Campus Talks by Times Higher Education

Her ability to engage with leading-edge technology has long set Jenny Moffett apart, whether that’s her early embrace of the potential of online education for professional development or using immersive technology to help medical students navigate ambiguous situations. And now last year’s winner of the Times Higher Education Award for Most Innovative Teacher is working on understanding the potential of artificial intelligence to engage students in reflective writing. Jenny is a senior lecturer and educationalist in the Health Professions Education Centre at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dublin. She also serves as programme director for the postgraduate diploma in health professions education, where she leads curriculum design and delivery to support educators in developing evidence-informed, learner-centred teaching practices. To mark this year’s THE Awards, which are being presented in Edinburgh on 13 November, we talk to Jenny about how educators can put AI to use in a way that fosters efficiency without taking away rich cognitive work, how her uptake of technology has evolved, strategies for dealing with uncertainty and complexity in the classroom, why students should learn to be bored, and the skills university teachers can develop to future-proof their practice (hint: it involves finding the spark of enjoyment). To learn more from acclaimed academics, teams and institutions from the UK and Ireland, check out our latest Spotlight guide, which pulls together advice from this year’s shortlist: THE Awards 2025: lessons from the stars of UK and Irish higher education.

Caroline Mehl, co-founder of the Constructive Dialogue Institute, and Abhishek Saha, Professor of Mathematics and free speech advocate, discuss the vital role of universities in fostering free speech amid rising polarization. Mehl explains how to cultivate constructive dialogue through principles like empathy and storytelling. Saha highlights the importance of balancing academic freedom with a safe environment, stressing the need for universities to defend open inquiry while navigating cultural conformity. Both express optimism about renewing healthier debate on campuses.

Alice Taylor, a professor of Medieval History at King's College London, shares her insights on the challenges and strategies for funding doctoral research in the arts and humanities. She highlights the importance of clear project presentation to attract funders and discusses how collaboration and digital skills can enhance research proposals. Alice emphasizes the need for universities to provide robust support and training for PhD candidates, and she encourages applicants to focus on originality and articulate their career aims to succeed in a competitive funding landscape.

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!