Campus Talks by Times Higher Education

Ian Taylor, a Reader in motivational science and author of 'Time Hacks,' and Helena Seli, Professor at USC Rossier School of Education and expert in educational psychology, discuss motivating students and overcoming procrastination. They emphasize the importance of intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, and the effectiveness of micro-goals. Taylor shares tips on managing time perceptions and preventing mid-course motivation slumps, while Seli highlights internal and external drivers of motivation. Both agree on using AI as a tool for personalized learning.

In this episode, Jeffrey McDonnell, a hydrology professor and author, and Sarah Robinson, a human resource management expert, share their insights on navigating academia. They discuss the critical role of grit, balancing teaching and research, and the importance of defining success personally. McDonnell emphasizes strategies like short-term planning and mentoring, while Robinson highlights spotting burnout signs and embracing curiosity. Their conversation unveils how unconventional career paths and self-care can lead to fulfillment in the often challenging academic landscape.

Susan Aldridge, President of Thomas Jefferson University, brings a wealth of experience in higher education with her innovative focus on interdisciplinary and applied learning. She discusses the university's impressive 98% success rate in graduate employment or further study. Aldridge emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into curricula and promoting collaboration among diverse disciplines to prepare students for the evolving job market. She also highlights the need for university leaders to effectively communicate the value of higher education amidst growing skepticism.

Rachel Gable, Director of Academic Program Authorization at the College of William & Mary and author of 'The Hidden Curriculum', shares insights on supporting today's hyper-connected students. She discusses the unique challenges faced by first-generation students and emphasizes the need for flexible learning options. The dialogue highlights the importance of mentorship and adapting academic structures to meet modern expectations. Gable also reflects on the significance of personal growth and career readiness in the evolving landscape of higher education.

Renowned experts Frank Dobbin, a Harvard professor researching effective diversity initiatives, and Paulette Granberry Russell, a leading voice on civil rights in higher education, dive deep into the complexities of equity, diversity, and inclusion. They discuss the historical evolution of EDI, the critical importance of mentorship for underrepresented faculty, and the push for practical strategies over conventional training methods. With a focus on navigating backlash and fostering inclusive campus cultures, they explore ways to enhance fairness in a politically charged climate.

Olivier Sibony, an affiliate professor at HEC Paris and decision-making expert, joins Tony Wagner, a senior research fellow at the Learning Policy Institute, to discuss critical thinking in higher education. They explore how universities may fail to equip students with essential skills like empathy and self-reflection. The guests delve into the impact of AI and social media on trust and decision-making, advocating for innovative teaching methods like Socratic dialogue to foster critical analysis. Their insights challenge educational norms and call for a revamp in teaching strategies.

Join Peter Lovatt, a dance psychology expert and founder of Doctor Dance, along with Cayce Myers, a public relations professor at Virginia Tech, as they explore the dual role of social media in academia. They discuss how social media can enhance teaching engagement and foster critical thinking while tackling the challenges of misinformation. Lovatt shares insights on integrating movement into learning to boost attention, while Myers emphasizes the importance of adapting communication strategies in a digitally dominated environment. Learn how to harness social media as a powerful educational tool!

Lynda Kellam, Snyder-Granader Director of Research Data and Digital Scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania, and David Green, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Worcester, delve into the evolving role of university libraries. They discuss the Data Rescue Project's efforts to protect essential public data and how The Hive serves as a community-centric model, blending library and public services. Their insights highlight the growing importance of libraries as hubs for educational innovation, digital stewardship, and community engagement in a data-driven world.

Andrew Hammond, co-founder of Biocentis with a molecular biology background, and Mairi Gibbs, CEO of Oxford University Innovation, delve into the complexities of commercializing academic research. They discuss the critical stages for transforming ideas into viable businesses, the importance of intellectual property, and investor insights. Topics include the societal impact of spin-outs, gender imbalances in funding, and the role of innovations like gene drive technology in addressing global challenges. Their conversations highlight the collaboration needed to navigate this intricate landscape.

As complex organisations, universities need to examine their many and varied functions when seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and advance sustainability. For many, the easier changes have been made so, looking ahead, institutions need to get smarter about how they transform their practices and policies to halt future global warming. In this episode, we speak to two women focused upon driving positive change and reducing emissions in two very different but equally important arenas of university work. Ellen Quigley is principal research associate at the University of Cambridge. She is also co-director of finance for environmental and social systemic change and special adviser in responsible investment to the university’s chief financial officer. Her own award-winning research focuses on the mitigation of climate change and inequality through the investment policies and practices of institutional investors. Drawing on the example of Jesus College, Cambridge, she explains how universities can use their power as investors to influence and press for environmental change across multiple sectors – and work against funding for fossil fuel extraction. Jenna Lowe is the laboratory sustainability officer at the University of Liverpool. She manages the university’s Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and is a member of the sustainability team. She was shortlisted in the Outstanding Technician of the Year category in the 2024 THE Awards. She discusses how seemingly small adaptations in lab practices can have a huge impact in reducing emissions and waste. You can find more advice and insight on how universities can work towards achieving net zero in our latest spotlight guide here: Higher education’s bumpy road to net zero | THE Campus Learn, Share, Connect