of increased funding and publishing output, aligning yourself with the green economy early could be a shrewd move, says Tim SmithTim SmithIOP Publishing
Bullying by supervisors is alive and well – now is the time to tackle itThe arrangements that trap PhD students in toxic relationships with abusive supervisors must be reformed – here’s how, says Timothy IjoyemiTimothy IjoyemiUniversity College London
So you don’t think microaggressions have an impact?Microaggressions are often shrugged off by perpetrators because of a supposed lack of intent. But intent and impact are very different indeed, says rashné limkirashné limki The University of Edinburgh
Cybersecurity remains a critical issue that universities must faceStatistics show that universities are getting better at defending against and preparing for cyberattacks, but much more needs to be done, says Heidi Fraser-KraussHeidi Fraser-KraussJisc
Do EDI kitemarks help protect female researchers from online abuse?While they allow institutions to claim commitment to gender equality, kitemarks do little to challenge them on their actual policies, say Andy Phippen and Emma BondAndy Phippen, Emma BondBournemouth University, University of Suffolk
In praise of the ‘watch party’ – an update to the flipped learning modelMany new students struggle with the amount of self-directed learning at university. Perhaps it’s time to introduce watch parties, say Emily Nordmann and Carolina Kuepper-TetzelEmily Nordmann, Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel University of Glasgow
How to make campuses and courses more compassionateTelling students that you’ve considered their well-being in organisational culture and curriculum design can in itself bolster confidence, says Louise LawrenceLouise LawrenceUniversity of Exeter
Should we do away with hierarchy in higher education?I’ve found myself questioning whether a holacratic system, in which there are no managers or leaders, would work in universities, says Aspasia Eleni PaltoglouAspasia Eleni Paltoglou Manchester Metropolitan University
Three big mental health questions that academia must talk about A reckoning with how we handle mental health in higher education is long overdue, says June GruberJune GruberUniversity of Colorado Boulder
Returning to on-campus classrooms – are they fit for purpose?Gunter Saunders explains why classroom design must take technology into account in facilitating active, student-centred learningGunter SaundersUniversity of Westminster
Fear the zombie student apocalypse Andy Farnell argues that non-assessed courses could free universities, and the academic undead, from increasing spiritual depletion and a lifeless pursuit of certificatesAndy FarnellVisiting Professor
How I stopped worrying and learned to embrace pre-prepared coursesI was shocked when first told I had to teach a ‘shell’ prepared by a colleague a few years ago, but I’m actually growing from the experience, says George JusticeGeorge JusticeArizona State University
Researchers: fight back against your struggle with self-promotion Postdoc or professor, the self-promotion struggle is real. So, how can we promote ourselves without sounding too ‘sales-y’? Emma Williams has the answersEmma WilliamsEJW Solutions
I’ve successfully climbed the academic career ladder − now what?Having spent my entire career trying to get to where I am now, I’m working out how to slow down and seize the opportunities ahead, says Lucas LixinskiLucas LixinskiUNSW Sydney
Re-engaging adult learners is key to a sustainable HE recoveryWinning back those who left college without a degree will be key in reversing the declines of the past year, say Kai Drekmeier and Amanda WintersKai Drekmeier, Amanda WintersInsideTrack, National Governors Association
It’s past time for a serious appraisal of mindfulness educationTrue mindfulness education goes beyond pedagogy and improving learning outcomes – it is a holistic approach for developing students and staff, says Christine RiversChristine RiversUniversity of Surrey
Students demand action on the climate crisis now – not laterCOP26 is the world’s best – and perhaps last – chance to get runaway climate change under control, and to reach net zero HE needs to act swiftly, says Manveer GillManveer GillClimate Commission for UK Higher and Further Education
Fellow vice-chancellors, we must lead the charge on equalityIt’s incumbent on us all to ensure our universities offer inclusive and diverse settings in which anyone, regardless of their background, can flourish, says Craig MahoneyCraig MahoneyUniversity of the West of Scotland
Prepare for student sustainability demands to go through the roofStudents will be the driving force behind universities finally being held accountable and made to practise what they preach on climate change, says Andreas KaplanAndreas KaplanESCP Business School
Competing hierarchies of oppression: why is race a lower priority?Gender is often given priority in HE because it’s seen as a universal concern that affects all women, but this ignores racism within gender equality work, says Kalwant BhopalKalwant BhopalUniversity of Birmingham
Don’t forget that international students need careers support tooJust 2 per cent of international students find jobs through UK universities’ careers services – a big failure given their economic input, says Alexis BrownAlexis BrownHigher Education Policy Institute
So you want a novel way to support untapped research talent?There’s great scope for the sector to offer research development opportunities to taught postgraduate students, says John McKendrickJohn McKendrickGlasgow Caledonian University
Community colleges are the front line for workforce innovation As bachelor’s-granting institutions grow ever more focused on employability, there’s much they can learn from community colleges, say Vicki Karolewics and Bharani RajakumarVicki Karolewics , Bharani Rajakumar Wallace State Community College, TRANSFR
Now is the time to design a system in which all learning countsOur conventional, top-down approach fails to recognise that working adults often already possess many critical work skills, say Lisa McIntyre-Hite and Mackenzie Jackson Lisa McIntyre-Hite, Mackenzie JacksonGuild Education
If peer feedback was good enough for the Brontë sisters, it’s good enough for usThe shift online provides new ways to harness the power of peer feedback to improve writing skills, say Sherry Wynn Perdue, Pam Bromley, Mark Limbach and Jonathan OlshockSherry Wynn Perdue, Pam Bromley, Mark Limbach, Jonathan OlshockOakland University, Scripps College, Peerceptiv
Forget the tech – in the new normal, let’s focus on human beingsThe key to making learning effective, now and in the post-pandemic world, is focusing on motivation, says Grace McCarthyGrace McCarthyUniversity of Wollongong
UK universities have their heads in the sand on student addictionIsolation and shame pose big risks to recovery from addiction problems, yet on-campus support programmes are rare in the UK, say Suzi Gage and Shahroo IzadiSuzi Gage, Shahroo IzadiUniversity of Liverpool
Equal research partnerships are a myth – but we can change thatThe movement for decolonising universities should also be applied to research ‘partnerships’ and their unequal balance of power, say Faith Mkwananzi and Melis CinFaith Mkwananzi , Melis CinUniversity of the Free State, Lancaster University
Want to get on in research? You need to manage people effectivelyFrom supervisors to friends and family, the key to success is organising the people around you, says Ellie KingEllie KingThe University of Warwick
How higher education can do better at developing skills for the workplace Universities must do more to nurture enduring skills that can be transferred across different contexts such as critical thinking, problem-solving and communication, says Ben Nelson Ben NelsonZayed University
Obliterating the academic calendar is the easy partMore money for US community colleges and new thinking on semester lengths must be accompanied by cohesive pathways to degrees, say Karen A. Stout and Tom ShaverKaren A. Stout, Tom ShaverAchieving the Dream, Ad Astra Information Systems
There are so many reasons why EDI is not the answerIf we wish to transform our institutions, we must see EDI not as an end but as a tool to start recognising the power that feeds oppressive structures, says Manvir GrewalManvir GrewalUniversity of Westminster
Authentic leadership isn’t new – but we need it more than ever in HEFor leadership to be effective, we need to understand our own limitations and listen to others to learn how to overcome them, say Sarah Jones and Alasdair BlairSarah Jones, Alasdair BlairDe Montfort University
We can make research more ethical without compromising its qualityThe debate on the ethics of randomised control trials isn’t getting us anywhere – it’s time for solutions, says Stefano CariaStefano CariaThe University of Warwick
It’s our duty to teach more inclusively − online, in person or hybridStudents want to be seen, heard and valued, and there are many ways to include them while fostering equitable learning outcomes, says Flower DarbyFlower DarbyNorthern Arizona University
Online CPD is one pandemic innovation worth fighting forLet’s not waste this opportunity to make development broader and more inclusive using the lessons of the past 18 months, says Chris HeadleandChris HeadleandUniversity of Lincoln
The shift online could set digital learning back by yearsThe digital tools used during the pandemic may help address access and scale, but they do little to help students actually learn, says Tom AdamsTom AdamsQuantic School of Business and Technology
HE needs to follow tech companies’ lead and go ‘agile’Universities need shorter cycles of learning and credentialing, such as eight-week academic terms and quick, stackable certificates, says Tom MonahanTom MonahanDeVry University
Broccoli and birdsong: the shifty discourse of ‘staff well-being’When institutions put responsibility for wellness onto individuals, they also deflect their role in staff burnout and mental ill health, writes Madeleine Davies Madeleine DaviesUniversity of Reading
How to ensure your mentorship programme isn’t one of the (many) bad onesStructured mentorship programmes offer a non-judgemental setting in which to ask those pesky questions whose answers shape careers, says Lia Paola ZambettiLia Paola ZambettiUniversity of Sydney
Want to tear students from their phones? Learn their namesHolding students’ attention in a world of digital distractions is tough, but James Lang explains why remembering and using their names can make the task less herculeanJames M. LangAssumption University
Displaced workers deserve more than short-termism from universitiesInstitutions must stop and think before helping reshape the career trajectories of millions of workers, says Gangaram SinghGangaram SinghNational University
Leaders: how to build community and trust during a crisisCharles Egbu, vice-chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, reflects on five key lessons he learned while taking the helm during the pandemicCharles EgbuLeeds Trinity University
The UK must act now to preserve its reputation internationallyThe figures show that the UK is slowly losing its appeal to overseas students, but what can be done about it? asks Vivienne SternVivienne SternUniversities UK International
Leaks and holes: beyond the pipeline versus process debate on diversityA pipeline does exist in higher ed, but process and structural violence in education writ large keep puncturing the pipe, says Pardis MahdaviPardis MahdaviArizona State University
If we want non-traditional results, we need non-traditional approachesWe must listen to − and respect − the needs and aspirations of learners as they are, not as we wish them to be, say Gregory Fowler and Kate SmithGregory Fowler, Kate SmithUniversity of Maryland Global Campus, Rio Salado College
University leaders need to demonstrate an adaptive mindsetWith huge change ahead, leaders must be brave and accept that the right decisions may not always deliver the best spreadsheet results, say Alasdair Blair and Sarah JonesAlasdair Blair, Sarah JonesDe Montfort University
What is the purpose of a university lecture?We must continue to question the true role of the lecture and how lecture recordings fit in to the effective delivery of higher education, says Jill MacKayJill MacKayThe University of Edinburgh
Targeted advice and guidance is crucial for widening participation Especially post-Covid, pupils need a strong foundation that prepares them for future post-18 decisionsBilly Huband-ThompsonCentre for Education and Youth
Ready, player one? How video games can help engage studentsEngaging, rewarding and a great way to encourage active participation, games are a brilliant addition to a teaching and learning environment, says Chris HeadleandChris HeadleandUniversity of Lincoln
Do we need equity or equality to make things ‘fair’? Actually, we need bothFair, to some people, means everyone getting the same thing. But that’s only fair if everyone begins at the same place and needs the same things to succeed, says Todd ZakrajsekTodd ZakrajsekUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Follow the (learning) science and put problem solving at the centre of teachingRather than a digital transformation, universities should undergo a learning transformation that supports effective technology and evidence-based teaching, argue Carl Wieman and Bror Saxberg Carl Wieman , Bror Saxberg Stanford University
Early career researchers can say no, tooComing up with a series of questions for ECRs about each ‘opportunity’ as it arises can help them decide what is worthy of their time, says Lucas LixinskiLucas LixinskiUNSW Sydney
We must dismantle the invisible career barriers in HEDespite surface appearances, universities’ recruitment and selection practices still present hidden obstacles to under-represented groupsRebecca JarrettCranfield University
We need to help students overcome their textbook troublesAs institutions re-examine the costs of attending university, the affordability of course materials is again moving to the centre of the conversation, writes Raj KajiRaj KajiAkademos
Self-directed learning is becoming the forgotten ingredient in HEIn the heady rush to extol the virtues of asynchronous learning, we are watering down the main element of students’ learning experience, says Linda KayeLinda KayeEdge Hill University
How can we solve Japan’s student mobility issues?Japan struggles with multiculturalism as a concept, let alone a reality, and overseas students can suffer. But online education could offer help, says Haruko SatohHaruko SatohOsaka University
Let’s embrace flexible learning as much as we have flexible workingMuch like working from home, remote teaching and learning come with a range of benefits to learners if we just make room for them Matt JennerFutureLearn
Blended learning is so bland − we need to punk things upJust like musicians on tour, we must focus more on delivery and start holding ourselves to the same standards as any broadcaster or media company, says Jonathan WilsonJonathan WilsonRegent's University London
Making grading in university courses more reliableInconsistent or inaccurate grading can have serious real-world consequences for students. Paige Tsai and Danny Oppenheimer offer tips on how to recognise and fix the problemPaige Tsai, Danny Oppenheimer Harvard Business School, Carnegie Mellon University
We must help our students make this a ‘summer of self-love’It would be wise to keep an eye on our students over the coming months, as the period after lockdown typically brings intense emotional responses, says Bertus JeronimusBertus JeronimusUniversity of Groningen
Want to be a better teacher? My daughter showed me we need to play moreTesting silly ideas and pushing boundaries are crucial − and liberating − but universities must provide digital spaces where we can do so freely, says Andy FarnellAndy FarnellVisiting Professor
Choppy digital waters lie ahead for many storied institutionsTraditional universities are too often led by the interests of lecturers rather than the employment needs of students or recruitment needs of businesses, says Dilshad SheikhDilshad SheikhArden University
Is blended learning just a pipe dream for Indian HE?It’s unlikely we are ready for a seismic shift while simultaneously trying to improve the quality of university education in general, say Gunjan Rajput and Swapnarag SwainGunjan Rajput , Swapnarag SwainRishihood University, International Management Institute Kolkata
The foundational steps needed to advance online higher education post-CovidThe will to evolve is essential, followed by a technology-led approach to pedagogy, student engagement and interactivity, says Steve DaviesSteve DaviesUniversity of South Wales, Learna
A low-touch approach to high-touch online teachingA little strategising can go a long way in increasing contact points with students without sacrificing work-life balance, says Sarah Rose CavanaghSarah Rose CavanaghAssumption University
Blended learning should be embraced for the benefit of allBy using online capabilities, higher education could be transformed from a privilege into a basic human right for anyone who wants it, says Sir Tim O’SheaTim O'SheaKortext
We shouldn’t confuse online engagement with logging inWhen assessing the all-important ‘engagement’ metric, the sector often defaults to the crude measurement of attendance − which is clearly flawed, says Chris HeadleandChris HeadleandUniversity of Lincoln
Funny memes and other ways to encourage students to keep their cameras onFrank R. Castelli offers advice from his evidenced-based strategy to get students to use their cameras without requiring itFrank R. CastelliCornell University
This is how administrators can support faculty to develop their online teachingFaculty are poised to take their online teaching to the next level, but they’ll need time to reflect as well as appropriate resources and professional incentives Elizabeth A. LehfeldtCleveland State University
Is it possible to think big thoughts virtually?When discussing complex problems online, without the ability to read the room, the focus often shifts to what can be achieved rather than taking risks, says Donna MurrayDonna MurrayThe University of Edinburgh
Government needs to step up in the student retention battleThe HE sector needs the resources to get better at spotting students at risk of falling behind or dropping out altogether, says John CouperthwaiteJohn CouperthwaiteEcho360
My first post-Covid conference showed me we need to prep for the campus returnAt this conference, faculty were like the walking wounded, but we can and should learn from it because our students deserve our best selves, says Flower DarbyFlower DarbyNorthern Arizona University
It’s time for the media to work with universities, not against usThe next school year is going to be challenging enough as it is without the skewed and absolutist coverage we’ve seen in the media lately, says Harriet Dunbar-MorrisHarriet Dunbar-MorrisThe University of Portsmouth
Chinese universities face a tricky route to the topChina’s institutions are undoubtedly on the up, but they need to smash their glass ceiling to truly register on the world stage, says James ChinJames ChinUniversity of Tasmania
Why miss out on revenue when universities can take more blended learning in-house?Institutions are embracing the opportunity to create and deliver their own online programmes, but they’re realising that means more to think about, says Elliot FelixElliot FelixBrightspot
Don’t be fooled – community outreach can be even better onlineCovid and the move online made audiences even larger for our student-led social media workshops aimed at local businesses, say Dennis Olsen and Kristin BreweDennis Olsen, Kristin BreweUniversity of West London
Dead rank? Non-native speakers losing out on local dialects onlineLet’s face it, the virtual classroom isn’t the best environment for international students to get to grips with linguistic diversity, says Andrew MackenzieAndrew MackenzieBritish Council
Don’t forget that not all internet access is created equal Broadband quality, and thus suitability for online tuition, varies greatly depending on where students come from, say Darragh Flannery, Dónal Palcic and John CullinanDarragh Flannery, Donal Palcic, John CullinanUniversity of Limerick, National University of Ireland Galway
This is our chance to create the classroom of the futureWe know what works best for learning, and most of it is easier to implement in the online world, says Daphne KollerDaphne KollerStanford University
We must encourage the art of passing (virtual) secret notes in classFar from being unwanted classroom distractions, informal communications such as gifs, emojis and online chat can fulfil basic human needs, say Claire Kinsella and Linda KayeClaire Kinsella, Linda KayeStaffordshire University, Edge Hill University
Distance learners deserve better than HE’s latest bait and switch Remote learning is the latest scapegoat being used to justify returning to the ‘normal’ of rising tuition costs and sky-high student debt, says Zachary Michael JackZachary Michael JackNorth Central College
Don’t downplay the role of community colleges in healing a nationAt a time of rampant disinformation, these two-year institutions can be the engines of enquiry and purpose that enable the next generation to rebuild our democracy, says Eduardo PadronEduardo PadronMiami Dade College
A student mental health crisis awaits. Here’s how we avoid a bad fallExtra funding should be requested now to staff up wellness centres, counselling centres and campus ministries, says Todd ZakrajsekTodd ZakrajsekUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Returning to ‘normal’ is really a return to ignoranceCovid revealed that students need flexible and inclusive learning opportunities − something that should have been obvious well before the pandemic, says Torrey TrustTorrey TrustUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst
The digital shift will have many (positive) side-effectsIn the not-so-distant future, we’ll realise the digital transformation has changed higher education for the better, in ways we never expected, say Rick Shangraw and Wayne BovierRick Shangraw, Wayne BovierCintana Education, Higher Digital
How leaders can seize higher ed’s ‘catalytic moment for change’Those that lead by example, reward innovative faculty and increase campus-wide buy-in will determine the future of higher education, says Jon McNaughtanJon McNaughtanTexas Tech University
Are online exams better for student mental health?Traditional exams under tightly invigilated conditions are highly stressful for students, but online alternatives bring their own issues, says Michael PriestleyMichael PriestleyDurham University
The joy of text in a world of tech zealotry Why do we fetishise high-tech teaching while denigrating reading as a second-rate learning style? asks Andy FarnellAndy FarnellCampus
Socialising is hugely important, but virtual campuses help learning, tooThe social elements of university help students succeed academically, so we must start transplanting them online, says Elizabeth Lehfeldt Elizabeth A. LehfeldtCleveland State University
Professors, stop pretending that you never cheatAcademics should drop the holier-than-thou attitude and look at cheating from a student’s perspective if we want to understand and eradicate it, says Hamish BinnsHamish BinnsSaint Louis University
Let’s stop confusing what just happened with true online learningDuring the pandemic, decades of research and practice were tossed aside in a matter of days, says Ali Carr-ChellmanAli Carr-ChellmanUniversity of Dayton
How do we rescue the reputation of blended learning?To convince students and stakeholders that blended learning is worth the full tuition fee, we need to tell them exactly how it will work, says Russell CrawfordRussell CrawfordFalmouth University
Never forget: your course is not only yoursToo much of our instructional design undershoots the potential of higher education to improve not only individual lives but also the public good, says Robin DeRosaRobin DeRosaPlymouth State University
Recognition of academia’s ‘invisible labour’ is long overdueWe must ensure that academic citizenship becomes a key part of our job descriptions, on par with teaching, research and management, say Shari Boodts and Fleur JongepierShari Boodts, Fleur JongepierRadboud University
After the gold rush: how to respond to the Chinese student downswingAs the country’s outbound study trend cools, student recruitment strategies must evolve – and there is no ‘next China’ to fall back on, says Matt DurninMatt DurninBritish Council
What does the rise of Asia mean for global higher education?Many hurdles remain, from racism to presumed Western superiority, but equal dialogues and collaborations will foster the global common good, says Xin XuXin XuUniversity of Oxford
Moving online could signal the death of pedagogyShifting to andragogical learning models is the ideal way to prepare students for independent study, research and the world of work, says Steve DaviesSteve DaviesUniversity of South Wales
Flexibility is key if we want students to connect with their studiesUniversal design for learning not only embraces diversity, it also uses it as the basis for providing choice in how students learn – and succeed, says Lillian NaveLillian NaveAppalachian State University
What does ‘student engagement’ mean to you? And you? And you?The move online compounded matters, but even before that, nobody could agree on what student engagement was – and that needs to change, says Chris HeadleandChris HeadleandUniversity of Lincoln
Should lecturers be trained to deal with shortening attention spans?Would my life be easier if I had received explicit guidance in how to deliver content in TikTok-length pieces? asks Katie DavisKatie DavisUniversity of Washington
This model is the future of diversity in higher educationComing together for support is the only way forward – and the Council of Coalitions is the model for inter-group organising we desperately need, says Pardis MahdaviPardis MahdaviArizona State University
The trials of teaching a ‘new’ script in a virtual worldTeaching non-Roman scripts online throws up great challenges, but we must preserve the world’s linguistic resources, say Rana Raddawi, Jingjing Ji and Ronit AlexanderRana Raddawi, Jingjing Ji, Ronit AlexanderNorthwestern University
The sector’s mental health workers need help tooMore assistance must be offered to help students survive, let alone thrive – and the same goes for student crisis interventionists like me, says Lula TorresLula TorresInsideTrack
Beware the futility of higher education’s wellness theatreSurface-level emphasis on self-care without discussing systemic problems in HE runs the risk of gaslighting students who face very real barriers, says Fiona RawleFiona RawleUniversity of Toronto Mississauga
Digital resources now rank alongside housing, healthcare and educationUniversities, government, business and local communities must come together and provide strategic action to tackle digital poverty effectively, says Julian ThomasJulian ThomasRMIT University
Moving student competitions online has made them better than everVirtual competitions have flourished and resulted in greater international collaboration, says Gayle DeBruynGayle DeBruynKendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University
Short online courses can grease the wheels of student employabilityThe degree has transitioned from differentiating factor to basic benchmark. Online microcredentials can help graduates stand out from their rivals, says Madina TashMadina TashUniversity of Sussex
Covid-19 has reinforced China’s role as global leader in ed-tech The country’s giant companies benefit from an ecosystem that supports online learning and a cultural propensity to prioritise education, says Tom C. VargheseTom C. VargheseUniversity of Oxford
The educational ‘metaverse’ is comingThe universities best equipped with digital infrastructure and savvy human resources will emerge as the new leaders − no matter where they are, says Kwang Hyung LeeKwang Hyung Lee Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Digital-first thinking is needed to address youth employabilityYounger people are geared towards digital channels, so they’re more likely to engage with innovative, online training as part of their studies, says Harminder MatharuHarminder MatharuFutureLearn
Cybersecurity is not just for the geeks in the IT departmentOur first-year university students might have received no education on cybersecurity since the age of 13, say Andy Phippen and Emma BondAndy Phippen, Emma BondBournemouth University, University of Suffolk
Zoom meetings don’t have to be quite so painfulSimple actions can help avoid common pitfalls in the design and execution of online team meetings, say Rob Angell and Ben MarderRob Angell, Ben MarderUniversity of Southampton, The University of Edinburgh
Forget everything you think you know about online engagementThere’s much interest in how many times students access the VLE or complete online tasks, but that only provides part of the picture, says Linda KayeLinda KayeEdge Hill University
Online micro-learning can transform the teaching of sensitive topicsNon-linear course design means that emotive and uncomfortable content can be paused or skipped and returned to another time, says Gemma AhearneGemma AhearneUniversity of Liverpool
The sector should come together to welcome students back to campusUniversities wasted a lot of time developing individual online transition resources last year. Let’s not make the same mistake again, says Donna MurrayDonna MurrayThe University of Edinburgh
Teaching students to think for themselves is not enoughThe critical thinking ideal is too individualistic and self-focused − students must learn to help others think well, too, says T. Ryan ByerlyT. Ryan ByerlyUniversity of Sheffield
Rethinking remote labs to deliver during Covid and beyondOur faculty has devised truly innovative methods to replace the in-person lab experience, says Maria KlaweMaria KlaweHarvey Mudd College
A bit of creativity can go a long way when teaching onlineIt’s crucial to shake things up to stop online delivery from homogenising even the most disparate teaching styles, says Constanza PacherConstanza PacherMacEwan University
Only a digital drive will allow us to capture the boom in STEM interestWe certainly don’t want to turn away thousands of enthusiastic STEM students due to a lack of capacity, says Steve DaviesSteve DaviesUniversity of South Wales
AI has been trumpeted as our saviour, but it’s complicatedTime saved by lecturers on marking assignments could indeed be used to enrich teaching, but unfortunately many silver linings have a cloud, says Harin SellahewaHarin SellahewaUniversity of Buckingham
Social sciences, humanities and arts are critical for sustainabilityThe neglect of these areas is at the heart of why the shift to sustainability has been slow − and why it may eventually fail, say Eric Neumayer and Charles JolyEric Neumayer, Charles JolyLondon School of Economics and Political Science
Impostor syndrome can strike even in virtual internships It’s worrying that students who do internships online underestimate their contributions when employers rate them as valuable, say Chloe Severn and Katie StoteChloe Severn, Katie StoteUniversity of Plymouth
Covid proved that HE can change quickly and effectively after allMuch discussion has focused on what to do better, but we should also recognise strengths that had not been seen prior to the crisis, say Jon McNaughtan and Hugo GarcíaJon McNaughtan, Hugo GarcíaTexas Tech University
The campus is dead, long live the campusPotential post-Covid changes to campus design will slide along a spectrum from optimising space to rethinking academic structures, says Jay DeshmukhJay DeshmukhIBI Group
Virtual international exchange needs a sharpening of practiceFor committed international educators, there is a need to clarify the purpose of virtual exchange before the trend takes hold, says Benjamin Tak Yuen ChanBenjamin Tak Yuen ChanHong Kong Metropolitan University
Lessons learned teaching online, from wi-fi woes to war zonesHuman issues, particularly willingness to contribute to discussions, were more significant than tech issues when teaching across borders to diverse audiences, says David MouldDavid MouldOhio University
Biden’s next big deal must include expanded broadband accessThe pandemic helped expose an insidious digital divide that imperils efforts to reduce inequality and promote social mobility, says Jem SpectarJem SpectarUniversity of Pittsburgh Johnstown
Co-creation does not need to stop because we’ve moved onlineCo-creation is far more about mindset than suitability for a particular setting, and the evidence demonstrating its benefits is growing, says Catherine BovillCatherine BovillThe University of Edinburgh
Virtual learning environments mustn’t lead to module silosWe must ensure modules complement one another by establishing consistency in their form and functioning, says Maurice KinsellaMaurice Kinsella, Niamh Nestor, John WyattUniversity College Dublin
Grades are dehumanising, but ‘ungrading’ is no simple solutionThere is nothing ideologically neutral about grades, and nothing ideologically neutral about the idea we can neatly and tidily do away with them, says Jesse StommelJesse StommelUniversity of Mary Washington
It’s time for the sector to embrace online work placements Placement capacity has been shaken to its core by Covid, creating a huge backlog. We must look for sustainable alternative solutions, says Gilly SalmonGilly SalmonSwinburne University of Technology
Teaching in the hall of mirrors: should faculty ever mention appearance?Educators must pay attention to why young people are using platforms that allow social interaction without visual scrutiny, says Elizabeth LoshElizabeth LoshWilliam & Mary
Life beyond Zoom and Teams: students are ready for next gen online spacesVirtual spaces can create a sense of community and connect students across disciplines – provided they are designed well, say Yvonne Rogers, Paola Lettieri and Ben MeunierYvonne Rogers, Paola Lettieri, Ben MeunierUniversity College London