Pedagogy Matters: Recent Episodes
pedagogymatters
Pedagogy Matters is a podcast series from College Development Network (CDN), hosted by Jonny Rees. The episodes shine a light on pedagogy, breaking down the key aspects and how these can be realised in current practice, whether that be online delivery, face-to-face delivery, or a mixture of both. A conversational format with professionals from the FE sector across the UK, sharing their views, experiences and insights across different elements of pedagogy, what it means to them and how they can be integrated within daily practice.
College Development Network: www.cdn.ac.uk
Music provided with permission by The Undecided Brew: http://spoti.fi/3ol5fJW
In this episode, we chat with Valerie Innes, Head of Next Generation Qualifications and Standards at SQA, and lecturers Maire Nisbet and Jayne Clark from South Lanarkshire College who have been developing and delivering the NextGen version of the HNC in Childhood Practice.
Links to content mentioned in the episode:
- SQA Next Generation Higher National Qualifications
- SQA Academy - NextGen: HN
In this episode, we chat with Paddy Shepperd from Jisc around the emergence of generative AI services such as ChatGPT, and how lecturers and students can respond to opportunities and challenges. Part 2 explores the implications of AI for assessment, and how ethics forms a part of the discussion.
Links to content mentioned in the episode:
- Jisc National Centre for AI
- Exploring the role of generative AI in assessments: A student perspective
- A pathway towards responsible, ethical AI
- Episode 24: Pedagogy Matters with Allan Glen - Project Based Learning
- CDN AI in College Education (March 2023)
In this episode, we chat with Paddy Shepperd from Jisc around the emergence of generative AI services such as ChatGPT, and how lecturers and students can respond to opportunities and challenges. Part 1 offers an overview of the technology and what to expect from the new suite of tools coming online.
Links to content mentioned in the episode:
- Jisc National Centre for AI
- Generative AI Primer
- TeacherMatic Pilot – Using generative AI to reduce workload
- Graide Pilot Overview
- CDN Expo 23: Leveraging ChatGPT for SQA Driven Unit Development
In this episode, we chat with Kenji Lamb from the team here at CDN on how AI (Artificial Intelligence) is playing its part in college education and how it might play out in the future. This is tied to an event 'AI in College Education' that we're running this week which if you can't make it, will be recorded and available on the CDN website.
Links to content mentioned in the episode:
- Jisc Explore AI
- ChatGPT Makes History: First AI to Write & Direct Film
- Stable Diffusion - AI image generator
- Midjourney - AI image generator (requires Discord account)
- ChatGPT
- D-ID Alice Chatbot
- Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot
- A new era for AI and Google Workspace
In this episode, we chat with Kellie Mote from Jisc about digital accessibility and how simple steps using the tools we have to hand can make a significant difference to staff and students accessing digital content. Kellie covers the legal obligations introduced through the Public Sector Body Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR) in 2018, explaining what it means in real terms for college staff.
Links to Jisc resources:
- Getting started with accessibility and inclusion
- Accessibility and assistive technology communities
View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 26 Transcript here
In this episode, we talk to Boyd Stewart, lecturer at Edinburgh College. The conversation focusses around Boyd’s experiences of how his practice has evolved over time and how COVID and the cost of living crisis has shaped this more recently. Boyd reflects on the particular challenges of delivering a practical course remotely and with limited access to physical workspaces. The discussion also covers a switch to a focus on meta-skills and readiness to work.
View Pedagogy Matters - Episode 25 Transcript here
In this episode, we talk to Allan Glen from Edinburgh College and discuss the approach taken in his curriculum area in relation to project based learning. Allan shares his inspiration for reviewing the curriculum offer with his team, which led to a shift in focus across all aspects of the curriculum and significantly reduced the assessment burden on students and staff. Allan shares his advice and approach on all aspects of the process, including some guidance principles as well as considerations relating to quality assurance.
View Pedagogy Matters - Episode 24 Transcript here
In this episode we talk to Hazel Brady, Director at West Lothian College about the approaches taken to Professional Development. The College has introduced West Lothian Wednesdays, protected time for staff development, as part of their offer and Hazel shares what has been learnt along the journey, both in terms of structure and how this is being supported by Learning Champions.
View Pedagogy Matters – Episode 23 Transcript here
In this episode, we talk to Jonny Kay, Head of Teaching, Learning and Assessment at Newcastle College. Jonny is a former English teacher with a wealth of experience across the school/college sector and more recently, the author of Improving Maths and English In Further Education: A Practical Guide.
We discuss all things English and maths, with a focus on ideas to improve the delivery of standalone qualifications, as well as the importance of all lecturers/teachers helping to make learners more literate and numerate.
In this episode, we talk to Martin McGuire, WorldSkills UK Director, Scotland. Martin describes how regional, national and international competition, can raise standards in vocational education, and by embracing the values and ethos of WorldSkills, we can have a positive impact on students and the development of their skills.
- WorldSkills UK website
- WorldSkills Kazan 2019 (YouTube video, 2m 27s)
In this episode, we talk to Dr Lee Coutts about the topic of Transformative Learning and Teaching. Lee shares his perspective on how education can be socially progressive, making a positive difference to society. He describes a transformative learning pedagogical approach for and with students, and how adopting approaches such as (student-led) professionally authentic assessment can make a real impact on curriculum delivery.
In this episode, we talk to Walter Patterson, Lead Researcher about the recently published Digital Capability: A Scottish Landscape Review report, which examines how colleges prioritised digital skills over the lockdown period. Walter shares with us the approaches taken to gather the research, key findings and an overview of the outputs.
The final epside of the Leadership Matters mini-series is with Roddy Millar – Founder and CEO of ideas for leaders, and Co-Founder of the Scottish Leadership Institute. Roddy discusses his work as a writer and publisher in the fields of executive education, management and leadership. Roddy works with international business schools and we will be exploring the emerging trends in leadership practice across the world.
The third epside of the Leadership Matters mini-series is with Janet Whitley, Collective Leadership Lead at Scottish Government. Janet discusses the work of Collective leadership Scotland, how they support partners and colleagues from across the public sector in the practice of collaboration and collective leadership and how leaders in the FE sector can become involved.
The second epside of the Leadership Matters mini-series is with Anthony Willoughby. Anthony is an author, explorer and founder of the Nomadic School of Business. During this episode, we chat about what Anthony has learned about leadership from living and working with indigenous communities across the world. We discuss the importance of personal leadership and the collective first, as well as the visionary tool Anthony uses to help people understand their territories.
A slight change to the format, we're going to run 4 episodes entitled, 'Leadership Matters', exploring leadership from different perspectives. The first in the series introduces Grant Ritchie – former Principal at Dundee and Angus College and Fellow with CDN. During this podcast Grant discusses his leadership journey, what helped and hindered him on that journey, and what advice he would give to emerging leaders.
In this episode we talk to Laura Watson and Katie Paget from Dundee and Angus College where the topic of ‘Education for sustainability’ is explored and unpicked. They share their perspectives on what is meant by the term, why they feel it is important, and how colleagues from across the sector can integrate conversations on this topic within their teaching practice to further educate students and raise awareness.
Within this episode, we explore the topic of Emotional Pedagogy with Alan McLean. Alan draws upon his extensive experience in the education sector to unpick what is meant by the term emotional pedagogy and the impact that emotions can have on the learning experience, from both the perspective of lecturers and students. Alan explores different concepts such as the Compendium of Emotions and what is meant by the term Emotional Coaching. For further information and to find out more about the Emotional Ring and other resources Alan references in this episode, please visit the What Motivates Learning website.
In this podcast, we speak to Anna Styles and Caroline Jarvis from West Lothian College. The conversation focusses around how the college has embraced Outdoor Learning, both in the curriculum area of Childhood Practice and Early Education as well as more broadly across the college. Anna and Caroline share information about the work, focussing on where the initial idea came from, how it was brought to life, how the rest of the college have embraced this and most importantly, the impact that his has had on students and staff. This was a great insight into some of the great work going on in one of our colleges.
In this podcast, we speak to David Gourley, Head of Learning and Teaching Enhancement at Perth College. The topic of discussion focusses around providing creative and engaging learning experiences in a post COVID era. David shares views on what this means in practice, the impact that this can have on students, and a range of considerations for lecturers when developing approaches in this area.
In this podcast, we speak to Keith Smyth, Professor of Pedagogy at the University of the Highlands and Islands. The topic of blended/hybrid learning is discussed, drawing upon the extensive knowledge and experience of Keith and his team across the UHI network. Keith shares views on the fundamental principles of blended/hybrid delivery, using a wide range of examples from pre-COVID delivery as well as how the last 14 months has affected delivery plans and methods. A very insightful conversation on a topic which is being discussed in every college across the UK at this point in time.
In this episode, we speak to Dr. Edward Hall, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching at Northumbria University. Ed shares some of the outcomes from his extensive work in coach education, elements of which are transferrable to teaching practice. Key bits of nourishment focus on principles that underpin effective reflections, approaching meetings/relationships as ‘interactions’ and the importance of making each of those interactions count.
In this episode, we speak to Sam Messam, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching at the University of Lincoln. The focus of the discussion is on how to have difficult conversations. We explore the fundamental principles to consider when having difficult conversations whether it be manager > lecturer, lecturer > lecturer or lecturer > student. Sam provides an array of top tips for listeners to reflect on and implement into future conversations.
In this episode, I am joined by Christine Calder, Academic Development Lead at Dundee and Angus College. We discuss the topic of Action Research: what it is, what the benefits are to lecturers (both participating and reading) and most importantly, how it can be done. Christine also shares the great work that CAIRN (College Action Inquiry Research Network) is doing and how listeners can find out more about the publication released at the end of February.
Visit the CAIRN Journal website here.
In this episode, we speak to Oli Cav, former headteacher and author of a number of books on visual teaching strategies including Dual Coding with teachers. The discussion focusses heavily around the concept of Dual Coding, what it is, how it can be used within teaching practice and the fundamental principles that Oli believes are key to ensure that it is effectively applied.
In this episode, Dr Gary Husband, lecturer at the University of Stirling, talks about his research in mentoring, including fundamental principles applied in formal and informal settings. The discussion provides an insight into practices across the sector and tips/advice on ensuring that mentoring is effectively utilised.
In Episode 4 with Jon Ridley, Vice-Principal of Newcastle College, and Executive Director of Higher Education, NCG, we discuss the topic of teaching as social action vs. teaching as a transaction. The discussion focuses on some of the challenges faced when teaching online, underpinned by current research, along with suggestions for colleagues to consider. The episode also covers the range of 'opportunities' that have been presented to the sector to take this forward in future curriculum design.
In Episode 3 with Susannah Wilson, Curriculum Lead: National Programmes at Argyll College UHI, we discuss assessment and feedback, with a clear focus on the purpose of making the feedback process impactful for students. Touching upon different aspects of recent research, the discussion focuses on the importance of the feedback process, ensuring there is sufficient time set aside for students to review feedback and make tangible changes to their practice.
In this episode with Marc Steutel, Lead Assistant Coach GB Basketball, Curriculum Leader HE Sport, we discuss all aspects relating to the building of effective relationships, especially throughout the pandemic. Relationships are vital from lecturer > lecturer, lecturer student and student > student and the discussion explores different components which contribute to the effective building of relationships, given the current circumstances.
In this episode with Micky Riddell from Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, we look at how retrieval practice links with short/long-term memory, the forgetting curve, and approaches that can be used with learners to bring information into the working memory.