This one-day event gave academics the opportunity to present on aspects of their academic practice and learn from colleagues. The themes of the symposium reflected ASD’s integrated approach to academic development, bringing together three strands of academic practice: learning and teaching; research; and leadership. Representatives attended from sixteen schools across all six of the University’s faculties.
The symposium was introduced by Dr Alison Leggett, Head of Academic Staff Development, and opened by Professor Judith Squires, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students).
The keynote speaker, Professor Ray Land from Durham University, gave a talk about Threshold Concepts which resonated with the delegates and was reiterated throughout the day in many of the presentations.
The symposium’s four themes were:
- Pedagogic Research in Higher Education
- Researcher Development@Bristol
- Leadership of Teaching
- Pecha Kucha Competition
The Pecha Kucha prize went to Dr Caroline Taylor’s presentation on communicating safe levels of fish-eating during pregnancy.
The event was closed by Professor John Iredale, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health), who reiterated the variety of schools represented as well as the topics addressed.
To view the full programme and details of the next symposium (on Faculty Learning Communities, facilitated by Milton Cox, on 23 June 2016), go to the Academic Staff Development website. A selection of presentations will also be made available there later this month.