Title of course: The Ways Math and Poetry Can Open Your Eyes to the World What prompted the idea for the course? I have always enjoyed writing poetry. As a high school mathematics teacher, I recall telling my students that everything is and can be connected to math, even creative writing. Then, as a graduate […] … learn more→

Belonging is about feeling accepted, included and valued. If students feel like they belong at their university, research shows it plays a crucial role in their overall wellbeing, self-esteem, and motivation to study. As the Universities Accord interim report says, universities have an “obligation to students to foster belonging”. The draft report also notes “too few” Australians are completing […] … learn more→

We live at a time when universities and colleges are facing multiplying crises, pressures and changes. From the COVID-19 pandemic and budgetary pressures to generative artificial intelligence (AI) and climate catastrophe, the future of higher education seems murky and fragmented — even gloomy. Student mental health is in crisis. University faculty in our own research from […] … learn more→

The “wheel” is one way to approach literatures work. The wheel brings different literatures together and helps you write about them. The wheel is not the only way to do complex literatures work. It’s A way. Think of the wheel as an old fashioned cart wheel. There is a spindle in the middle – or […] … learn more→

Up to what age should a father or mother attend tutoring sessions with their children’s teachers or have a direct dialogue with their teachers? When is the time to stop “defending” them before the teaching staff and allow them to manage reviews, claims or doubts themselves? Bearing in mind that at the university the students are […] … learn more→

One of Education Minister Jason Clare’s top priorities for the Universities Accord is encouraging more Australians to go to university. As he notes, “more jobs are going to require a university qualification in the years ahead”. Alongside this call is the recognition we need to improve access for people from equity cohorts – including Indigenous Australians, those from […] … learn more→

Politicians across parties are proposing ways to promote vocational education in England. Rishi Sunak has pledged to limit “rip-off” university courses and boost apprenticeships – diverting school students away from university and towards vocational education. Labour leader Keir Starmer has spoken of his desire to end “the snobbery that looks down on vocational education” through curriculum reform. […] … learn more→

Energy saving mode. Not the same as being asleep. Still ticking along but not doing a great deal. Ready to wake up if called upon. Computers have energy saving mode. So do new cars. So why not us? How handy it would be to have energy saving mode when you’re doing one of those academic […] … learn more→

Last week, the federal government released an interim report for the Universities Accord. This review team, led by Professor Mary O’Kane, has been tasked with creating a “visionary plan” for Australian higher education. Amid their wide-ranging, 150-page report, there was a significant acknowledgement. When it comes to safety and sexual assault on campuses, “more obviously needs to be […] … learn more→

The government has promised to crack down on “rip-off degrees” in England. It will place a cap on student numbers for courses that deliver “poor outcomes” for students – because they have high drop-out rates or do not lead to well-paying jobs. The intention of the government intervention is to ensure that students get appropriate value from […] … learn more→