Talking Learning and Teaching

"Student voice” is a phrase that echoes across university strategies - but what does it really mean in practice? In this episode, we explore how one institution is moving beyond tick-box feedback to create genuine partnerships between staff and students. Nottingham Trent University's Jenny Sanders and Angie Bartoli discuss the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices, from neurodi...

I’m still looking for guests for the Talking Learning & Teaching Podcast ! If you have a story to share, I’d love to hear from you. I’m also curious about how you’re using the podcast and what topics or episodes you’d like to see in the future. Please take a moment to complete this short survey and let me know your thoughts. Talking Learning & Teaching Podcast Survey Exciting news from the...

What role do everyday chats and spontaneous exchanges play in shaping research? In this episode, we explore how informal conversations - so often overlooked in methodological debates, can add nuance, authenticity, and depth to qualitative research. Our guest, Zachery Spire, shares insights into the ethical dilemmas these encounters raise, the ways they illuminate doctoral students’ experiences of...

What if assessment rubrics could be more than just grading tools? In this episode, we sit down with Gareth Kennard-Holden to explore the ambitious project of reimagining rubrics across healthcare subjects. From co-designing with students and staff, to crafting clearer language and a glossary, to creating a linked progression that spans levels 4 to 7, this new model is transforming how learners und...

What happens when statistics is taught not through formulas and abstract graphs, but through the lens of movie trailers, design projects, and student-led storytelling? In this episode, we sit down with Haseeb Shaikh who reimagined an introductory statistics course for students in the social sciences, humanities, and design. We explore the roots of math anxiety in non-STEM fields, the creative pivo...

What happens when suspicion of AI use creeps into the marking process? In this episode, Daisy Bao reflects on their first-hand experience of assessing student work where AI may have been involved. We explore the ethical tensions, the emotional weight of navigating suspicion, and the role of policy—or lack thereof—in supporting educators. This candid conversation shines a light on how trust, fairne...

In this brilliant episode, Damian Parry shares their lived experience of navigating academia with dyslexia. We explore how neurodivergence shapes scholarship, teaching, and community, while unpacking the stigma that still surrounds disclosure in higher education. From misconceptions to systemic gaps in support, this conversation highlights both the challenges and opportunities for creating a more...

Join me for a special bonus episode as I celebrate the launch of my new book, Better Assessment in Higher Education ! In this recording from our live online launch, I share a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the book, key insights on designing meaningful and equitable assessments, and a lively Q&A with educators and assessment leaders. In Better Assessment in Higher Education , I expl...

In this episode, Erik Brogt helps us explore Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) not just as a teaching concept, but as a transformative framework for academic development. Our guest takes us inside the “third space” between academic and professional roles, where collaboration, cultural respect, and distributed expertise come together to enhance teaching practice. From the influence of Māori value...

In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into the complex world of student attendance with fresh insights from new research across post-92 universities. Our guest revisits themes of motivation, belonging, and institutional pressure, sharing powerful student voices that reveal the lived realities behind attendance patterns. We explore why the context of post-92 institutions uniquely shapes attenda...

In this brand new episode, Carys Kennedy shares reflections on a professional journey from Student Disability Services into academia. Drawing on a background in student support, Carys explores how prior experience continues to shape her identity and practice as an academic - from teaching and course design to student relationships and institutional insight. The conversation considers the challenge...

Talking Learning and Teaching returns with a brand-new season, and host Kevin Merry kicks things off with big updates and even bigger opportunities. In this episode, Kevin shares what’s been brewing during the break — including the launch of his new book Better Assessment in Higher Education , a series of new live CPD courses, and the brand-new UDL Night School for busy educators. You’ll also hear...

Exciting News Update! 🎉 In this jam-packed episode, we’ve got some big announcements you won’t want to miss! First up, we’re celebrating a new milestone for the podcast with some incredible accolades that reflect the amazing support from all of you. Thank you for being part of this journey! But that’s not all! I’m thrilled to announce the release of my brand new book , and in this episode, I’ll b...

In this lovely episode we discuss the route taken into Educational Development with Aaron Thom from the University of Aberdeen. Most of us working in Ed Dev got here in a weird and wonderful way and Aaron's story is no different! Aaron talks to us about his academic life before becoming an educational developer. He discusses the key strengths and skills that he brought into his educational dev...

In this episode, we dive into the world of HyFlex learning with Professor Brian Beatty, the visionary behind the HyFlex model. We explore the pedagogical principles that guided its creation and how it meets the diverse needs of today's learners. Professor Beatty shares insights on learning outcomes across in-person, synchronous online, and asynchronous participation, revealing the factors that...

In this episode of the  Talking, Learning, and Teaching Podcast , we dive into the future of inclusive education with assistive technology expert Chris Bugaj. From captions that keep students engaged to AI tools that personalize learning, Chris explains how assistive tech is evolving to benefit  all  learners—not just those with disabilities. Discover practical tips on using tools like speech-to-t...

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the fast-evolving world of AI and digital literacies with Dr Ann Thanaraj, unpacking why these are must-have skills for today’s higher education students. We start by defining what AI and digital literacies really mean and explore why they’re critical for navigating our digital age. Ann shares insights into how universities are embedding these skills...

In this episode, we dive deep into the growing importance of student belonging in higher education with Professor Rebecca Hodgson. We explore why this concept has become a central focus today, examining what's missing in current discussions and how changes in the socio-economic landscape, like the rise of commuting students, are reshaping the sense of community on campuses. Rebecca shares practica...

In this awesome episode, Professor of Compassion-Focused Pedagogy, Theo Gilbert focuses on supporting the sector's move towards teaching, learning and credit-bearing assessment of cognitive compassion as in effective team meeting/discussion management. Examples at University of Hertfordshire are seen in Law, Engineering, Computer Science, History and Business. This is done via filmed, research...

Dive into this episode with Dr. Tadhg Blommerde from Northumbria University as he shares how he’s been harnessing the power of Generative AI to supercharge his students' learning in Research Methods modules. Tadhg breaks down practical ways to integrate GenAI in the classroom, from teaching core research concepts to highlighting its limitations and promoting academic integrity. His approach? I...

In this captivating episode, we speak with Joe Houghton about how AI can transform accessibility in the learning environment. Joe discusses the most effective technologies for education, how AI can personalize learning experiences, the major challenges of integrating AI into teaching, and methods for measuring the effectiveness of various AI tools. He also shares his insights on the advancements w...

This episode is a quick news update on the podcast and related projects. In it I discuss the episodes we’ve got lined up, as well as discussing some new UDL-UKI webpages and professional development opportunities that are happening throughout the autumn and winter 2024-25. If you’d like to be a guest on the Talking Learning & Teaching podcast, then please get in touch. I’d love to hear from yo...

In this fabulous episode, I speak with James McKenna about the importance of a universally designed workplace. James tells us about his UDL journey, why we need UDL in the workplace and the beneifits it can bring to both individuals and organisations. James goes on to discuss the nature of modern professional learning, what it has looked like in the past, and what it should look like in the future...

In this enlightening episode, Professor Randy Laist discusses his UDL journey, his experiences as a writing teacher and the impact of AI on writing instruction. Randy provides some passionate and thought-provoking insights into the value and necessity of writing in higher education settings, despite the presence of generative AI and the possible impact it may have. Randy presents a compelling and...

In this fabulous episode I speak with Alexis Reid about the role of executive function in effective learning. I ask Alexis to tell us about the nature of executive function, defining what it is, and why it is important. Alexis then goes on to discuss the extent to which executive function plays a role in learner achievement, as well as how learners can typically develop their executive functioning...