A Pinch of SALT

In episode 51 of A Pinch of SALT, Darren and Carys talk to Chris Hall, SALT’s Academic Development Manager about his latest publication, ‘So what? Can we learn anything about university teaching from jazz?’. Through examining the four building blocks of jazz music (improvisation, mistakes, collaboration and leadership), the author provides a compelling insight into how the music genre has a lot to...

In this episode we are joined by Simon Gibbon, Professor Phil Newton, and Phil Maull to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence upon assessment security, and the recent publication of guidance for staff looking to redesign assessments in the age of AI. There are many helpful resources and services referenced in this episode that Swansea University Staff can access here: Guidance for Staff: E...

In this episode, we hear from Dr. David Playfoot and Prof. Jo Berry about strategies we can incorporate into our teaching practice that empower neurodiverse students to succeed at university. You can also check out the TILE Seminar, “ Supporting Neurodiversity in Education ” that David refers to in this episode. Yn y bennod hon, clywn gan Dr. David Playfoot a'r Athro Jo Berry am strategaethau...

Teaching fundamentals is a new series of staff development sessions from SALT which aim to consider aspects of learning, teaching and assessment which are fundamentals to student experience and success. In this episode of A Pinch of SALT, we hear from Suzanne Wells – an organiser of the series – and Kate Ellis-Davies, who will be sharing her experiences of large group teaching and strategies for f...

In this episode, SALT's technology enhanced learning team return to A Pinch of SALT to share their top tips for getting the most out of tech in teaching in the new academic year. Their recommendations cover new tools, providing a quality experience on our digital learning platforms, and online quizzing.

Today we welcome Tab Betts, co-founder of the Active Learning Network and a Lecturer in Higher Education Pedagogy at the University of Sussex; and Luke O'Sullivan, a Senior Academic Developer from Swansea University's Academy of Learning and Teaching (SALT). In this episode we discuss how Active Learning pedagogy is a game changer in the classroom, how lecturers can take their first steps...

In this episode, we welcome Richard Bayliss and Lisa Thomas of Swansea University's School of Management, and Louise Rees from Swansea Academy of Learning and Teaching. We discuss the importance of building community on our courses, and effective strategies for achieving this both inside and outside of the classroom. If you'd like to find out more about effective practice in this area, you...

In this episode, we hear from Matthias Dilling and Zoe Clegg, lecturers and student experience leads in their respective departments. They give us an insight into how they are developing effective practice in Assessment Design and Feedback on their modules, and students’ response to those strategies. They also give us a preview of the feedback workshop they will be delivering at this year’s SALT c...

Students of higher education have a lot on their minds. So educators can feel as though they are constantly in competition for the engagement of a learner. In this episode we talk with Tamara Lewis and Melanie Hainke – Academic Developers from Swansea University’s Academy of Leaning and Teaching (SALT) - about effective strategies teachers can put into practice to maximise leaner engagement.  You...

Darren and Carys talk to Hilary Orange and Richard Hall about convening undergraduate and postgraduate work placement modules. In this episode we also hear about their relationship with local employers, their partnership with professional service teams and the importance of work placement modules more generally for Humanity students.  During the discussion, The Work Placement Showcase event, to be...

This episode features two members of Swansea University’s Climate Emergency Education Working Group: its Chair, Phil Brophy, Higher Education Project Manager, and Dr Penny Neyland, Associate Professor in Biosciences, talking about the University’s pilot programme delivering the Carbon Literacy training developed by Manchester Metropolitan University and embedding the climate emergency into HE curr...

In the second part of this two-part episode, Carys and Darren continue their conversation about how Postgraduate Research students are able to gain Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.

In this two-part episode, Carys and Darren find out how Postgraduate Research students are able to gain Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. Look out for part two at the end of April! Yn y bennod hon sydd mewn dwy ran, mae Carys a Darren yn dysgu sut gall myfyrwyr Ymchwil Ôl-raddedig gael Cymrodoriaeth Gysylltiol yr Academi Addysg Uwch. Cadwch lygad am ran dau ar ddiwedd mis Ebril...

In this episode, Alex meets the team behind SALT's annual teaching and learning conference to find out how staff can present at the event. We also talk to Leah Owen - an academic who presented for the first time at last year's event, to hear about her experiences, and what she has to say to staff considering presenting for the first time. If you want to apply to contribute to the conferenc...

The theme for this year’s International Women's Day is #Embrace Equity . Around the world, people are having meaningful conversations about why equal opportunities aren't enough, and why equal isn't always fair. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. If we truly believe in, value, and #Embrace Equity, then women are more likely to have access...

What does it take to be an LGBTQ+ Ally? Have you got what it takes? To be an LGBT ally is easy. If you agree in equality and fair treatment in society, of people who identify as LGBTQ+, then already you are an ally. As you sit and listen to this episode you should feel the sense of camaraderie that could be yours. In today’s episode, we talk to David Bolton the LGBTQ+ allies chair, and colleague M...

In this episode, Carys and James talk to Alex Bailey about the use of Audience Response Systems in higher education...or do they? Do you want to be a guest on one of our upcoming episodes? Contact susaltcast@swansea.ac.uk

In episode 34, Alex and Stuart meet the team that’s challenging everyone to think again about assessment at Swansea University. We find out what they’ve achieved so far, and their plans to continue the conversation in 2023 and beyond. If you missed it, you can check out the recordings of the original Questioning Assessment panel discussions . Ym mhennod 34, mae Alex a Stuart yn cwrdd â’r tîm sy’n...

There are a number of Support Services at Swansea University who strive to make our student’s experience a inclusive and rewarding one. There is also another less formal group who dedicate their time to promote inclusive behaviour and attitudes amongst Professional Services staff and service users and to create a positive and inclusive learning environment in libraries and other university service...

Happy New Year from all of us at a Pinch of SALT! In this episode, Alex and Mandy take a look back at some of their favourite episodes of 2022, get excited about what’s coming up in 2023, and talk about how those in the Swansea University community can get involved with the podcast this year. Got an idea for an episode? Please get in touch at susaltcast@swansea.ac.uk. Blwyddyn Newydd Dda gan bawb...

In the second part of this two-part episode, Alex and Carys continue their conversation with Academic Developers Liza Penn-Thomas and Pamela Styles regarding their creative use of playful learning techniques in teaching. We hear all about the benefits, potential pitfalls, and strategies for incorporating playful approaches into our practice.

In the first part of this two-part episode, Alex and Carys speak with Academic Developers Liza Penn-Thomas and Pamela Styles regarding their creative use of playful learning techniques in teaching. Part one introduces playful learning techniques, and how they are received by learners.

Liza and Carys talk to members of the team behind the education strand of one of the biggest literary prizes in the world for young writers, the Dylan Thomas Prize. In this episode we hear how it encourages students to develop their creative voices and provides an authentic insight into the publishing industry. They also explore the importance of hyper contemporary literature and the role of creat...

International Men's Day is important. In today's episode, Alex and Mandy talk with some male colleagues to discuss the unique challenges facing men, their manifestation in Higher Education, and the services available at the university to help students and staff experiencing mental health issues.

In this episode, Mandy talks to Alice Davies to find out about the work the University does to widen access to Higher Education, and the ways in which staff and students can get involved with encouraging children from certain backgrounds that University is an opportunity for them. Yn y bennod hon mae Mandy yn siarad ag Alice Davies am yr hyn y mae'r Brifysgol yn ei wneud i ehangu mynediad at Addys...