Campus Talks by Times Higher Education

When students start university or return for a new semester, stressors such as cost of living and worries about academic performance or future job insecurity can exacerbate anxiety or other mental health issues. So, how can educators best support them in the classroom, while also ensuring learning objectives are met and they don’t burn out themselves? This is where skills such as emotional intelligence, observation, active listening and the ability to notice when students are becoming disengaged, falling behind or at risk of dropping out altogether come to the fore. This episode of Campus talks looks at how to foster safe, inclusive learning spaces, how to spot students who are struggling, advice for starting conversations around sensitive topics like mental health, and how educators can be open and authentic while protecting their own boundaries and work-life balance. We talk to Marissa Edwards, who is a senior lecturer and researcher in the University of Queensland Business School. A mental health advocate with a background in psychology and organisational behaviour, she is also the co-editor of the Research Handbook of Academic Mental Health and co-founder and co-curator of Voices of Academia, a blog dedicated to academic mental health and well-being. This interview makes reference to eating disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. You will find more advice from educators and experts from institutions around the world on supporting students in the university classroom in Campus’ latest spotlight guide.  

In this engaging discussion, Michael Scott, a classics expert and pro vice-chancellor at the University of Warwick, and Mark Power, vice-chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University and practicing artist, delve into the vital role of arts and humanities. They highlight how these fields nurture critical thinking, empathy, and creativity, providing long-term benefits to society. The conversation also touches on misconceptions held by policymakers, the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, and how art can enhance fields like medicine. Scott and Power advocate for showcasing diverse career pathways that these disciplines offer.

Catherine Bovill, a professor at the University of Edinburgh and expert in co-creation in education, shares her insights on student engagement. She highlights the importance of building trust in teacher-student relationships to enable co-creation. Catherine provides practical examples of co-creation strategies, like student-designed assessments. She also addresses common concerns about workload and student choices, emphasizing the richness that diverse student experiences bring to learning. The discussion includes the relevance of co-creation in today's digital and AI-driven landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sunderland, shares insights on the urgent need for universities to prioritize transferable skills alongside academic learning. Dawn Bennett, a higher education consultant, introduces her framework of employability literacies, emphasizing the importance of embedding these skills into curricula. Derek Harding highlights the significance of soft skills in vocational training and advocates for continuous educator development to meet industry demands. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of employability in education.

Jenny Moffett, a senior lecturer at RCSI and award-winning educationalist, shares her insights on the transformative role of AI in education. She discusses the potential of generative AI to enrich reflective writing while cautioning against over-reliance that may hinder learners' cognitive skills. Jenny emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching methods to engage students effectively, embracing technology without losing creativity. She also advocates for teaching students to tolerate boredom as a pathway to innovation and resilience in learning.

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.